No products in the cart.
D Chiro Inositol is becoming one of the most popular and promising options in the natural management of insulin levels, pcos, hormonal imbalance, hormonal acne, hirsutism and hair loss. In this article we break down what it is, how it works to correct hormonal problems in women, dosage and how to take it.
So what is D-Chiro-Inositol and how does it work?
Let us begin by breaking down the term Inositol. Inositol is simply a collection of natural carbohydrate compounds that exist in nine potential chemical structures referred to as stereoisomers. The most widespread inositol is myo-inositol. It is frequently sold as a food supplement and commonly just branded as inositol.
Inositol, mainly myo-inositol and a second but less widespread stereoisomer called D-chiro-inositol, perform crucial roles that are very important in insulin signaling, in simple terms, this is the rate at which insulin is produced and released into the body.
When the signaling is affected it can create all types of unpleasant symptoms and illness in the body. Debilitating health conditions like hyperglycemia and diabetes are connected with interrupted signaling of insulin by inositol. This is why a lot of scientific researchers suggests it may be a main pathological element of insulin resistance according to Manning 2010, Larner 2010.
D-chiro-Inositol which is occasionally known as DCI is a crucial secondary messenger in insulin signal transduction.
Common sources D-Chiro-Inositol & why they’re so darn expensive
DCI is not very common in the majority of foods but it can be found in Buckwheat farinetta and Figleaf Gourd, a type of squash. In our bodies, DCI is said to be produced from myo-inositol through the scientific action known as epimerase. DCI is available in available as a nutritional supplement in many countries but can be quite pricey.
This is because DCI unlike other forms of inositol is very rare in nature. It is found in small quantities in few types of foods and coupled with the complex process to extract and produce along with increasing demand, make it an expensive product. However is it worth? Keep reading and let’s find out.
D-Chiro-Inositol and its effect on PCOS
DCI is very beneficial for women who suffer from PCOS. A study showed that women with PCOS who were treated with DCI witnessed momentous benefits in comparison to a control group who did not take DCI. Women who were treated with D Chiro Inositol witnessed decreased free and total testosterone, reduced blood pressure, a boost of their insulin sensitivity and an improvement in the removal of excess glucose from the body as well as higher frequency of ovulation.
Insulin sensitivity is the body’s ability to recognize the production of insulin. Typically in women with PCOS, the body is insensitive to insulin and therefore it thinks it has to keep producing more flooding the system with excess insulin. Think of a water hose gone wild.
This excess insulin is what has been linked to increased production of male hormones in a woman’s body and build up of cysts in the ovaries. D-Chiro-Inositol is said to work by helping the body become more sensitive to insulin thereby stopping the overproduction.
Studies are showing that lack of d-chiro-inositol phosphoglycan as the mediator of the action of insulin is what may be leading to insulin resistance or insulin insensitivity. Insulin resistance is interconnected with a reduction in the urinary excretion of chiro-inositol which is a constituent of the d-chiro-inositol phosphoglycan arbitrator in people with less ability to tolerate glucose or people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The quantity of chiro-inositol in the muscle of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus is much less that the quantity in the muscles of individuals who are normal. This often why women with PCOS are treated with diabetic drugs such as Metformin. The common link is insulin overload.
Research has also revealed that these three inositol compounds may assist to treat conditions that occur as a result of insulin resistance with D-chiro inositol being the most important inositol compound for PCOS.
Let’s talk PCOS and D-Chiro-Inositol
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a of the widely spread female endocrine disorders. PCOS is a disorder that is still a vaguely understood. There is strong indication that it can, to a great extent be classified as a genetic disease.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health condition that can interfere with a woman’s hormonal levels, menstrual periods, and ovulation. It can also affect fertility in women.
Studies have shown that insulin resistance and a complementary condition, hyperinsulinemia, are common in women with PCOS. Hyperinsulinemia prevents ovulation and stimulates the production of testosterone in the ovary of affected women. It also increases risk for type 2 diabetes due to the inability for the body to tolerate glucose.
Researchers have discovered that DCI augments the functions of insulin in the body of patients who have polycystic ovary syndrome, thus enhancing ovulation, reducing the concentration of serum androgen and other symptoms.
Human bodies manufacture D-chiro-inositol at the end of a very broad inositol metabolism. DCI combines with selected sugars in the body to form conjugates compounds referred to as inositiol phosphoglycans. These compounds plays significant role in regulating the actions of insulin.
Another study proved that patients treated with DCI displayed a 73% extensive reduction in testosterone levels. Women who took DCI as well showed less insulin and triglyceride levels and blood pressure according to Luorno 2002.
Myo-inositol
Myo-inositol is a stereo isomer of DCI. Similar to DCI, it plays a significant role in insulin signaling, and as well acts as a forerunner to DCI in endogenous inositol metabolic actions. This is the reason why studies administering myoinositol in women with PCOS yielded similar effect to those obtained with DCI.
The result of a study showed that women who took myo-inositol exhibited enhanced sensitivity to insulin and androgen levels. Patients who took myo-inositol went back to normal menstrual cycles according to Genazzani 2008.
