Dr. Grey AI

Pinitol

Pinitol (D-pinitol) is a methylated inositol found in legumes, carob, and pine trees. Converts to D-chiro-inositol in the body. Both are insulin sensitizers studied for diabetes and PCOS. Mechanism involves insulin signaling enhancement and GLUT4 translocation. Some human studies show blood glucose benefits. Also studied for creatine-like effects in muscle (may enhance creatine uptake). Related to myo-inositol but different effects. Marketed in some sports supplements as insulin mimetic.

Quick Answer

What it is

Pinitol (D-pinitol) is a methylated inositol found in legumes, carob, and pine trees. Converts to D-chiro-inositol in the body.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Glucose
  • Grade D: Creatine Retention
  • Grade D: Liver Protection

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Pinitol

Quick Facts: Pinitol

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D4
3 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Blood Glucose
Multiple small human trials in type 2 diabetics show reductions in postprandial glucose, fasting glucose, and HbA1c with 1.2 g/day pinitol. An RCT (Kim 2012, n=66) found significant HbA1c and HOMA-IR improvements, especially in poorly controlled patients (HbA1c >8%). Two smaller trials (Kang 2006, n=15; Kim 2007, n=20) also showed glucose reductions. However, one RCT (Davis 2000, n=22) found no effect in insulin-resistant subjects over 28 days, and studies in non-diabetic older adults were also negative. An animal study confirmed glucose-lowering via PI3K/Akt signaling.
moderate↓Improves
D
Liver Protection
In a rat study (Magielse 2013), D-pinitol at 2-20 mg/kg/day showed preventive hepatoprotective effects against galactosamine-induced liver damage, significantly reducing AST and ALT levels. No curative effects were observed when administered after acetaminophen or chronic liver injury. No human data available.
small↑Improves
D
Creatine Retention
One small human trial (Greenwood 2001, n=12) found low-dose D-pinitol (1 g/day) co-ingested with creatine increased whole-body creatine retention over a 3-day loading phase. However, a double-blind RCT (Kerksick 2009, n=24) found creatine plus D-pinitol did not improve lean mass, strength, or body composition over 4 weeks of resistance training compared to creatine alone.
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects
In a mouse study (Alonso-Castro 2019), oral D-pinitol at 1-100 mg/kg exhibited anxiolytic-like effects (ED50 70 mg/kg, mediated via GABAergic system) and antidepressant-like activity (ED50 26 mg/kg, via noradrenergic system). Anticonvulsant properties were also observed. No human data available.
small↓Worsens
D
Bone Health
An in vitro study (Yu 2012) showed D-chiro-inositol, pinitol's active metabolite, dose-dependently inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by downregulating NFATc1 transcription factor. No animal or human studies have examined pinitol directly for bone outcomes.
small↑Improves

Related Supplements

Electrolytes

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Electrolytes are essential minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride) critical for hydration, muscle/nerve function, and fluid balance. Evidence supports electrolyte replacement during prolonged exercise (>45-60 min) or in hot conditions to maintain hydration and prevent performance decline. Do NOT directly boost performance - they prevent decline from dehydration. Minimal benefit for short exercise (<45 min) where water is sufficient. Individual sweat rates vary widely (3500-7000mg sodium/day loss possible). Excess electrolytes can cause harm.

Black Cohosh

2 shared conditions · 23 outcomes

Black cohosh is the most popular menopause supplement in North America. D-GRADE for anxiety symptoms (1 study, 28 participants), CRP, blood glucose, cognition, blood flow, and breast density - all showing no effect. Some studies suggest benefits for hot flashes and night sweats, but results are inconsistent and not reflected in graded outcomes. Remifemin is the most studied standardized extract. SAFETY CONCERN: Rare hepatotoxicity cases reported (mechanism unclear). Evidence quality is surprisingly weak given its popularity.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone

2 shared conditions · 15 outcomes

7,8-DHF is a natural flavonoid which can reach the brain and activate a receptor (TrkB) that promotes neuronal growth. Some animal evidence suggests that 7,8-DHF may have some cognitive and motor benefits and may be nootropic, but no human evidence for these claims exists to date.

ZMA

1 shared condition · 5 outcomes

ZMA is a patented combination of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Marketed for testosterone and athletic performance. REALITY: Independent studies (not funded by patent holder) show NO testosterone or performance benefits in non-deficient individuals. Original testosterone study was funded by patent holder and not replicated. ZMA only benefits those DEFICIENT in zinc or magnesium. Just buy zinc and magnesium separately for less money.

Whey Protein

1 shared condition · 197 outcomes

Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

1 shared condition · 10 outcomes

Vitamin K2 MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2, derived from natto (fermented soybeans). Unlike vitamin K1, MK-7 has a long half-life allowing it to reach extrahepatic tissues including bone and vasculature. Clinical trials demonstrate benefits for osteocalcin carboxylation, bone mineral density preservation in postmenopausal women, and arterial stiffness reduction. MK-7 activates proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) that direct calcium to bones and away from arteries.

Vitamin K

1 shared condition · 78 outcomes

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in blood coagulation, bone metabolism, and vascular health. Vitamin K1 is found in many leafy greens and soy, while vitamin K2 is found in meat and fermented foods and is synthesized by intestinal bacteria. Supplementation with vitamin K improves markers of bone health, and vitamin K is administered to newborns to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Vitamin D

1 shared condition · 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.