D-chiro-inositol (DCI) kopen? Hier moet je op letten

Buying D-chiro-inositol (DCI)? Here's what to look out for

Geschreven door: Ebrina van der Bijl

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Leesduur: 8 min

D-chiro-inositol—often abbreviated as DCI—is one of the forms of inositol that occurs naturally in your body. It's less well-known than the popular variant myo-inositol, but certainly no less interesting.

DCI plays a specific role in your body. In some situations, it may be wise to use DCI instead of just myo-inositol or the commonly used combination of both.

In this article I will explain when this is the case and what you should pay attention to if you want to use DCI.

Pay attention to the purity of the product. There are many counterfeit products in circulation.

Choose a dosage of at least 600 mg of DCI per day. Check the milligram count per capsule – a maximum of 1200 mg per day is safe.

Avoid unnecessary fillers and additives; short, clear ingredients list; only use vegetable capsules if needed.

Table of contents
Types of DCI Supplements Look for These 3 Factors When Buying D-chiro-inositol (DCI) 1. Purity 2. Dosage Must Be Strong Enough (Min. 600mg) 3. Free From Unnecessary Fillers and Excipients What Is D-chiro-inositol Anyway? How D-chiro-inositol Works in the Body D-chiro-inositol in Food When to Take D-chiro-inositol? DCI for Men Potential Side Effects of D-chiro-inositol Conclusion

Types of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) supplements

To start, it's good to know that there are two ways D-chiro-inositol is used as a supplement:

  • In combination with myo-inositol - Usually in powder form, in a fixed ratio with myo-inositol being the main component and DCI being a smaller supplement
  • In pure form - As a capsule or tablet, often in much lower doses because it is used in a more concentrated form (so you need less)

Pay attention to these 3 factors when buying D-chiro-inositol (DCI)

If you're considering buying D-chiro-inositol, there are a few things you should pay close attention to to ensure you choose a reliable and effective product:

1. The purity

Pay attention to the purity of the product, as there are many variants on the market that do not contain the active ingredient, or are of lower quality.

  • Therefore, check the label. It should clearly state how many milligrams of pure D-chiro-inositol are contained in each capsule or dose.
  • Products with vague terms such as “inositol complex” without specific ratios or naming may be of inferior quality.
  • It is often the case that the cheaper the product, the greater the chance that purity has been compromised.

2. Dosage must be strong enough (min. 600 mg)

The effectiveness of D-chiro-inositol is dose-dependent.

  • Make sure the dosage of the product is high enough, with a minimum of 600 mg per day.
  • Please note whether the stated amount applies per daily dose or per capsule (sometimes you have to take more than one to reach 600 mg).
  • Sometimes a higher dosage is used (up to 1,200 mg), but 600 mg is the ideal amount because it's both effective and safe for most people . Your body weight can be a factor, but it's wise to start slowly.

3. Free from unnecessary fillers and additives

The fewer additives the better.

  • You want a product that is as pure as possible – only D-chiro-inositol, and possibly incorporated into a vegetable capsule.
  • So pay close attention to the ingredients list. A short, clear list is often a sign of quality . Your body doesn't benefit from unnecessary junk.

Buy D-chiro-inositol? This is the best option.

#1. D-chiro-inositol - Natural Performance

D-chiro-inositol is an expensive product. As a result, (almost) all products are underdosed. Natuurlijk Presteren's D-chiro-inositol contains 600 mg of pure d-chiro-inositol per capsule.

The product has also been tested for purity by an external lab (Eurofins) and tested at 99.3% purity : the highest on the market. Finally, the product contains no additives .

What is D-chiro-inositol anyway?

D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is one of many forms of inositol, a substance that occurs naturally in your body.

You can think of it as an important "building block" of your cells. It plays a role in many processes, such as regulating hormones and helping to process sugar (glucose).

How do you get DCI?

  • DCI occurs naturally in small amounts in certain foods
  • But most of it is converted by your body from myo-inositol , another common form of inositol

This conversion is important because your body needs both forms in the correct ratio. If this ratio is off, as is the case with certain conditions, it can disrupt insulin function and contribute to hormonal problems.

The effects of D-chiro-inositol in the body

The main types of inositol are myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI). Although they appear similar, they have different roles in your body.

This is what D-chiro does in your body:

  1. Glucose Processing - It plays a role in how your cells process glucose (blood sugar), which is essential since glucose is your body's main fuel.
  2. Insulin sensitivity - It affects how your cells respond to insulin, the hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar.
  3. Glycogen Storage - DCI is involved in storing glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen so your body can use it for energy later.
  4. Hormonal Interactions - It affects how cells respond to signals from different substances in your body, which indirectly affects how hormones work.
  5. Cellular Communication - It helps cells communicate properly with each other, which is important for the normal functioning of your cells. (1) (2) (3) (4)

Disclaimer : Currently, there are no approved health claims for inositol under European law for the use of D-chiro-inositol as a supplement. The information provided is based on scientific studies and is not intended as medical advice.

