Research Library
Ovulatory and Metabolic Effects of D-Chiro-Inositol in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Nestler, J.E., Jakubowicz, D.J., Reamer, P., et al., "Ovulatory and Metabolic Effects of D-Chiro-Inositol in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome," New England Journal of Medicine, 340(17), 1999, pages 1314-1320.
The following information is available at Pub Med and was not written by Atkins professionals.
These researchers hypothesize that the insulin resistance and high insulin levels that often accompany polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be due to a metabolic deficiency of D-chiro-inositol, a phosphoglycan that mediates the action of insulin. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of administering this phosphoglycan to women with insulin resistance. Forty-four women with polycystic ovary syndrome were separated into two groups: One received D-chiro-inositol supplementation, the other a placebo. Serum steroids and progesterone levels were measured, and subjects took an oral glucose tolerance test prior to and after oral administration of 1200mg of D-chiro-inositol or the placebo. Glucose tolerance did not change significantly in either group, but diastolic/systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides decreased (184 to 110 mg/dl) in the women who received the supplement. Additionally,19 of the 22 women who received D-chiro-inositol ovulated, compared with only six of 22 women in the placebo group.
The following information was written by Atkins professionals.
The findings of this study can be applied to the Atkins Principle of Disease Prevention. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and high blood insulin levels, which increase their risk for developing diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis. Reducing triglycerides will decrease risk for atherosclerosis. In this study, subjects receiving the supplement significantly lowered their triglyceride levels. Other studies have demonstrated the efficiency of a low-carbohydrate lifestyle on reducing triglycerides. Therefore, a low-carbohydrate lifestyle may be an option for women with PCOS who opt not to use drug therapy to reduce triglycerides.
