Pregnancy is a time full of important choices for both you and your baby. Myo-inositol is a type of sugar made in the body that can play a significant role in supporting your health and your baby’s development. This blog will help you understand its benefits and safety, so you can be better informed and make positive decisions for a healthy pregnancy.
What is myo-inositol?
Myo-inositol, also known as vitamin B8, is a naturally occurring substance that plays a fundamental role in various bodily functions, including hormonal balance and metabolic processes. It is a type of inositol, a sugar alcohol that is involved in cell signalling and the regulation of insulin.
Extensive research has shown that myo-inositol can help manage symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and support fertility. That said, while it is present in foods like beans, fruit, nuts, and grains, consuming sufficient amounts can be very challenging, and absorption is much more difficult for those with PCOS.
However, supplements like Inofolic Alpha contain the necessary amount of myo-inositol and include alpha-lactalbumin, a whey protein that enhances its absorption. This ensures that you get the full benefits of myo-inositol, which is vital for maintaining hormonal balance and improving reproductive health.
Is myo-inositol safe to take during pregnancy?
Myo-inositol is safe and can be beneficial during pregnancy, especially for women with PCOS.
Research indicates that myo-inositol can help manage symptoms and support metabolic health. For women with PCOS who become pregnant, there is an increased risk of complications such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and excessive weight gain. Myo-inositol may help reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes and support a healthier pregnancy.
Women at risk of having babies with spina bifida or other neural tube defects may benefit from taking myo-inositol in conjunction with folic acid during pregnancy.
However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement during pregnancy to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health needs. For more information on safe supplement use during pregnancy, take a look at what supplements during pregnancy may be best for you.
How much myo-inositol should be taken during pregnancy?
The recommended dosage of myo-inositol, or, otherwise, Inofolic Alpha, during pregnancy is 4,000mg per day, taken in two doses. This amount is generally considered safe and can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and improve pregnancy outcomes for women with PCOS.
Higher doses, however, may lead to mild side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue, though these are usually associated with amounts exceeding the recommended dose.
Each sachet of Inofolic Alpha provides 2,000 mg of myo-inositol, along with 50 mg of alpha-lactalbumin (a whey milk protein) and 200 mcg of folic acid. For optimal results, it’s advised to take two sachets daily. This ensures you’re getting enough myo-inositol, with the added benefit of alpha-lactalbumin to aid absorption.
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What are the benefits of taking myo-inositol during pregnancy?
Taking myo-inositol during pregnancy can offer multiple benefits for mums-to-be. Notably, it supports overall metabolic health, which can positively impact pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of certain complications.
Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, as it requires careful medication management and diet adjustments during pregnancy. This condition, which appears for the first time during pregnancy, might be influenced by stress, underlying health issues, or genetics. Although it often resolves within a few weeks after birth, it is essential to manage it properly to protect both mother and baby. Fortunately, taking myo-inositol before or early in pregnancy can help lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Research indicates that myo-inositol can reduce this risk by up to 67%, providing a supportive option for a healthier pregnancy.
Reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia
Further research has shown that myo-inositol may play a significant role in lowering the risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that occurs during pregnancy and is marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage. This complication can lead to serious outcomes for both the mother and the baby if not managed properly.
Myo-inositol supports metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure. By enhancing these aspects of health, myo-inositol helps maintain more stable and healthier blood pressure levels throughout pregnancy. This can be particularly beneficial for women with pre-existing conditions or those at higher risk for pre-eclampsia.
Reduces the risk of neural tube defects
Myo-inositol can help lower the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, which are serious birth defects involving the spine and brain. This benefit is particularly notable when myo-inositol is taken alongside folic acid, a well-known preventive measure. Myo-inositol, according to several studies, supports the proper formation of the neural tube, crucial for the baby’s spinal cord and brain development. For women with PCOS or those at higher risk, incorporating myo-inositol into their prenatal regimen can be a proactive step towards a healthier pregnancy.
Is myo-inositol safe to take while breastfeeding?
Myo-inositol is generally considered safe during breastfeeding and can be beneficial for both you and your baby. It’s an important component of breast milk, which means it plays a vital role in supporting lactation and your baby’s development. In fact, taking myo-inositol can help boost your milk production, ensuring your little one gets the nourishment they need during these crucial early months.
As well as this, myo-inositol supports your baby’s brain health by providing essential nutrients that help with brain cell growth and overall neurological function. By keeping your myo-inositol levels adequate, you’re contributing positively to your baby’s growth and cognitive abilities.
As always, it’s best to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider to make sure they’re right for you and your baby.
What are the best myo-inositol supplements to take during pregnancy?
When selecting a myo-inositol supplement during pregnancy, it’s important to choose one that offers the right formulation for your needs. Inofolic Alpha is a top choice, featuring a unique blend that includes alpha-lactalbumin, a whey protein that enhances the absorption of myo-inositol. This is particularly helpful for women with PCOS who may struggle with absorbing this essential substance.
Another excellent option is Inofolic Alpha Plus, which boasts a patented formulation of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio. Research shows that this combination significantly improves metabolism and speeds up results, especially for women with a BMI over 25. Like Inofolic Alpha, Inofolic Alpha Plus also includes alpha-lactalbumin to boost myo-inositol absorption.
Both supplements are designed to provide optimal levels of myo-inositol and support a healthy pregnancy.
Taking care of your health and your baby’s during pregnancy is essential, and myo-inositol can be a valuable part of this journey. Supplements like Inofolic Alpha can support both your wellbeing and your baby’s development. By staying informed and consulting with your healthcare provider, you’re making positive choices for a healthier pregnancy.
References
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- Gambioli R, Forte G, Buzzaccarini G, Unfer V, Laganà AS. Myo-Inositol as a Key Supporter of Fertility and Physiological Gestation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 May 25;14(6):504. doi: 10.3390/ph14060504. PMID: 34070701; PMCID: PMC8227031.
- Greff D, Váncsa S, Váradi A, Szinte J, Park S, Hegyi P, Nyirády P, Ács N, Horváth EM, Várbíró S. Myoinositols Prevent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Related Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 30;15(19):4224. doi: 10.3390/nu15194224. PMID: 37836508; PMCID: PMC10574514.
- Tahir F, Majid Z. Inositol Supplementation in the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Cureus. 2019 Sep 16;11(9):e5671. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5671. PMID: 31720147; PMCID: PMC6823013.