Evidence supporting the use of: Inositol phosphate
For the health condition: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Inositol phosphate, specifically myo-inositol, has been investigated as a potential treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The scientific evidence supporting its use is limited but does exist. The most notable study is a double-blind, controlled trial published in 1996 by Fux et al. in the American Journal of Psychiatry, which found that patients with OCD who received myo-inositol (18g daily) showed a significant reduction in symptoms compared to placebo. However, this study involved a small sample size (13 patients), and subsequent research has been sparse, with few larger or more robust trials conducted since then.

The hypothesized mechanism for inositol’s effect involves its role in the phosphatidylinositol second messenger system, which is implicated in serotonin signaling. Since serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in treating OCD, agents that impact related pathways have attracted scientific interest.

Despite these findings, reviews and meta-analyses note that the overall evidence is weak due to the limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and inconsistent results. Major guidelines do not recommend inositol as a first-line or standard treatment. In summary, while there is some scientific basis for considering inositol phosphate in OCD, the quality and quantity of evidence are low, and further research is needed before it can be routinely recommended.

More about Inositol phosphate
More about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Other health conditions supported by Inositol phosphate

Depression
Diabetes
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Products containing Inositol phosphate

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.