D-chiro Inositol (DCI) Powder Benefits and Comparison vs. Inositol

D-chiro Inositol is a form of the nutrient Inositol, sometimes called Vitamin B8. There are nine different types of Inositol found in nature and each has slightly different properties.

D-chiro Inositol (DCI) is commonly used to help treat PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) in women. It is also used to increase insulin sensitivity and may offer some weight loss benefits in obese individuals.

It is typically taken together with myo-inositol, which is a more common form of this nutrient. What are the main differences between D-chiro Inositol vs. Inositol and how should this supplement be used?

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

Among the most studied of the nine stereoisomers of inositol, D-chiro inositol (DCI) is believed to be important for helping to reverse the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Inositol is a natural carbohydrate polyol that is necessary for all eukaryotic (multi-celled) organisms. It serves many vital roles in the bodies and brains of animals, as well as providing cellular integrity in plants and algae.

Stereoisomers are chemical compounds that have the exact same molecular formula, but with slightly different arrangements in their atoms. Stereoisomers only show differences in their usages and in the molecular spatial arrangement orders. This can give stereoisomers different properties, when used in the body.

D-chiro inositol is also used as a secondary neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to convey messages within neurons. Further, it breaks down harmful fats in the liver and aids in the transportation of fat throughout the body.

Facts about Inositol Stereoisomers

The inositol group has long been considered to be a member of the B-complex vitamin group: vitamin B8. It displays traits that are very similar to vitamins, and it is known to be essential for life. However, unlike essential vitamins, our bodies are able to synthesize it in moderate amounts.

Different forms of inositol are manufactured via different actions and constituents. Because we are able to produce inositol ourselves, there is controversy concerning calling it a vitamin.

Prevalent forms of inositol, like myo inositol (MYO), are readily found throughout nature in plants and animals. That makes them easy to come by as they are available in numerous food choices including green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, fruits and more.

However, D-chiro inositol is not so readily found in natural food sources. D-chiro is believed to be synthesized via epimerase using myo inositol, and only when it is necessary for performing many potential functions which are yet to be discovered in clinical trials.

There are only a few food sources known to contain D-chiro inositol, and then it is only present in minute amounts. Those foods are buckwheat kernels, the leaves of fig trees and some varieties of melons.

Given that most people are not inclined to consume abundant amounts of those foods, the other option is to take a D-chiro inositol supplement. It is recommended to be taken with myo inositol at a 40:1 MYO/DCI ratio.

D-chiro Inositol Supplements

Ongoing clinical trials are being conducted, addressing the effectiveness of D-chiro inositol, and all other forms of inositol, for accommodating a wide variety of physical and brain-based functions. Following are some of the clinical results that have already been associated with D-chiro inositol and its related stereoisomers.

Inositol derivatives are known to be very useful as secondary nerve impulse transducers. Without inositol, primary neurotransmitters, including the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, nerve-based transmissions would not be properly relayed within the cells.

This is linked to possible mood disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, depression, and Bipolar Disorder.

Myo inositol supplementation has been used in combination with D-chiro inositol to yield positive results for hyperandrogenic conditions. These include disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome, high blood pressure, hirsutism (excessive hair growth in women), acne and various others.

D-chiro Inositol Benefits

Inositol stereoisomers like D-chiro have been repeatedly proven to reduce the probabilities of developing numerous preventable diseases and conditions. This is so, in part, because they have been shown to do all of the following:

• Lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels;
• Elevate HDL (good) cholesterol levels;
• Decrease serum triglyceride levels;
• Lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels;
• Improve the efficiency of glucose disposal;
• Increase sensitivity to insulin;
• Decrease prevalence of all compensatory conditions of hyperinsulinemia due to insulin insensitivity

Besides being an effective treatment for the hyperandrogenic symptoms associated with PCOS, this supplement may further help to address symptoms of metabolic syndrome. D-chiro and myo inositol demonstrate powerful fat emulsification effects. This can lessen risk factors related to heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, obesity and many more.

Further, D-chiro inositol, along with other forms of inositol, is an important constituent of the phospholipid bilayers that forms all cellular membranes. This membrane envelopes and protects the cell, assisting in numerous functions. By keeping cell membranes healthy, it can support long-term health and potentially slow down signs of aging.

For those considering D-chiro inositol supplementation, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor about it first. Although inositol in all forms has been proven to be very safe, a consultation with a physician about safe use is always best.

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