What is Inositol?
Mistakenly labeled as Vitamin B8, Inositol is a non-essential compound that is found in several food groups but most importantly, the body is able to create it without directly ingesting it.
In other words, this isn’t a nutrient that you necessarily have to worry about going out of your way to get if you’re already eating a well-balanced diet. (1)
What are the Benefits of Inositol?
Before we discuss the benefits are as they relate to testosterone, let’s take a look at other things that Inositol may have a positive influence on.
May Alleviate Depression
For those looking for an alternative to prescription medication or if you want to reduce the amount of medication you’re taking for depression, inositol may be able to help.
While more and longer-term studies are needed, current research suggests that it may be an effective way to alleviate symptoms of depression while improving your overall mood and mindset. (2)
May Help with OCD
Continuing with the idea above, arguably a stronger connection has been made between inositol and obsessive-compulsive disorder than with depression.
Several key studies have suggested that it is able to alleviate the anxiety and behavioral traits that accompany OCD. (3)
May Help with Female Fertility
One very interesting benefit of inositol is the potential to improve a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant.
A study published in Gynecological Endocrinology demonstrated that many women who supplemented with it became pregnant and even more resumed normal ovulation cycles. (4)
Does Inositol Increase Testosterone?
Androgens Beware
Inositol has been shown to have an effect on testosterone but not the one you’re expecting. It is often recommended for women as a natural way to lower levels of androgens, particularly testosterone.
In a few studies, it has been shown to decrease the testosterone levels of female subjects, making it especially helpful for women suffering from high levels of testosterone.
No Science on Testosterone Boosting
Browsing study after study, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything that connects men and testosterone boosting in relation to inositol.
In fact, there is no scientific proof that inositol has any impact on a man’s testosterone levels.
The Bottom Line
It’s strange to find inositol in so many testosterone boosting supplements when the science proving its worth as a t-booster is absent.
Just because there are no studies confirming it as a testosterone reducer for men doesn’t immediately make it an effective t-booster.
What’s more, there are valid scientific studies proving that it does decrease testosterone levels in women. This information alone should be enough to steer clear of it.
As a way to counteract emotional disorders, inositol has the science. If you’re a guy looking to naturally support your emotional wellbeing, try supplementing with it but make sure you are following a testosterone focused diet, workout program, and supplement regimen to help counteract the potential decrease.
If your partner is having trouble getting pregnant, it may come to the rescue here. However, if you’re a man who wants high levels of testosterone, don’t waste your money on it.
Check out our article on the Best Testosterone Boosters that really work!
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References
- The cell biology of inositol lipids and phosphates. Proceedings of the 2006 Biochemical Society Annual Symposium. Biochem Soc Symp. 2007;(74):1-271. Birmingham, United Kingdom. March 29-30, 2006. – Link
- Brink CB, Viljoen SL, de Kock SE, Stein DJ, Harvey BH. Effects of myo-inositol versus fluoxetine and imipramine pretreatments on serotonin 5HT2A and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in human neuroblastoma cells. Metab Brain Dis. 2004 Jun;19(1-2):51-70. – Link
- Levine J. Controlled trials of inositol in psychiatry. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1997 May;7(2):147-55. – Link
- E Raffone et al., Insulin sensitiser agents alone and in co-treatment with r-FSH for ovulation induction in PCOS women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Apr;26(4):275-80. – Link
- Costantino D, Minozzi G, Minozzi E, Guaraldi C. Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Mar-Apr;13(2):105-10. – Link
