Inositol is a B vitamin, and Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP₆) is a phosphorylated version of it, with six phosphates attached. IP₆ is also called Phytic Acid or Phytate.

IP₆ is a naturally occurring substance found in grains, especially corn, and in legumes. It has several special qualities but one of the most interesting is its effect as an anti-cancer agent.

Inositol helps regulate cell division. It has a modulation effect which means that although it has no effect on normal cells, it stops the reproduction of cells which are multiplying too fast, such as cancer cells. It also forces the cells to mature and differentiate. Most cancer cells are immature, unspecialized cells that multiply indefinitely. Inositol can stop this. Actually, it is a phosphorylated Inositol that does the trick. Inositol Phosphate comes in six varieties from IP₁ to IP₆. IP₃ is perhaps the most active in regulating cell division, but the exact function of each IP is not known. Inositol is synergistic with IP₆ because as phosphates are stripped from the hexaphosphate they are taken up by Inositol, recycling the process.

IP₆ is the substance in fiber that prevents colon cancer. Also, studies in Finland show that eating a high fat diet along with a diet rich in this substance yields a much lower incidence of cancer (such as breast cancer), than countries such as the USA with less fat consumption. Inositol Hexaphosphate is among the most powerful cancer prevention substances known, even more so than Green Tea.

Inositol and its phosphate forms can also combine to defeat cancer that has already occurred. Malignant cells instantly absorb these nutrients, which can persuade them to convert to normal cells. Tumors given these nutrients tend to shrink and disappear. Regular chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and adds a toxic load onto the body as it attempts to clear cellular debris. Inositol and IP₆ do not do this. Chemotherapy (intentionally) dampens the immune system. IP₆ boosts the immune system, especially the Natural Killer (NK) cells that attack cancer. Cancer cells can become resistant to chemotherapy drugs. They cannot become resistant to the Inositol derivatives. IP₆ increases the activity of the tumor suppressor gene, P53 by seventeen fold. The P53 gene is reponsible for inhibiting the pathway that allows normal cells to become cancerous.

IP₆ has been used against a wide variety of cancers. Blood based cancers such as leukemia are the most sensitive, with solid tumors needing a larger dose. Most studies at this point have used either animals or human cancer cells in vitro (in a test tube). As an example, adding IP₆ to human liver cancer cells resulted in complete inhibition of tumors. Human liver cancer cells injected into mice resulted in 71% tumors. Cells pretreated with IP₆ resulted in no tumors. Pre-existing liver cancers regressed. In another study with Rhabdomyosarcoma, tumors were suppressed from 25 to 49 fold.

IP₆ and Inositol have other properties, too. They are strong antioxidants. IP₆ is also strongly anti-inflammatory. Asbestos given to rats resulted in lung inflammation and fibrosis. IP₆ reduced this by from 6 to 30 fold.

IP₆ reduces the incidence of kidney stones in those prone to them.

It is also useful in cardiovascular disease. IP₆ inhibited platelet aggregation (stickiness) by 45% in rats. Platelet aggregation causes blood clots which cause heart attacks and stroke. Other studies with animals showed cholesterol lowered by 19% and triglycerides by 65% when IP6 was added to their chow.

IP₆ inhibits hemoglobin S, the agent that is responsible for sickle cell anemia. This is the only known substance which affects the source of sickle cell anemia.

Inositol prevents fatty liver, prevents and treats the neural complications of diabetes, is an antidepressant (at high doses) and helps obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks (also at high doses).

IP₆ is nontoxic. However, phytates are known to interfere with the absorption of zinc. For that reason, I suggest taking 15mg to 30mg of zinc with it. If you supplement for an extended time, blood mineral testing is also warranted (ideally, RBC minerals; serum zinc at a minimum).

The effects of IP₆ are dose dependent. For daily prevention, 1 or 2 capsules (500mg each) per day is sufficient. Those at high risk for cancer, fatty liver, kidney stones, etc. should take from 2 to 4 per day in two divided doses. Anyone with an active case of cancer should take from 5 to 8 capsules per day in two divided doses. Doses should be taken on an empty stomach.

I recommend Jarrow's IP6, Inositol Hexaphosphate 500mg caps. For Zinc, I like Thorne's Zinc Picolinate, 15mg caps.