what is the difference between myo inositol and d-chiro inositol

 

Characteristic	Myo-inositol	D-chiro-inositol
Structure	Cyclohexane with 6 hydroxyl groups	Stereoisomer of myo-inositol
Natural abundance	More common in nature	Less common in nature
Insulin sensitivity	Improves insulin sensitivity	More potent in improving insulin sensitivity
Ovarian function	Supports follicle development	Supports ovulation
PCOS treatment	Primary inositol used	Often used in combination with myo-inositol
Dosage in supplements	Usually higher doses	Usually lower doses
Conversion in body	Can be converted to d-chiro-inositol	Cannot be converted to myo-inositol

Key differences:

1. Structure: Stereoisomers with different hydroxyl group orientations
2. Abundance: Myo-inositol is more common in nature
3. Potency: D-chiro-inositol is more potent in improving insulin sensitivity
4. Function: Myo-inositol supports follicle development; d-chiro-inositol supports ovulation
5. PCOS treatment: Often used in combination, with myo-inositol as the primary form
6. Dosage: Myo-inositol typically used in higher doses than d-chiro-inositol
7. Conversion: Body can convert myo-inositol to d-chiro-inositol, but not vice versa