IP-6

Also indexed as: Inositol Hexaphosphate, Phytate, Phytic Acid

What does it do? IP-6 is a naturally occurring component of plant fiber that may possess antioxidant,1 anticancer,2 and other beneficial properties. For example, animal studies have shown that supplementation with large amounts of IP-6 provides substantial protection against colon cancer3 and possibly breast cancer.4 5 In one of these studies, the effect of pure IP-6 was significant, while an equivalent amount given as a wheat-bran breakfast cereal was not.6 However, while some animals are able to digest and/or absorb IP-6, it is not known whether humans can.7 This uncertainty limits the applicability of the animal research to humans, except possibly for colon cancer prevention, which may not depend on absorption. Unfortunately, human research to date has not found an association between higher levels of dietary IP-6 in the colon and reduced indicators of colon cancer risk.8 Injections of IP-6 used to treat cancerous tumors in mice have been shown to cause partial regression of these tumors.9

IP-6 may have a beneficial effect on blood sugar control, similar to the effect of many dietary fibers.10 However, no studies have been done to test this effect on people with blood sugar disorders.

Where is it found? IP-6, also known as phytate, is associated with dietary fiber and thus is naturally present in a wide variety of plant foods, especially wheat bran, whole grains, and legumes. Usual dietary intakes range from 1–1.5 grams phytate per day.

IP-6 has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health Concerns
2Stars Kidney stones
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient? While there is no dietary requirement for IP-6, people consuming diets low in dietary fiber and nuts and seeds have the lowest intake.

How much is usually taken? Virtually all research suggesting beneficial effects from taking IP-6 involve animals and not people. It is not known whether IP-6 would be useful for humans or if so, what would be the optimal amount.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Phytate in foods has been associated with reduced mineral absorption.11 In particular, significant interference with iron absorption has been reported.12 People who are iron deficient should talk with a doctor before supplementing with IP-6. Even for those who are not iron deficient, if IP-6 supplements are taken for more than several months and fatigue —a possible symptom of iron deficiency develops, a doctor should be consulted. How much iron supplementation (if any) should be used to counteract the iron-depleting effect of IP-6 varies from person to person, though many people are likely to not require such supplementation.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with IP-6.

References:

1. Graf E, Eaton JW. Antioxidant functions of phytic acid. Free Radic Biol Med 1990;8:61–9 [review].

2. Shamsuddin AM, Vucenik I, Cole KE. IP-6: a novel anticancer agent. Life Sci 1997;61:343–54 [review].

3. Graf E, Eaton JW. Suppression of colonic cancer by dietary phytic acid. Nutr Cancer 1993;19:11–9 [review].

4. Vucenik I, Sakamoto K, Bansal M, et al. Inhibition of rat mammary carcinogenesis by inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid). A pilot study. Cancer Lett 1993;75:95–102.

5. Vucenik I, Yang G, Shamsuddin AM. Comparison of pure inositol hexaphosphate and high-bran diet in the prevention of DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis. Nutr Cancer 1997;28:7–13.

6. Vucenik I, Yang G, Shamsuddin AM. Comparison of pure inositol hexaphosphate and high-bran diet in the prevention of DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis. Nutr Cancer 1997;28:7–13.

7. Harland BF, Morris ER. Phytate: a good or a bad food component? Nutr Res 1995;15:733–54 [review].

8. Owen RW, Weisgerber UM, Spiegelhalder B, et al. Faecal phytic acid and its relation to other putative markers of risk for colorectal cancer. Gut 1996;38:591–7.

9. Vucenik I, Zhang ZS, Shamsuddin AM. IP6 in treatment of liver cancer II. Intra-tumoral injection of IP6 regresses pre-existing human liver cancer xenotransplanted in nude mice. Anticancer Res 1998;18:4091–6.

10. Yoon JH, Thompson LU, Jenkins DJA. The effect of phytic acid on in vitro rate of starch digestibility and blood glucose response. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;38:835–42.

11. Morris ER. Phytate and dietary mineral bioavailability. In Phytic Acid Chemistry and Applications, Graf E (ed). Minneapolis: Pilatus Press, 1986, 57–76 [review].

12. Sandberg A-S, Brune M, Carlsson N-G, et al. Inositol phosphates with different numbers of phosphate groups influence iron absorption in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:240–6.