Effectiveness of Myo-Inositol on Oocyte and Embryo Quality in Assisted Reproduction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Abstract

Introduction: We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of myo-inositol on oocyte and embryo quality in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Methods: The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist (registration number: CRD42023433328). Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, and ClinicalTrials databases. Results: Eight RCTs were included for qualitative analysis reporting on 820 participants. Four meta-analyses were performed. Numbers of retrieved oocytes in comparison of intervention and control group were higher in inositol group (mean difference [MD] = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.05–0.77, p = 0.02). Meta-analysis of two studies comparing numbers of oocytes among poor ovarian responder patients showed no significant difference between intervention and control group (MD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.57–1.58, p = 0.36). Miscarriage rate has no statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups (risk ratios [RRs] = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.20–3.32, p = 0.77). Inositol played no role in improving clinical pregnancy rates; there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 0.88–2.25, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Thus, we did not find any benefits of using myo-inositol on oocyte and embryo quality in women undergoing reproductive technologies. Further studies are needed to assess efficacy, safety, and high compliance by female patients.