The heroes of today’s tale are naturally occurring molecules - Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro inositol (DCI). You might have heard about them if you suffer from hormonal disbalances or when we talked about them previously as part of our (BALANCE)¹ formulation. However, we truly believe these legends deserve a more significant amount of attention. Why? Let’s dive deeper into the science of the female organism.

MI and DCI are two isomers of the inositol molecule and both are present in various tissues and organs, including ovaries in a 1:40 ratio. These two inositols are involved in several cellular functions, including insulin signalling, lipid metabolism and hormone production. Recent research has highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of these inositols for women's health, especially in the context of fertility and endocrine and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

The pathogenesis of PCOS is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which lead to compensatory hypersecretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and ovarian androgen production. Many large studies have investigated and confirmed the important role of MI and DCI in the treatment of PCOS. A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1144 women with PCOS found that supplementation with MI or DCI improved insulin resistance, menstrual regularity, and ovulation rate compared to placebo or no treatment¹. Another systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs involving 1214 women with PCOS found that MI and DCI supplementation increased the number of mature follicles and improved pregnancy rates compared to placebo or no treatment².

MI and DCI appear to have complementary roles in regulating insulin signalling and glucose metabolism. MI is a precursor of inositol phosphoglycans (IPGs), which are involved in insulin signalling and glucose uptake.³DCI, is a second messenger of insulin signalling and enhances insulin sensitivity by activating the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.⁴ In PCOS, both MI and DCI levels are reduced, leading to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, while the ratio between the two might be disrupted. Supplementation with MI and DCI in their physicological ratio can restore normal insulin signalling and improve glucose metabolism in women with PCOS.⁵

MI and DCI supplementation has also been shown to improve lipid metabolism in women with PCOS. A randomized controlled trial of 50 women with PCOS found that MI and DCI supplementation decreased triglyceride levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared to placebo.⁶ Another study of 20 women with PCOS found that MI and DCI supplementation improved lipid metabolism and decreased inflammation markers.⁷

In addition to PCOS, MI and DCI have potential benefits for other reproductive disorders. A randomized controlled trial of 230 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that MI supplementation improved oocyte quality and embryo development compared to placebo.⁸ Another study of 40 women with recurrent miscarriages found that MI and DCI supplementation improved embryo quality and pregnancy rates compared to no treatment.⁹ These findings suggest that MI and DCI may have potential benefits for women undergoing fertility treatment.

In such a way, an elegant balance between two inositol lies behind the health and well-being of the ovaries. By maintaining this crucial ratio, we ensure an overall balance of hormones and synchronized work of the whole body.  In our natural and potent formulation, we preserved two inositols in their physiological ratio of 1:40 to help normalise ovarian function and balance the menstrual cycle. Don’t forget to consult with your GP before taking any supplements and shop our science-backed formulation to support your hormonal health.

References:

1. Unfer V, Facchinetti F, Orrù B, Giordani B, Nestler JE. Myo-inositol effects in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocr Connect. 2017;6(8):647-658.
2. Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon JP, Fusi F, Occhi F, De Santis L. Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel method for ovulation induction. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007;23(12):700-703.
3. Bizzarri M, Carlomagno G. Inositol: history of an effective therapy for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014;18(13):1896-1903.
4. Nordio M, Proietti E. The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation alone. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2012;16(5):575-581.
5. Baillargeon JP, Iuorno MJ, Nestler JE. Insulin sensitizers for polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2003;46(2):325-340.
6. Genazzani AD, Shefer K, Della Casa D, Prati A, Napolitano A, Manzo A, et al. Modulatory effects of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) on LH and insulin secretion in obese PCOS patients. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014;30(6):438-443.
7. Kamenov Z, Kolarov G, Gateva A, Carlomagno G, Genazzani AD. Ovulation induction with myo-inositol alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients with insulin resistance. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(2):131-135.
8. Bevilacqua A, Carlomagno G, Gerli S, Montanino Oliva M, Devroey P, Lanzone A. Results from the International Consensus Conference on Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in Obstetrics and Gynecology – Assisted Reproduction Technology. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017;33(10):696-700.
9. Santamaria A, Giordano D, Corrado F, Pintaudi B, Interdonato ML, Vieste GD, et al. One-year effects of myo-inositol supplementation in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Climacteric. 2012;15(5):490-495.