D-chiro-inositol in food

D-chiro-inositol occurs naturally in a number of foods, although usually in smaller amounts than myo-inositol.

You can find DCI in, for example, carob pods , pumpkin seeds , and a few other legumes and nuts. However, the amount of DCI in your diet is usually not enough to have any noticeable effects.

That's why many people choose to take DCI as a supplement so they can more easily reach their desired dose.

When to take D-chiro-inositol?

In most cases, a combination of myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) works well. However, sometimes DCI alone is a better choice. For example:

  • If your body doesn't convert MI to DCI properly
  • In case of insulin resistance
  • In case of a hormonal imbalance

You can still take MI, but it will be less effective. In such cases, DCI as a standalone supplement (DCI monotherapy) may be an option.

Here's how it works : MI is naturally more common in your body than DCI—about 40 times more common. This ratio is important for your blood sugar, insulin function, and hormone balance.

But if your body doesn't produce DCI properly, that balance is thrown off. And then you might benefit from supplemental DCI.

Good to know : Whether you choose MI, DCI, or a combination of both depends on your specific situation. Therefore, if in doubt, always consult a doctor or specialist, especially if you have hormonal issues or a medical condition.

DCI for men

D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is often mentioned in the context of women, but this substance can also be of interest to men. Although research in men is still limited, I expect to be able to tell you more about this soon.

Much research is being conducted into the influence on hormonal processes in men and the possible role in sperm quality.

How exactly this works is not yet clear – but it could be related to the role of DCI in energy management and cell communication. (5)

Potential side effects of D-chiro-inositol

Because, while DCI can be a valuable addition, there are some risks associated with using DCI alone, especially at higher doses (>1,200 mg/day):

  1. Ovulation problems - At doses above 1,200 mg per day, there are indications from animal studies and limited human research that high doses of DCI may affect ovulation and egg quality. This effect needs further investigation.
  2. Hormonal effects - In people with normal insulin levels, DCI monotherapy can cause unintended hormonal changes. Research into these effects focuses primarily on changes in androgen hormones, such as testosterone. Further research is needed to fully understand this.
  3. Mild digestive upset - Sensitive individuals may experience stomach and intestinal discomfort even at lower doses.

Helpful tip : If you experience side effects, it may help to reduce the dosage and divide it over two times a day.

Conclusion

When considering purchasing and using D-chiro-inositol, it's important to do your research and pay particular attention to the three factors discussed earlier: purity , dosage , and avoiding unnecessary fillers.

This way you can be sure that you will receive a good quality product.

A doctor can help you determine the correct dosage and ensure it's safe for your specific situation. This way, you can use D-chiro-inositol with confidence and without unintended side effects.

Ebrina van der Bijl - Natural Performance

Ebrina van der Bijl

Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.

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Sources used

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  2. Dinicola, S., Unfer, V., Soulage, CO, Yap-Garcia, MIM, Bevilacqua, A., Benvenga, S., Barbaro, D., Wdowiak, A., Nordio, M., Dewailly, D., Appetecchia, M., Aragona, C., Espinola, M.S.B., Bizzarri, M., Cavalli, P., Colao, A., D'Anna, R., Vazquez-Levin, M.H., Marin, I.H., . . . Facchinetti, F. (2024). <sc>d</sc>-Chiro-Inositol in Clinical Practice: A Perspective from the Experts Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research (EGOI). Gynecologic And Obstetric Investigation, 89(4), 284–294. https://doi.org/10.1159/000536081
  3. Greff, D., Juhász, A.E., Váncsa, S., Váradi, A., Sipos, Z., Szinte, J., Park, S., Hegyi, P., Nyirády, P., Ács, N., Várbíró, S., & Horváth, E.M. (2023). Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Reproductive Biology And Endocrinology, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-023-01055-z
  4. Akhter, D., Banu, J., Yasmin, M., Sultana, N., & Munmun, S. A. (2023). Effect of D-chiro-inositol on hormonal parameters and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. International Journal Of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics And Gynecology, 12(7), 1992–1997. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20231909
  5. Nordio, M., Kumanov, P., Chiefari, A., & Puliani, G. (2021). d-Chiro-Inositol improves testosterone levels in older hypogonadal men with low-normal testosterone: a pilot study. Basic And Clinical Andrology, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12610-021-00146-4
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