 |
 |
 |
|
Alternative Names: Also called Phytic Acid and InsP6.
Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) has, in research since 1985, inhibited the onset and progression of cancers in animals, but supportive research in humans is lacking. All research suggesting beneficial effects from taking IP6 involve animals and not humans. It is not known whether IP6 would be useful for the treatment of human disease or, if so, what would be the optimal amount.
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; Reasons For Use
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 oxibate). Its antioxidant and iron building 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 trigylcerides, 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.
Directions
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:
KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cataract (Cataracts)
A steadily worsening disease of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy as a result of the precipitation of proteins. Most cataracts are caused by the functions of the body breaking down. Eye trauma, such as from a puncture wound, may also result in cataracts.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Dietary Fiber (Insoluble Fiber, Insoluble Fibers, Soluble Fiber, Soluble Fibers)
There are two types of dietary fiber - soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber acts like a sponge; it absorbs water and moves solid waste out of the intestines. It is found mainly in whole grains and on the outside of seeds, fruits, and legumes. Soluble fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, brown rice, barley, oats and oat bran. It forms a gel when mixed with liquid producing a softer stool. It also prevents and reduces the absorption of certain substances from the intestines into the bloodstream.
Fatty Liver
Accumulation of triglycerides in the liver.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Inositol
Usually considered part of the vitamin B complex. It is thought that along with choline, inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin within the body. Involved in calcium mobilization.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
IP6
Inositol Hexaphosphate.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Kidney Stone (Kidney Gravel, Kidney Stones)
A stone (concretion) in the kidney. If the stone is large enough to block the tube (ureter) and stop the flow of urine from the kidney, it must be removed by surgery or other methods. Also called Renal Calculus. Symptoms usually begin with intense waves of pain as a stone moves in the urinary tract. Typically, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. Later, pain may spread to the groin. The pain may continue if the stone is too large to pass; blood may appear in the urine and there may be the need to urinate more often or a burning sensation during urination. If fever and chills accompany any of these symptoms, an infection may be present and a doctor should be seen immediately.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Natural Killer Cells (NK, NK Cells)
An important first line of defense against newly arising malignant cells and cells infected with viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. They form a distinct group of lymphocytes with no immunological memory and are independent of the adaptive immune system. Natural Killer Cells constitute 5 to 16% of the total lymphocyte population. Their specific function is to kill infected and cancerous cells.
Oncologist (Oncologists)
A person with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte, Erythrocytes, RBC, Red Blood Cells)
Any of the hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and are responsible for the red color of blood.
Schizophrenia
Any of a group of psychotic disorders usually characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioral, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, other biological, and psychosocial factors.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Triglyceride (Triglycerides)
The main form of fat found in foods and the human body. Containing three fatty acids and one unit of glycerol, triglycerides are stored in adipose cells in the body, which, when broken down, release fatty acids into the blood. Triglycerides are fat storage molecules and are the major lipid component of the diet.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
|
 |
|
|
