D-chiro Inositol Supplement (DCI) – How to Take

Taking a 1D-chiro-Inositol supplement may present more benefits than previously expected.

D-chiro inositol is one of nine stereoisomers of the semi-sweet carbohydrate polyol, Inositol.

Inositol and its derivatives are found throughout nature and have wide-ranging roles in the human body. They are integral molecular constituents of the phospholipid bilayers which envelop and protect every eukaryotic cell.

Like all inositol forms, D-chiro inositol is used heavily by the brain and CNS as a secondary messenger of neurotransmission. Primary neurotransmitters like Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Acetylcholine, and Serotonin all use inositol derivatives to accommodate their efficient messaging capacities.

D-chiro inositol is most commonly used for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it may increase sensitivity to insulin.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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D-chiro Inositol Supplements

1D-chiro-Inositol (formerly D-chiro inositol) supplements have been most effectively used in conjunction with myo inositol supplements. Myo inositol is the most prevalent form of the inositol group.

In fact, D-chiro inositol is synthesized from myo inositol when the brain dictates it biologically necessary. D-chiro inositol, like all stereoisomers of inositol, is known to to be responsible for a wide array of vital biological and psychological functioning.

Inositol is the CNS’s most valuable secondary messenger. Impulses from primary neurotransmitters like Serotonin and Norepinephrine cannot travel intracellularly. In order for the brain’s messages to be delivered to the nuclei of individual cells, inositol stereoisomers are required.

If there was an absence of inositol, the brain could not communicate with the body’s various systems. Mood disorders have been linked to low levels of inositol as a result.

Besides being integral for efficient neurotransmission, inositol is also a component of the myelin sheath. All of our neurons are encompassed by a layer known as myelin that helps to insulate nerves and facilitates faster nerve signalling.

Inositol is also an important manufacturing constituent of the lipid bilayer that provides cellular structure. All eukaryotes, (multicellular organisms) utilize inositol to maintain cellular integrity.

Inositol has also been credited for its benefits as a fat emulsifier. By breaking down fats, like LDL cholesterol, into tiny, assimilable pieces, the body is better able to transport them to the liver for expulsion via the urine, feces, perspiration and other release channels.

In research studies, administration of a D-chiro inositol supplement has been seen to decrease cholesterol levels, decrease triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, and increase the capacity to metabolize fats efficiently.

More Benefits of D-chiro Inositol

Besides supporting the integral functions listed above, myo inositol, D-chiro inositol, and other forms of inositol are under clinical research for their potential capacities to:

• Restore abnormal sleeping patterns
• Alleviate depression naturally
• Ease neuropathy (nerve pain)
• Address symptoms of schizophrenia
• Help patients with ADHD and ADD
• Improve autism symptoms
• Reduce panic attacks
• Treat acne, hirsutism, and other hyperandrogenic conditions
• Improve psoriasis
• Support hair growth

D-chiro Inositol for PCOS and Insulin Resistance

One of the most common reasons for taking a D-chiro Inositol supplement is to improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS symptoms are caused by insensitivity to insulin, which eventually results in hyperinsulinemia whereby the body begins to produce more insulin to make up the difference.

When there is too much insulin present in the blood, the ovaries overproduce androgenic hormones like testosterone. This creates a double surplus of detrimental chemicals in the ovaries, resulting in the onset of PCOS symptoms.

It has been hypothesized that the insulin insensitivity may be caused by deficient levels of D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol. D-chiro is an important constituent of phosphoglycan, the compound that is largely responsible for the regulation of insulin’s action.

Clinical studies have been conducted to discern whether D-chiro inositol supplements would replenish deficient stores of phosphoglycan, and thereby increase sensitivity to insulin.

One study from the Massachusetts Medical Society measured the controlled effects of D-chiro supplementation at a dosage of 1200 mg daily for 8 weeks. The subjects were 44 women who demonstrated PCOS symptoms and were obese. Half of the women were in the test group and received D-chiro inositol supplements, while the control group received a placebo. The following was observed in the test group:

• Plasma insulin decreased by more than 50%
• Free testosterone serum levels decreased significantly
• Systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates dropped by 4 mm Hg
• Concentrations of triglycerides in plasma dropped by roughly 40%
• 19 of the 22 test group subjects ovulated and then maintained regular ovulation patterns thereafter

The results of this study showed that increasing levels of D-chiro inositol effectively decreased triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure while simultaneously increasing insulin’s action potential. Serum-based androgen concentrations are also lessened and ovulation frequency and regularity are significantly improved.

Additional studies have also demonstrated that a combination of D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol supplements together yields better results for improving PCOS symptoms that supplementing with either stereoisomer alone. To date, the most effective dosage ratio for MYO to DCI is 40:1.

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are associated with more than PCOS, of course. These conditions are also markers of various other possible causes including:

• Type II Diabetes Mellitus
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia
• Atherosclerosis
• Metabolic Syndrome

The Natural Medicines database has rated Inositol as Possibly Effective for improving lithium-induced side effects, OCD, panic disorder, PCOS, and respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. While research has been promising, more large-scale studies are still needed to fully determine the effects supplemental Inositol may have.

At this time, the FDA has not approved Inositol as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions. In the US, Inositol is available as a dietary supplement only.

D-chiro Inositol Supplement Safety

Inositol is a very common substance found in nature. It exists in all eukaryotes and humans have had millions of years to adapt to it. As such, inositol and inositol stereoisomers are all reported to be very safe to use as supplements.

The very few side effects that have ever been observed with D-chiro inositol supplements were mild, including upset stomach and headaches. Still, it is always advisable to consult with your physician before beginning supplementation of any type to determine if the supplement is right for your needs.

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