From the Research
Both myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are beneficial for PCOS and insulin resistance, but they work best when used together in a 40:1 ratio that mimics their natural physiological balance, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Points
- Myo-inositol primarily improves insulin sensitivity in muscles and helps with ovulation, while D-chiro-inositol works mainly in the liver and ovaries to regulate testosterone and improve ovarian function.
- For most women with PCOS, a daily supplement containing 4000mg of myo-inositol and 100mg of D-chiro-inositol is recommended, though some may benefit from different ratios depending on their specific symptoms.
- Myo-inositol alone (typically 2000-4000mg daily) can be effective for insulin resistance, fertility issues, and metabolic health, while D-chiro-inositol alone (500-1000mg daily) may help with hyperandrogenism symptoms like acne and hirsutism.
- These supplements generally take 3-6 months to show full benefits and are considered safe with minimal side effects, mainly mild digestive discomfort that typically resolves with continued use, as reported in studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
Benefits of Combined Therapy
The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol has been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation alone 5.
Important Considerations
- The physiological ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol is 40:1, which seems to be an optimal approach for the treatment of PCOS disorders 2.
- The association of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a combination reproducing the plasma physiological ratio (40:1) represents a promising alternative in achieving better clinical results, by counteracting PCOS at both systemic and ovary level 4.