Pinitol is a substance derived from a South African legume known as sutherlandia frutescens. It is classified as a cyclitol, which simply means that it is a substance formed naturally by the plant when subjected to excessive water or salt.
After extensive clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of pinitol for certain medical uses, the U.S. government granted a patent to pharmaceutical company Ostlund, Sherman and William for the use of the compound to treat a handful of medical conditions.
However, that patent does not extend to other medical conditions, or to pinitol's use as a nutritional or dietary supplement. Therefore, you can only find a limited number of pinitol supplements on the market.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Using Pinitol to Treat Diabetes Pinitol is a sugar alcohol which adds no calories and is effective as a hypoglycemic agent. That makes it very beneficial for individuals who are managing insulin-dependent diabetes. One of the most amazing properties of pinitol is that it ca... more
Pinitol is a sugar alcohol which adds no calories and is effective as a hypoglycemic agent. That makes it very beneficial for individuals who are managing insulin-dependent diabetes.
One of the most amazing properties of pinitol is that it can significantly reduce blood sugar levels by mimicking the natural effects of insulin on the body. Since insulin-dependent diabetics are those whose bodies don't produce enough insulin naturally, using pinitol as a replacement has proven largely effective.
The National Institutes for Health website cites half a dozen different studies that show diabetic lab rats responding very well to pinitol treatments.
Furthermore, pinitol seems to stimulate muscles to help them better absorb glucose. This property makes it valuable in the treatment of diseases which tend to break down the muscle mass.
People who have diseases like HIV, cancer, and a variety of maladies known as "wasting diseases" may benefit from treatment with pinitol.
As a nutritional supplement for bodybuilders, pinitol seems to have the same effects in helping to build muscle strength and mass. It is becoming more and more common as an ingredient in such supplements.
Pinitol is becoming increasingly popular among athletes, but not just because of its ability to help build muscle mass and strength. Studies have shown that the substance might also help in terms of increased energy, long-term endurance, overall athletic performance, and recovery after strenuous exertion.
All of these areas are believed to be helped by pinitol's ability to more efficiently metabolize glucose and store glycogen. When glucose is metabolized as efficiently as possible, it allows the body's systems to perform at maximum levels for longer periods of time.
It's believed by some that pinitol also increases the levels of creatine in the body. Although the jury is still out on whether or not increased creatine is noticeably effective in building muscle mass, the Mayo Clinic joins several other well known sources in citing studies that suggest it does.
Furthermore, some suggest it might be effective in helping treat individuals with cardiovascular disease, especially those whose heart muscle is weakened.
As a dietary supplement, pinitol is usually found in one of two forms. The first is as an ingredient in a bodybuilding or endurance formula for athletes.
Such supplements are normally in powder form to be mixed with a liquid either before or after a workout. The level of pinitol in these supplements is significant. Typically you'll find such powders on the market at a price of $25 per pound or more.
The other form is a standalone supplement sold either as a capsule or tablet. Several companies sell pinitol in this form as a supplement for diabetes control and ovarian health, typically in 60 count bottles of 600mg per tablet.
Pinitol is one of the more expensive dietary supplements, coming in at an average price of $85 to $125 per bottle. You can find pinitol tablets online through a variety of nutritional supplement retailers, or at a limited number of pharmacies and health food stores in your local area.
There are no known side effects of using pinitol as a dietary supplement or an aid in bodybuilding. Studies have not shown any significant adverse reactions for short term use. No studies exist for long term use of pinitol.
Pinitol is accepted as generally safe when used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. However, people with certain chronic conditions should consider carefully using pinitol due to the evidence that suggests it increases creatine levels.
Increased creatine levels could pose problems for those suffering from asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Although studies on these three conditions are not conclusive, there is strong evidence to suggest that increased creatine could make all three of them worse. Individuals with severe kidney or liver damage are especially susceptible and should avoid using pinitol supplements.
To locate and compare nutritional products containing pinitol, use the supplement finder now!
| May Be Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
| Sutherlandia Frutescens |
| Build Muscle Mass |
| Endurance |
| Increased Energy |
| Lowering Cholesterol |
| Muscle Strength |
| Performance Enhancement |
| Recovery |
| Prevents Breakdown Of Muscle Mass |
| Stimulates Muscles |
| Sugar Alcohol |