Myo-inositol or D-chiro-inositol – what's the difference?

Both are forms of the same basic substance, but they play different roles in metabolism. That's why most studies use them in combination rather than individually.

Myo-inositol

By far the most common form in the body. Among other things, it plays a role in the signaling pathways of the ovaries and is the form that takes center stage in most studies.

D-chiro-inositol

Occurs in much smaller amounts and is more closely tied to glucose metabolism. The body produces it from myo-inositol – via an enzyme whose activity depends on insulin.

Why both together?

This conversion is exactly why the two are combined. If insulin signaling is disrupted, the conversion doesn't work reliably either. If only one of the two forms is supplied, the ratio in the tissue can shift unfavorably. In a comparative study of seven different ratios, 40:1 came out on top.

What does 40:1 mean in practice?

For every 4000 mg of myo-inositol, there are 100 mg of D-chiro-inositol. That roughly matches the ratio in which both forms naturally occur in blood plasma.

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