Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are two forms of inositol that play critical roles in the body?s cellular growth. Inositol is a type of sugar that helps your body process insulin1. Although it used to be referred to as Vitamin B8, inositol is not actually a vitamin1. Myo-inositol mediates glucose uptake and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signal, while D-chiro-inositol is involved in the insulin-dependent synthesis of androgens and promotes glucose storage2.
Inositol is essential for several different cellular processes. It acts as a secondary messenger for your cells and helps with functions such as regulating insulin and binding neurotransmitters1. In addition to being produced by your body, inositol is also found in a wide range of healthy foods1. However, diets high in sugar can actually inhibit inositol availability1.
In terms of health benefits, inositol has been associated with improved metabolic syndrome, reduced chance of gestational diabetes, management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), lower blood sugar levels, and decreased panic attacks1. For example, studies have shown that women with metabolic syndrome experienced improvement after taking inositol supplements for one year1. In another study, women at high risk for gestational diabetes who were treated with inositol were less likely to develop the condition1. In women with PCOS, inositol was found to be as effective as metformin at increasing insulin sensitivity1. People with type 1 diabetes treated with D-chiro-inositol and folic acid had lower average blood sugar levels compared to the control group1.
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