Unexpected effects of treating insulin-resistant obese women with high-dose D-chiro-inositol: opening Pandora's box.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) combined with a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet improves metabolic and hormonal outcomes in overweight/obese women with insulin resistance.
Results Summary
The study found that DCI supplementation improved metabolic markers (insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, weight loss) but unexpectedly worsened hormonal profiles (increased hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity). The metabolic benefits were similar to diet alone, suggesting DCI's hormonal effects may complicate its use.
Population
48 insulin-resistant women aged 25-40 with a BMI of 26-32.
Effective Dosage
2400 mg/day of DCI.
Duration
4 months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | increase | insulin sensitivity | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant improvement | #1 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | decrease | HOMA index | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | reduction | #2 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | decrease | blood glucose level | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | reduction | #3 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | decrease | fasting insulin level | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | reduction | #4 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | increase | lipid profile | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | improvement | #5 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | decrease | body weight | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant decrease | #6 |
hypocaloric Mediterranean diet | decrease | BMI | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant decrease | #7 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | hyperandrogenism | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | exhibiting | #8 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | menstrual irregularity | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | exhibiting | #9 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | total testosterone | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant increase | #10 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | androstenedione | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant increase | #11 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | LH | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant increase | #12 |
high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment | increase | menstrual length | women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance | - | significant increase | #13 |
PURPOSE: The combination of lifestyle changes and nutraceuticals, such as inositols, can reduce excess weight, leading to a reduction in insulin resistance and a normalization of the metabolic profile. As such, this study investigated the metabolic and hormonal changes observed in women who were overweight/obese with insulin resistance undergoing a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet combined with high-dose D-chiro-inositol (DCI) treatment. METHODS: In total, 48 insulin-resistant women between 25 and 40 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) between 26 and 32 were divided into two groups: both groups followed a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet for 4 months, and patients in the treated group also underwent treatment with 2400 mg/day of DCI for the same period. We evaluated the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, body weight, BMI, blood glucose, fasting insulin, lipid profile [cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides] and hormonal profile [total testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and menstrual length] at baseline and at the end of treatment. RESULTS: After 4 months, both groups displayed a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity, as reflected by a reduction in the HOMA index, blood glucose level, fasting insulin level, and lipid profile. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in body weight and BMI in both groups. However, the evaluation of the hormonal profiles revealed unexpected findings, with the DCI-supplemented group exhibiting hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity, as demonstrated by the significant increase of total testosterone, androstenedione, LH, and menstrual length. CONCLUSION: The study strengthens the evidence regarding the metabolic benefits of the hypocaloric Mediterranean diet, independent from the association with DCI, on women with insulin resistance and excess weight, while also acknowledging the complex hormonal impact of high-dose DCI supplementation for medium-to-long periods.