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Inositol

Inositol is a sugar-like substance the body makes and also gets from food. Sometimes called vitamin B8, it is not actually a vitamin.

Also listed as Myoinositol, Cyclohexanehexol, myo-Inositol

FertilityCardiovascularStress & MoodCognition

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

OvulationFertility · Women's HormonesStrongA3 studies
Cholesterol balanceCardiovascularModerateB3 studies
Egg HealthFertilityModerateB3 studies
AnxietyStress & MoodModerateB3 studies
Mental EnergyCognitionSmallC3 studies
Focus And AttentionCognitionSmallC2 studies
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is inositol?

Inositol is a sugar-like substance the body makes and obtains from food. Sometimes called vitamin B8, it is not actually a vitamin. 1

Why study it in PCOS?

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), inositol is studied for possible insulin-sensitizing effects; a mechanism alone does not establish clinical benefit. 2

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Inositol's ratings.

Effectiveness of Myo-inositol on oocyte and embryo quality in assisted reproduction: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.2024Myo-inositol supplementation improves cardiometabolic factors, anthropometric measures, and liver function in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease2023Effects of Inositol-Enhanced Bonded Arginine Silicate Ingestion on Cognitive and Executive Function in Gamers2021Inositol and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review on Deficiencies and Supplementation2020The myo-inositol effect on the oocyte quality and fertilization rate among women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles: a randomized clinical trial2019
All 15 studiesEvery publication linked to Inositol

Why people take it

Essential Health20.5%
Energy17.6%
Immune Support15.6%
Cognition10.6%
Bone & Joint7.6%
Stress & Mood4.9%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is inositol a vitamin?

No, despite the nickname vitamin B8. 1

Is a 40:1 blend proven best?

The guideline cannot recommend a specific ratio. 3

Does it increase the chance of pregnancy during IVF?

The reviewed trials did not show a statistically significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rates. 4

Can it replace prescribed treatment?

Cleveland Clinic advises against stopping prescribed medicines without discussing this with the treating clinician. 1

Sources