Difference between Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol
Kobi NathanShare
Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are two forms of inositol that have different roles in the body.
Myo-inositol (myo-Ins) is the most common type and helps regulate hormones like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and insulin.
It plays a key role in glucose absorption and supports ovarian function by aiding FSH signaling.
D-chiro-inositol (D-chiro-Ins) is made from myo-Ins with the help of insulin.
It mainly helps the body use insulin effectively by promoting glucose absorption and storing energy as glycogen.
In the ovaries, D-chiro-Ins influences androgen (male hormone) production and can affect estrogen levels by acting as an aromatase inhibitor.
Different parts of the body have specific ratios of myo-Ins to D-chiro-Ins.
In the bloodstream, the typical ratio is 40:1.
This balance is especially important for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where an imbalance can contribute to symptoms.
Taking both inositols in the right ratio has been shown to help manage PCOS.
In summary, both myo-Ins and D-chiro-Ins play a role in insulin function and metabolism.
However, myo-Ins is more important for ovarian health and FSH signaling, while D-chiro-Ins focuses on insulin use, energy storage, and androgen production.
Inositol: History of an Effective Therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Bizzarri M, Carlomagno G. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2014;18(13):1896-903.
Facchinetti F, Unfer V, Dewailly D, et al. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM. 2020;31(6):435-447. doi:10.1016/j.tem.2020.02.002.
Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol as Modulators of Ovary Steroidogenesis: A Narrative Review. Bizzarri M, Monti N, Piombarolo A, Angeloni A, Verna R. Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1875. doi:10.3390/nu15081875.
Inositols: From Established Knowledge to Novel Approaches. Dinicola S, Unfer V, Facchinetti F, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(19):10575. doi:10.3390/ijms221910575.
Results From the International Consensus Conference on Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol in Obstetrics and Gynecology: The Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and PCOS. Facchinetti F, Bizzarri M, Benvenga S, et al. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. 2015;195:72-76. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.09.024.