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What Is IP6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate)?
Jan 29, 2014
Brian D. Lawenda, M.D.Inositol hexaphosphate (“IP6”, “myo-inositol hexaphosphate” or “phytic acid”) is a natural carbohydrate molecule present in most plant and animal cells. You get this stuff in your diet mainly from eating cereals, grains, legumes and meat. Your body can also make IP6 from inositol.
It is known to be involved in regulating numerous intracellular functions, such as signal transduction, cell growth and differentiation, platelet function and cholesterol metabolism.
Anticancer Activity of IP6 (and Inositol):
Animal and cell studies have reported that IP6 is effective in cancer prevention and control of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Its
anticancer activity likely involves IP6’s immune stimulatory, potent antioxidant and antiangiogenic effects.
Researchers have also discovered that when IP6 is combined with inositol, there is a significant synergistic effect against a variety of cancer types in cell and animal studies (i.e. colon, breast, lung, etc.) that far exceeds the anticancer activity of the individual compounds alone.
Studies performed on breast cancer cells have demonstrated increased efficacy of two commonly used breast cancer drugs (doxorubicin and tamoxifen) when combined with IP6. What I find most interesting was that the authors reported that this anticancer effect was particularly effective against estrogen receptor-negative and doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells.
Unfortunately, we don’t have any studies actually done in patients to examine if the anticancer activity found in cancer cells and in animal studies is relevant clinically in humans.
The best (albeit very small) clinical
study I found looked at the use of IP6 and inositol versus placebo in breast cancer patients receiving 6-months of chemotherapy. The authors reported significantly higher quality of life (50% less symptoms) and protection against white blood cell and red blood cell decreases in the patients receiving the IP6 and inositol versus those who received the placebo.
Dosing Used In This Study:
Dose: IP6 + Inositol powder (3 grams given twice-per-day for 6-months)
The authors stated that this dose was likely too low to see any anticancer activity as the effective dose levels used in animal studies extrapolated to humans would be higher. They wrote:
“Extrapolated from animal data, in the absence of a dose-determination study in humans, the recommended prophylactic dosage of IP6 + Inositol is 1-2 g/day and a cancer therapeutic dosage is 8-12 g/day [
ref]. Even though our dosage was low, its efficacy to diminish the side effects of chemotherapy was significant. Recent phase I study of inositol for lung cancer chemoprevention showed that in a daily dose of 18 g for 3 months, inositol was safe and well tolerated [
ref].”
Precautions:
IP6 has anti-platelet activity, so it may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other anticoagulants or anti-platelet drugs.
IP6 can also bind with calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc in the stomach and reduce their absorption.
As always, discuss your use of any supplement with your physicians before taking them.
Dr. Lawenda’s Bottom Line:
In the absence of any high quality, large-scale studies the data is not strong enough at this time to say definitively whether IP6 is beneficial for having any anticancer activity in humans. As we all know, it is very common to see promising anticancer activity from many proposed cancer therapies in preclinical studies that after being put to the test in confirmatory human studies simply don’t work. I remain cautiously optimistic on the potential anticancer effects of IP6.
Additionally, the data showing IP6’s ability to support quality of life during cancer treatment comes from a limited number of very small and underpowered studies and case reports. We need to await larger confirmatory studies to know if IP6 has these beneficial effects as well.
All that being said, since the side effect profile of IP6 is very low (see precautions above), there is no major downside for those of you who want to give it a try.
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Source
IP6 is associated with
dietary fiber and thus is naturally present in a wide variety of plant foods, especially wheat bran, whole grains and legumes. The average dietary intake ranges from 1-1.5gm of phytate per day.
Inositol is a B-vitamin and its derivative, IP6 is a natural component of some grain and legumes, particularly soybeans. We naturally can increase our intake of IP6 by consuming the outer layer of grains (rice, wheat, rye), but soybean seed is the best source with its whole seed (bean) containing up to 26% of IP6.
IP6 is available without prescription in most health food stores. It is supplied in 500mg (½gm) capsules and is made by several manufacturers.
Function; Why it is Recommended
IP6 is a premier
antioxidant.
Research has shown that IP6 can help prevent
kidney stone formation, complications of diabetes (i.e.
cataracts,
renal damage),
lung fibrosis,
fatty liver disease, sickle cell anemia, heart disease, high
cholesterol and high
triglycerides. It is
calcium binding, thus preventing formation of the most common type of kidney stone (calcium oxalate). Its
antioxidant and
ironbuilding properties inhibit the progression of lung fibrosis in asbestosis.
Although used primarily by the community of Alternative Medical Doctors and some open-minded orthodox
oncologists (medical cancer doctors) because it suppresses almost all types of cancer, it has some other fantastic benefits for longevity.
Independently, IP6 regulates the oxygen capacity of our
red blood cells; it reduces both
cholesterol and
triglycerides, as well as preventing heart damage during a heart attack.
In
diabetes cases, it not only improves
insulin sensitivity, but also decreases complications.
In preliminary studies, IP6 prevents
depression and may work adjunctively in
schizophrenia. The all-important function of enhancing of our immune system, by increasing the activity of our natural killer (NK) cells, may make IP6 the 'aspirin' of the future.
Instructions
When IP6 is recommended, the dose is 2-8gm daily, which should be taken on an empty stomach to avoid interaction with dietary proteins. Consider taking supplemental
inositol with IP6 because additional unbound inositol multiplies its therapeutic activity.
Specifically, the normal recommend dosage is 1-2gm per day, taken between meals twice a day to avoid its interaction with protein in the diet. For individuals with a high risk of cancer,
cardiovascular disease,
kidney stones, etc., 2-4gm per day. Finally, to help existing cancer, 5-8gm per day.
Side-Effects
IP6 is "as safe as water". However, caution is advised when using IP6 supplementally for an extended period. Phytate in foods reduces mineral absorption, especially
iron. Supplemental phytate (IP6) will further contribute to this potential problem and thus additional mineral supplementation may be required.
IP6 - Inositol Hexaphosphate can help with the following:
Immunity
Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)IP6 – found in brown rice and corn and extracted as a commercial product – promotes NK function and thus helps balance a
TH2 dominant immune system.
