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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Inositol

STRONG EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Inositol is a carbocyclic sugar involved in insulin signaling and serotonergic neurotransmission. Our research shows strong evidence for PCOS (improving ovulation, insulin resistance, and hormonal profiles) and moderate evidence for anxiety/panic disorder at high doses. Myo-inositol is the primary therapeutic form; D-chiro-inositol is used specifically for insulin resistance. The 40:1 ratio (myo:D-chiro) mirrors physiological proportions and is the best-studied combination.

EVIDENCE GRADES

PCOS (ovulation, hormones, insulin)Strong — multiple RCTs, meta-analyses (PMID: 28535580)
A-
Panic disorder / anxietyModerate — 12-18g/day (PMID: 7726322)
B
OCDSome positive trials at high doses
C+
DepressionMixed results
C
Gestational diabetes preventionModerate — positive in at-risk populations
B-
Neural tube defect preventionAdjunct to folate in resistant cases
C+

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • PCOS: 2,000-4,000mg myo-inositol + 50-100mg D-chiro-inositol per day (40:1 ratio)
  • Anxiety/panic disorder: 12,000-18,000mg/day (myo-inositol alone)
  • OCD: 18,000mg/day
  • Gestational diabetes prevention: 4,000mg myo-inositol/day from first trimester
  • Powder form preferred at high doses (capsules impractical for 12-18g)
  • Well absorbed, mildly sweet taste
Scan a supplement containing Inositol

DRUG INTERACTIONS

LithiumModerate

Lithium depletes inositol; inositol supplementation may alter lithium's mood-stabilizing mechanism

SSRIsModerate

Inositol has serotonergic activity; additive effects (mostly beneficial but monitor)

Diabetes medicationsModerate

D-chiro-inositol improves insulin signaling; additive hypoglycemia risk

Carbamazepine / valproic acidMinor

May deplete inositol; supplementation may be beneficial

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • GI effects (nausea, bloating, diarrhea) at high doses (>12g) — most common
  • Insomnia (occasionally reported)
  • Generally very well tolerated even at gram-level doses

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Myo-inositol at 4,000mg/day studied in pregnancy for gestational diabetes prevention — appears safe with positive outcomes (PMID: 26356985). Increasingly recommended by OBs for at-risk pregnancies.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

40:1 ratio (myo:D-chiro) is the gold standard for PCOS — products using other ratios get flagged
D-chiro-inositol alone at high doses may actually worsen ovarian function in PCOS — flag as concerning
Anxiety applications require 12-18g/day — products at 2-4g marketed for anxiety should note dose gap
Powder form preferred for high-dose applications (>4g)
Lithium users: interaction flag (mechanism-based concern)
Pregnancy: one of the few supplements with positive safety data in pregnancy (GDM prevention)

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Unfer V et al. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis.

PMID: 28535580

2.

Benjamin J et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of inositol in panic disorder.

PMID: 7726322

3.

D'Anna R et al. Myo-inositol supplementation and onset of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with family history.

PMID: 26356985

4.

Pundir J et al. Inositol treatment of anovulation in women with PCOS.

PMID: 23314244

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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