Function:
D-pinitol is a form of pinitol, a naturally-occurring compound found in certain plants, trees and foods, such as soy. Studies show that it has insulin-like effects, driving creatine and other nutrients into muscle cells. This is thought to accelerate muscle growth and improve recovery by forcing more nutrients into the muscles.
D-pinitol is a natural methyl-inositol extracted from natural sources. As demonstrated in a series of well-controlled studies at St. John's University in New York, it promotes glucose transport and glycogen synthesis, making it a very attractive supplement for the serious athlete or weekend warrior looking for increased energy and endurance.
D-pinitol is very popular with people who want to use creatine, but don't want the extra calories and sugar contained in many creatine-based supplements. In a trial completed at Arkansas State University, researchers examined whether co-ingestion of D-pinitol with creatine affects whole body creatine retention. The results show that D-Pinitol increases whole body creatine retention to the same extent as high levels of carbohydrate or carbohydrate and protein.
