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Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a compound made of phosphate and the natural vitamin-like carbohydrate called Inositol.
Inositol is a name used to denote all nine of the stereoisomers of this compound. These are chemical compounds that share the exact same molecular structure, yet differ in respect to the spatial atomic arrangement. The most commonly occurring form is called myo-inositol.
Inositol hexaphosphate (also known as IP6, myo-inositol hexaphosphate, inositol hexakisphosphate, and phytic acid) is a naturally occurring phosphorylated form of inositol that is found in almost all animal and plant cells.
Potential IP6 benefits for human health are numerous and significant. Humans and all other DNA-based organisms, including algae and plants, utilize inositol for a number of vital biological purposes.
Inositol is a primary constituent necessary for the formation of the phospholipid bilayers that constitute cellular membranes. We require Inositol to maintain the structural integrity of our cells.
Inositol hexaphosphate benefits have been undergoing research since 1985. IP6 has been shown to be effective at preventing and treating various forms of cancer in in vitro models as well as animal tests. However, there have not yet been any human trials conducted.
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Weight Loss- Supports brain & liver health
- Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
- Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss
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The list of possible IP6 benefits is long.
Inositol hexaphosphate is believed to be effective for improving conditions ranging from cancer to PCOS, from depression to kidney stones.
All inositol stereoisomers are natural substances, but there has been limited research funding into the effects of IP6. For this reason alone, there is no conclusive clinical proof about the health benefits of IP6, or many other inositol derivatives.
However, animal trials provide promising initial results and many users credit this supplement with significant health-boosting properties.
Anticancer Properties of IP6
Animal tests addressing the effectiveness of IP6 for cancer have delivered positive results. Breast, prostate, lung, liver, blood, and rectal cancers have all shown significant regression levels when IP6 is administered. In vitro animal cell studies have also shown that IP6 is effective at regulating the development, progression, and metastasizing of tumors.
It is thought that Inositol hexaphosphate has three anti-cancer mechanisms of action: it stimulates the immune system, acts as a powerful antioxidant, and is an anti-angiogenic agent that normalizes the vasculature of tumorous growths.
The most prevalent form of inositol is myo-inositol. It has been discovered that IP6 combined with myo-inositol has a synergistic anticancer effects. This makes the combination therapy far more effective at treating animal cancers than either supplement used alone.
Preliminary in vitro evidence has also been shown that commonly prescribed anticancer drugs, like doxorubicin and tamoxifen, perform better when used in conjunction with IP6 supplementation. This was found to be especially true when used to treat estrogen-receptor-negative and doxorubicin resistant cancer cells in breast tissue.
Again, due to an absence of human tests, these anticancer properties have yet to be validated as to their effects in humans.
Additional IP6 Health Benefits
This supplement has also been shown to improve symptoms of PCOS, reduce symptoms of mood disorders and support cardiovascular health.
Below is a list of some of the positive effects of inositol and IP6 that have been observed in research:
- Helps the body to bind and metabolize calcium and other vital minerals
- Improves the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder in women of childbearing ages
- Improves some symptoms associated with panic disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, schizophrenia and various other mental disorders
- Prevents the formation of kidney stones (calcium oxalate)
- Alleviates some complications of diabetes mellitus, including kidney damage, cataracts and more
- Helps prevent the development and progression of lung fibrosis in asbestosis due to its iron building and strong antioxidant properties
- Lowers LDL cholesterol levels and raises HDL cholesterol levels
- Decreases levels of serum triglycerides
- Prevents heart disease and fatty liver disease
- Inhibits the development of sickle cell anemia
Research on Inositol and IP6 has been very promising. However not many large-scale human trials have been done, and more research is still needed to fully understand the effects these compounds may have on cancers and other diseases and conditions. At this time, the FDA has not approved IP6 as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and it, along with inositol, is only available as a dietary supplement in the US.
Side Effects of IP6
As with all inositol derivatives, inositol hexaphosphate has no known serious side effects. None have ever been observed or reported.
In the rare cases when any side effects at all were reported from IP6 supplementation, they were very mild, and temporary in nature. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness have been occasionally noted.
Inositol is safe for supplementation because it is a natural substance that the body can produce on its own. Because of this, inositol is very well tolerated at even high dosages.
Knowing this, it is still recommended to discuss any new plans for supplementation with your doctor. They can give you valuable information about how much to begin with, how often to use IP6 and other supplements to use with this nutrient.
Additionally, there are some contraindications with IP6, specifically with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, which could hypothetically increase the risk of bleeding. IP6 may also interact with anticoagulant/antiplatlet herbs and supplements, calcium, iron, and zinc.
The possible IP6 benefits for health and mental wellness are numerous. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of this supplement.
The inositol group as a whole is well-researched. It is involved in various processes throughout the body, including regulation of mood, transportation and metabolism of fats, production of insulin and supporting the maintenance of healthy cell membranes. Inositol hexaphosphate and other forms of inositol are considered safe for use with few known side effects or interactions.
Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment