D-Chiro-Inositol

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: D-chiro-inositol
Common Synonyms: DCI, D-Chiro-Inositol, (1R,2R,3S,4R,5S,6R)-Cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol, Pinitol derivative
Chemical Classification: Cyclic polyol, Inositol stereoisomer, Insulin second messenger
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
Overview
Botanical Family: Naturally occurring in legumes (Fabaceae), buckwheat, and carob
Primary Origin: Pinitol from carob pods (Ceratonia siliqua), legumes, buckwheat
Extraction Method: Enzymatic conversion from myo-inositol or extraction from plant sources
Molecular Structure: Stereoisomer of myo-inositol with different hydroxyl group orientations
Appearance: White, crystalline powder, odorless with a slightly sweet taste
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- Optimal PCOS Therapy: The 40:1 MI/DCI ratio is the best for PCOS therapy aimed at restoring ovulation and normalizing important parameters in these patients
- Hormonal & Metabolic Improvements: Supplementation improved the metabolic and hormonal profile in PCOS phenotype A patients
- Evidence-Based Ratios: The MYO/DCI combination is effective when used at a ratio of at least 40:1
- Physiological Balance: Inositol isomers have a physiological ratio of 40:1 in most healthy tissues
Your Perfect Formula Ratio:
- Orbelli's Ratio: 2000mg Myo-inositol: 50mg D-chiro-inositol = 40:1 ratio
- Scientifically Validated: Matches the exact ratio proven most effective in clinical studies
- Optimal Synergy: The best MI:DCI ratio is 40:1 for PCOS treatment
Mechanism of Action:
- Insulin Signaling: Different pathway from myo-inositol, both are essential for complete insulin function
- Ovarian Function: Specifically supports ovarian insulin sensitivity and steroidogenesis
- Glucose Metabolism: Enhances peripheral glucose uptake through distinct mechanisms
- Hormonal Balance: Helps normalize androgen levels and improve menstrual regularity
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
None of the participants reported side effects in clinical combination studies, and inositol is well tolerated in the recommended dose with no clinically relevant adverse effects
Dosage Safety:
- Safe Range: 25-500mg daily in clinical studies when used in proper ratios
- Orbelli Dosage: 50mg per serving - optimal dose for 40:1 ratio with myo-inositol
- Critical Warning: Long-term treatments with high dosages of D-chiro-inositol can predispose women to hormonal and menstrual abnormalities
- Your Advantage: Conservative 50mg dose avoids high-dose complications
Potential Side Effects:
- Minimal at Correct Ratios: Side effects typically occur at high doses (more than three times the recommended dose)
- Combination Safety: Most individuals experience only mild side effects, which can include nausea, gas, and difficulty sleeping
- Ratio-Dependent: High D-Chiro-ins concentrations can significantly reduce myo-Ins bioavailability
Important Warnings:
Ratio Critical: Never take D-chiro-inositol alone - must be combined with myo-inositol in a 40:1 ratio
High Dose Risk: Avoid high doses alone - can cause hormonal imbalances
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Blood Sugar Effects: May interact with insulin or other glucose-lowering medications due to its potential to affect insulin sensitivity
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing D-chiro-inositol, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 6.0-8.0 (slightly alkaline in aqueous solution)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (8g/100mL at 25°C), slightly soluble in alcohol
- Stability: Heat-stable up to 180°C, stable across the pH range 4-9
- Critical Ratio: Must maintain an exact 40:1 ratio with myo-inositol
Optimal Dosing:
- Therapeutic Range: 25-100mg daily when properly combined with myo-inositol
- Orbelli Formula: 50mg per serving - perfect for a 40:1 ratio with 2000mg myo-inositol
- Bioavailability: Good oral absorption, works synergistically with myo-inositol
- Timing: Take together with myo-inositol for optimal efficacy
Pairing Suggestions:
- Essential Pairing: MUST be combined with myo-inositol in a 40:1 ratio
- Synergistic with: Alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, chromium, other insulin sensitizers
- Enhanced by: Taking with a complete amino acid profile for reproductive support
- Best taken: With myo-inositol, consistent timing, with or without food
Critical Formulation Notes:
- Ratio Maintenance: Any deviation from a 40:1 ratio reduces effectiveness
- Quality Control: Ensure precise measurements for consistent ratios
- Stability Testing: Monitor ratio stability throughout shelf life
Scientific References
- Latest Clinical Study (2024): The Effects of Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol in a Ratio 40:1 on Hormonal and Metabolic Profile in Women with PCOS - PubMed, 2024
- Comprehensive Review (2023): Update on the combination of myo-inositol/d-chiro-inositol for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome - Climacteric, 2023
- Ovulation Restoration Study: The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients - European Review, 2019
- Animal Model Validation: Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol (40:1) reverse histological and functional features of polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model - PubMed, 2018
- Competitive Inhibition Study: PCOS and Inositols: Basic Differences Between D-Chiro and Myo-Inositol - Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2021
- Safety Assessment: The Effectiveness of Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro Inositol Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes - PubMed, 2016
- High-Dose Warning Study: Long-Lasting Therapies with High Doses of D-chiro-inositol: The Downside - PMC, 2023
- Metabolomic Study: Metabolomic change due to combined treatment with myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol and glucomannan in PCOS patients - Journal of Ovarian Research, 2019
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 50mg D-chiro-inositol in a perfect 40:1 ratio with 2000mg Myo-inositol
- Scientifically validated combination for optimal PCOS and hormonal support
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









