D-Chiro-Inositol
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
D-Chiro-Inositol (D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 680 participants, researched for PCOS Management, Insulin Resistance, Ovulation & Fertility and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
PCOS Management
ModerateInsulin Resistance
ModerateOvulation & Fertility
ModerateHormonal Balance
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
PCOS Management
To evaluate the ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the ovulatory and metabolic effects of D-chiro-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dose
1,200 mg D-chiro-inositol once daily
Participants
44 women with PCOS and insulin resistance
Duration
6–8 weeks
Results
D-chiro-inositol significantly increased ovulation rate (86% vs 27% placebo), decreased serum androgens, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced blood pressure in women with PCOS.
How They Measured It
Ovulation rate, serum androgens, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, LH, FSH
To describe the rationale, biochemical, and clinical data related to the use of inositols in PCOS.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To describe the rationale, biochemical, and clinical data related to the use of inositols in PCOS.
Dose
Various, typically 40:1 myo:DCI ratio
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Both myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol improve PCOS outcomes including insulin sensitivity, ovulation rates, and hormonal profiles. The physiological 40:1 MI:DCI ratio provides optimal clinical benefit.
How They Measured It
Review of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol RCTs in PCOS
Insulin Resistance
To evaluate the effect of combined myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol on endocrine parameters and insulin resistance in young overweight PCOS women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of combined myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol on endocrine parameters and insulin resistance in young overweight PCOS women.
Dose
MI 550 mg + DCI 13.8 mg daily (40:1 ratio) for 6 months
Participants
46 PCOS patients (randomised to MI+DCI vs folic acid)
Duration
6 months
Results
The MI+DCI combination significantly improved insulin resistance (HOMA index), reduced androgens, normalised LH/FSH ratio, and improved hormonal profile compared to placebo. Menstrual cycles regularised in the treatment group.
How They Measured It
FSH, LH, 17β-oestradiol, SHBG, androstenedione, free testosterone, DHEAS, HOMA index, fasting glucose and insulin
To investigate insulin-stimulated release of D-chiro-inositol-containing mediators and their correlation with insulin sensitivity in PCOS women.
Study Type
Prospective observational study
Purpose
To investigate insulin-stimulated release of D-chiro-inositol-containing mediators and their correlation with insulin sensitivity in PCOS women.
Dose
N/A (observational)
Participants
37 women with PCOS and 18 healthy controls
Duration
Crossover assessment
Results
DCI-containing mediator release was significantly blunted in insulin-resistant PCOS women compared to insulin-sensitive controls. DCI-IPG release correlated with insulin sensitivity, confirming DCI's role in insulin signalling.
How They Measured It
DCI-IPG mediator levels, HOMA-IR, glucose disposal rate
Ovulation & Fertility
To assess the effect of D-chiro-inositol on ovulation in anovulatory PCOS women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To assess the effect of D-chiro-inositol on ovulation in anovulatory PCOS women.
Dose
600 mg D-chiro-inositol daily
Participants
31 anovulatory PCOS women
Duration
16 weeks
Results
D-chiro-inositol significantly improved ovulation rates compared to placebo. Serum androgens decreased and SHBG increased. Pregnancy rate was higher in the DCI group.
How They Measured It
Ovulation rate (confirmed by serum progesterone), pregnancy rate
Hormonal Balance
To meta-analyse the effects of inositol supplementation on hormonal and metabolic outcomes in PCOS.
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To meta-analyse the effects of inositol supplementation on hormonal and metabolic outcomes in PCOS.
Dose
Various myo-inositol and DCI protocols
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs
Duration
Various (3–6 months)
Results
Inositol supplementation significantly reduced total testosterone, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and LH, while increasing SHBG in women with PCOS. Both myo-inositol and DCI showed hormonal benefits.
How They Measured It
Testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR across RCTs
To evaluate the effect of D-chiro-inositol on androgens and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of D-chiro-inositol on androgens and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Dose
600 mg D-chiro-inositol daily
Participants
20 postmenopausal women with T2DM
Duration
6 weeks
Results
D-chiro-inositol significantly improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and was well tolerated in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
How They Measured It
Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, urinary inositol excretion
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about D-Chiro-Inositol research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on D-Chiro-Inositol (D-Chiro-Inositol (DCI)), involving 680 total participants. Research covers PCOS management, Insulin resistance, Ovulation & fertility and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
D-Chiro-Inositol has been researched for: PCOS management, Insulin resistance, Ovulation & fertility, Hormonal balance. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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