Also, according to Gerli 2007, 50% of PCOS patients who received myo-inositol and folic acid exhibited noteworthy weight loss and less leptin levels.
Zacchè 2009 indicated that the administration of Myo inositol is easy and safe. According to him, the treatment improved the metabolic system of PCOS patients, and at the same time reduced hirsutism and acne.”
3 reasons why Inositol are essential for women who suffer from PCOS:
- Inositol boosts insulin action thereby minimizing the resistance to insulin
- It can help to alleviate mood disorder, which is a regular symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome.
- It assists the liver in the metabolism of fat.
Why women with PCOS are treated with inositol
Women with PCOS are often treated with inositol supplements simply because they are not able to break down their own natural forms of inositol into d-chiro-inositol or because when their body produces them, they are too soon excreted leading to impaired insulin metabolism and other hormonal imbalances suffered by PCOS patients.
The idea behind the practice is the belief that the use of inositol supplement through any of its different forms like myo-inositol or d-chiro-inositol may help to boost the metabolism of insulin in the woman’s body and minimize hormonal problems.
A study conducted on fifty overweight women with PCOS showed that the combined therapy of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduce the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to Myo-iositol supplementation alone.
Potential side effects of Inositol
Inositol is not associated with a serious side effects even with a therapeutic dosage that is 18 times the average dietary intake. Although no long-term safety research has been conducted.
Even though inositol has occasionally been suggested to cure bipolar disorder, inositol may trigger manic disorder in people with this condition. Therefore those suffering from bipolar disorder should consult with a doctor before taking any type of inositol.
Its safety has also not being established in young children, pregnant or lactating mothers and those with serious liver and kidney disease.
Other side effects that have been reported as a result of intake of inositol are nausea, headache, itching and flushing, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, alteration of the hair texture and tiredness. If you experience any of the symptoms, you may need to reduce dosage or stop taking completely.
Combining Inositol with Asana LadiesBalance by CHIOMA.
I frequently received questions from readers who are interested in combining our Asana LadiesBalance by CHIOMA supplement with inositol. The two remedies despite having diverse functions in the body actually complement each other well. The Asana blend works by supporting the endocrine system to encourage healthy hormone levels and strengthening the reproductive system. The inositol compounds are working on supporting healthy blood sugar/insulin levels that may be triggering or worsening the hormone imbalance. Together they can work synergistically to help the body in restoring balance
My personal experience with Inositol for PCOS
I remember years ago when I first read about the studies regarding Inositol as a groundbreaking treatment to managing PCOS symptoms. I was excited that some type of headway was been made in understanding and finding treatment options for the condition. After reading through a few studies, I decided that I wanted to try it for myself using a combination of food sources and inositol supplements.
Every morning I had 3-4 buckwheat pancakes that I made in batches during my meal prep and I would take 1 teaspoon of inositol powder mixed into my water or juice. I have to admit it did become a challenge eating pancakes daily but I remembered it was for a health purpose. So I would often add different extracts of vanilla or lemon to the buckwheat batter to add variety to the flavor.
After a month of the regimen I did feel an overall improvement in my mood and energy levels. Currently I have maintained buckwheat as a daily part of my food regimen. In addition to pancakes, you can also eat them as porridge or bake them into muffins.
Would I recommend inositol? I absolutely would. While I would not tout it as a cure, I believe it may be very helpful to women as a sole or supporting remedy for PCOS. There are reviews from many women who have great results with inositol and there are reviews from women who did not notice a difference. The quality of the brand and quality of the formulation also play a great role. Quality products are costly to manufacture. Especially given the rarity of D-chiro-inositol.
But most importantly I recommend to women with PCOS to be conscious of dietary habits that could be contributing to insulin insensitivity. Taking the supplements is not enough. Unfortunately due to genetics and other natural factors, we are pre-disposed to the metabolic disorder therefore we must do what we can to prevent a state of insulin overload in our bodies. This starts with healthy eating habits and getting to a healthy weight.
Excess body fat, consumption of excess processed foods, carbs and simple sugars that wreak havoc on blood sugar levels are the big culprits of the insulin insensitivity. Our Eating for Balanced Hormones Meal Plan is an excellent nutritional guide. One of the biggest considerations of the plan is structuring the meals in a way that calls for slow insulin release thereby encouraging steady blood sugar levels.
How about you? Have you taken D-Chiro-Inositol to manage PCOS symptoms or other endocrine related disorders? Please share your feedback in the comment box below
– Shop Related Products –
Bestseller!
Herbal Teas & Infusions
CHIOMA Asana LadiesBalance Herbal Tea Hormone Balance & Fertility Support
$24.00 (92 reviews)
Select optionsBestseller!
Acne & Pigmentation Solutions
CHIOMA Asana LadiesBalance Hormone Balance, Acne & PCOS Solutions
$26.00 – $94.00 (3 reviews)
Select optionsArticle References:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10219066
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22774396
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientreview-299-INOSITOL.aspx?drugid=299&drugname=INOSITOL
- http://www.lef.org/protocols/female_reproductive/polycystic_ovary_syndrome_02.htm
- http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-topic-overview
- http://www.medicinenet.com/polycystic_ovary/article.htm
- http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199904293401703
