Inositol is actually referred to a group of dietary supplements having nine stereoisomers. The most famous inositols are myo-inositol, D-pinitol and D-Chiro-inositol or DCI.  Inositols are Pseudo vitamin compounds that belong to the B-complex family, and are found in the most foods but in the highest quantities in the whole grains and citrus fruits.

Importance of D-Chiro-inositol

Like myo-inositol, DCI is also an isomer of inositol.  Experts do not consider DCI as a drug, rather a dietary supplement. DCI plays an important part in healthy metabolism. The human body can prepare D-Chiro inositol from D-pinitol and myo-inositol. Actually, myo-inositol is essentially a precursor to DCI. Both, D-pinitol and myo-inositol are found in many fruits, vegetables and meats. Actually, both these inositols ultimately convert to DCI, which is then used by the body in different purposes. The human body can actually make DCI only form D-pinitol and myo-inositol. That is why, these two inositols are so important. These days, DCI is also prepared artificially and used in different diseases including poly cystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS and impaired insulin sensitivity.

Benefits of D-Chiro-inositol

D-Chiro -inositol has several benefits for the human body –

• In females it is applied to reverse PCOS.
• Deficiency of DCI in the body causes resistivity to insulin. With the application of DCI that problem could also be mitigated.
• It helps to lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol.
• It efficiently controls high blood pressure.
• It is also an effective fat emulsifier, i.e. DCI mobilizes fat in the human body and lowers the risk of heart diseases.
• DCI and some other forms of inositols are important constituents of cell membranes. Thus, this organic compound strengthens cells and slows down the signs of aging.

PCOS and lower level of DCI

D-Chiro-inositol, is used by the body during insulin signal transduction, which is the body’s response to insulin. In absence of sufficient quantity of this isomer of inositol, insulin resistance can grow. Women with PCOS do not produce enough DCI in their body. As a result, many women with PCOS are insulin resistant. Again, this situation leads to over formation of testosterone in a female body. The primary function of DCI is to form a chain of chemical signals that direct the body to dispose of sugar in some particular ways. Though myo-inositol and DCI are both isomers of inositol, structurally they are different molecules. They form two different signals and regulate different biological procedures. A deficiency of DCI can make it tough to properly metabolize sugars. Unfortunately, DCI is not found abundantly in normally eaten foods. Women with PCOS can’t convert myo-inositol and D-pinitol into DCI sufficiently. As a result, the chain of chemical signals rupture, leading to high insulin levels, high blood sugar and high androgen levels. These conditions if persists for a long time, can lead to type II diabetes, endometriosis, and many other syndromes.

D-chiro inositol supplementation

Inositol in all forms are proven to be absolutely safe to use. Many individuals use D-Chiro-inositol supplement regularly to keep their body strong and energetic. However, it is always feasible to consult a physician before fixing a daily dose.