Author: Chris

Chris Barclay is a retired GP and medical writer. His special interest in diet and health began with a chance encounter; a patient told him how he had lost weight by cutting out carbohydrate foods. Chris has researched the subject ever since. He was principal investigator for the ISAIAH-Project, a diet trial in pre-diabetic patients. His conclusion: processed carbs, starchy foods and sugar are the main problems; they are driving our Diabesity epidemic. Chris worked for many years in Sheffield, and more recently as a GP in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, UK.

Might inositol supplements help in PMOS?

Posted on by

Can Inositol help with PMOS? The inositols are a small family of naturally occurring food constituents. They occur naturally in some beans and pulses, citrus fruits, melon, whole grains, nuts and soy foods. Inositol is also marketed as a dietary supplement. It has been shown that they can reduce insulin resistance, one of the main drivers of PMOS. Inositols can also reduce testosterone levels and improve SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) levels, both of which can help in PMOS, particularly if excess hair is a feature. One trial performed over a quarter of a century ago showed they can significantly improve fertility in PMOS. A recent study suggested that a combination of two particular inositols (Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol) in a 40:1 ratio appeared effective. Doses up to 4,000mg/day appear safe*. Inositol can occasionally cause nausea and diarrhoea. Women on diabetes medication must discuss with their health professional before starting treatment. Because fertility can be increased, women must also consider taking folic acid supplements if pregnancy is a possibility.
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29498933/

Continue reading