What is the Difference Between Inositol and Myo Inositol?

Inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the brain and tissues of mammalians. There are nine different types, or isomers, of inositol, and the term "inositol" is generally used to refer to the most bioavailable type, myo-inositol (MI). The two most common forms of inositol are myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI).

The main difference between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol lies in their functions:

• Myo-inositol (MI): This isomer helps with the activation and use of substances and hormones. It is often recommended for people with PCOS because many are often insulin resistant, and myo-inositol may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin levels.
• D-chiro-inositol (DCI): This isomer is involved in the storage and synthesis of substances. It plays a role in glycogen synthesis and storage.

Both myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are involved in insulin signaling, but they carry out different functions. While myo-inositol is involved in the transporters' activation and the body's use of glucose, D-chiro-inositol is involved in glycogen synthesis and storage.

Comparative Table: Inositol vs Myo Inositol

Inositol is a group of nine different stereoisomers, with myo-inositol being the most bioavailable and widely studied type. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are nearly identical on a molecular level, but they play different roles in insulin signaling and have distinct functions in the body. Here is a table comparing the differences between inositol and myo-inositol:

Both myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects in treating various diseases, including diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They modulate different biochemical reactions and signaling pathways, with myo-inositol involved in glucose uptake and utilization, and D-chiro-inositol involved in glycogen synthesis and storage.