IP₆ (inositol hexaphosphate) is a component of fiber primarily found in whole grains and legumes. It appears that the cancer protective effects of high fiber diets are due to the presence of higher levels of IP₆ in the fiber. However, although IP₆ is found in substantial amounts in the fiber component of whole grains and beans, supplementation with purified IP₆ and the correct amounts of inositol offers several advantages. Firstly, in grains and beans the IP₆ exists primarily as a poorly absorbed form because it is complexed with protein and minerals like calcium, magnesium or potassium to form a salt. Therefore, in its natural state IP₆ is poorly absorbed. Studies have shown that pure IP₆ is significantly more bioavailable than the IP₆ found in whole grains and beans. This action is important as IP₆ exerts significant beneficial effects within cancer cells - turning off their ability to multiply.

None. In the 1950s and 60s, there were some reports that people in Egypt and Iran who eat unleavened bread have deficiency of zinc, magnesium, etc. Since IP₆ [then known as phytic acid] is rich in unleavened bread, the misconception was that IP₆ caused such deficiency. Adding to this was the demonstration that in the test tube inositol hexaphosphoric acid binds with calcium, magnesium, zinc or any other cation to form salt, helping propagate this notion. But IP₆ in nature [in bread or cereals] or as dietary supplement, is the form of calcium-magnesium salt. Thus, not only is there no possibility of IP₆ causing deficiency of these minerals, but if anything, it provides us with them. And, beginning the late 1980s, studies with pure salts of IP₆ by different scientists have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that there is no appreciable change in the mineral status, thereby completely refuting such fallacy.

Finally, even if there was any such deficiency, for example of zinc that causes an alteration in taste sensation, it could be easily corrected by supplementation; for it is a miniscule issue compared to the risk of cancer, heart disease, kidney stone, diabetes etc.

In addition to its antioxidant and immune enhancing effects, IP₆ exerts a number of interesting anticancer actions. Dr. Shamsuddin believes that the central pathway of IP₆ action involves taking control of cell division. Cancer cells are out of control, dividing uncontrollably. What IP₆ does in the cancer cell is literally turns off the switch that is telling the cell to divide. Dr. Shamsuddin and others have shown that IP₆ reduces the rate of cancer cells in both animal and cancer cell studies, by reducing the manufacture of new DNA. Since it does not exert the same inhibition in normal cells, IP₆ is dramatically different from conventional anticancer agents. Chemotherapy drugs, for example, work by literally killing cells rather indiscriminately, and as a result, are quite toxic because they are killing the good as well as the bad. IP₆ is dramatically different because it's helping the cell function normally, without damaging healthy cells.

Dr. Shamsuddin recommends taking a daily dose of 800 - 1,200 mg of IP₆ along with 200 - 300 mg inositol as a general preventative measure. In patients with cancer or at high risk for cancer, Dr. Shamsuddin recommends a dose in the range of 4,800 - 7,200 mg IP₆ along with 1,200 - 1800 mg inositol. This should be taken on an empty stomach. The correct balance of Inositol & Cal Mag IP₆ is contained in the two IP₆ products available through this site or through one of our official outlets.

Studies have shown that this combination can be used with conventional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. In fact, according to Dr. Shamsuddin, Inositol & Cal Mag IP₆ has been shown to potentiate these therapies.

IP₆ is extremely safe, based upon extensive animal testing and human studies. In fact, no side effects have been reported even at higher doses.