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Does Inositol help with fertility and PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility worldwide and is thought to affect 6% to 10% of women in the reproductive age group, although this rate is believed to be as high as 15%. PCOS is associated with no single clinical symptom and is typically characterised by irregular menstrual cycles or no periods at all, and a difficulty getting pregnant. What is the role of Myo-Inositol and fertility in women with PCOS? Research suggests that women with PCOS have an imbalance of the inositol compound in their body. Inositol is a natural organic compound, similar to glucose, but with several substantially different biological functions. Inositol is produced by the body and is found naturally in foods. It has been studied extensively for use as a dietary supplement due to its many potential health benefits for women with PCOS. Fertility specialists worldwide are keenly interested in inositol because research indicates it can help to promote ovulation and pregnancy. Inositol helps to increase cells’ sensitivity to insulin. Normally, the cells in our body receive energy by absorbing glucose with the help of this hormone. In PCOS, your cells become less sensitive to insulin, causing increased blood sugar levels since the glucose is unable to be absorbed properly. Why are fertility specialists are so excited about this natural treatment? Whilst research is ongoing, a great number of clinical studies have concluded that myo-inositol is a secure and cost-effective alternative in the treatment of PCOS, with no side effects observed in the standard dosage. In 2004 a clinical analysis on multiple studies of Inositol treatment in women with PCOS demonstrated how this supplement is effective in promoting ovulation in patients - the findings stated: "Inositol appears to regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation and induce metabolic changes in polycystic ovary syndrome". In 2017 a further study Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials positively concluded: The present meta-analysis of nine randomised controlled trials revealed that myo-Inositol alone or combined with d-chiro-inositol improves the metabolic profile of women with PCOS, also increasing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) when supplementation lasted at least 24 weeks. In 2021 a study Impact of myo-inositol treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome in assisted reproductive technologies reviewed literature on the impact of myo-inositol in PCOS women in assisted reproductive technologies. They concluded that myo-inositol is effective in normalising ovarian function, improving oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS. When it comes to menstrual cycle disorder in PCOS, Myo-inositol reduces androgen levels (testosterone and androstenedione), corrects the follicle stimulating hormone ratio, restores normal menstrual cycles and induces ovulation. It also increased ovulation frequency and improved egg and embryo quality. "My-inositol, at a dose of 4 g per day (2 g twice per day), three months prior to ovarian stimulation, is effective in normalizing ovarian function, improving oocyte and embryo quality in PCOS" Although these are favourable conclusions we've outlined above, people should understand its connection to PCOS while always consulting your health professional before starting any supplements. View Product
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Finally the UK government agrees to start ensuring flour is fortified with folic acid
Back in February of this year we reported on the UK government's plans to fortify flour with folic acid, an attempt to bring the country in line with fortification guidelines in the EU that prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Well, ministers have now revealed that they are moving ahead with these plans and are to launch a 12 week publication consultation investigating the types of products that should be included.
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UK governments looks to folic acid fortification to reduce birth defects
The UK government is setting out new plans to fortify flour with folic acid which will bring the country in line with fortification guidelines in the EU that prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
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It's Vitamin D day today!
Led by the Vitamin D Society, Vitamin D Council and GrassrootsHealth, Vitamin D Day is a day marked to recognize vitamin D deficiency as a world health problem. Researchers has agreed that at least one third of the world is deficient in vitamin D, and some scientists think it's even greater than that.
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Why are sperm counts plunging in the developed world?
The UK's fertility could be under threat as sperm rates continue to plunge in a shocking downward spiral, a study has warned. Scientists recorded the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate of men in western countries has fallen by an average of 1.4% a year, leading to an overall drop of just over 52% between 1973 and 2011 and they are still falling at a rate of two per cent every year.
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Pregnant women who take pregnancy vitamins can boost their child's IQ
It is well known that keeping vitamin and nutrient levels up during pregnancy is essential for a healthy baby but new research suggests failing to take multivitamins during pregnancy could set a child back by a year by the time they reach secondary school.
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Autism could be linked to lack of vitamin D during pregnancy
While it’s widely known vitamin D is vital for maintaining healthy bones, there’s also a solid body of evidence linking it to brain growth. A recent study has found that women who have a lack of vitamin D while pregnant are more likely to have a child with autism.
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Feeding your child salmon could protect them against allergies
The daily mail has recently reported on new research suggesting that a diet rich in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel before the age of 8 halves the risk of developing hayfever in later life. Find out more about the study in this post.
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Are you getting enough of this nutrient vital for your brain?
When it comes to listing vitamins and minerals required for optimal health, it's not often people think about iodine. In fact the lack of iodine affects intelligence, hair and skin health, hormone related issues and depression. Learn about food sources of iodine and make sure you and your family are getting enough of this important mineral.
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