In this post, I explore the use of inositol hexaphosphate for MCAS. Inositol hexaphosphate is also known as IP-6, and it has mast cell mediating properties.
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Table of Contents
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. MCAS is serious and disabling and people with MCAS often experience significant and debilitating symptoms daily, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.MCAS is often found in combination with other chronic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Frequently healthcare providers do not know about MCAS, and the tests for MCAS are problematic because they are not uniformly reliable. MCAS can be difficult to manage. Treatments include blocking mast cell mediators with anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers and avoiding triggers.
Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
What is inositol hexaphosphate?
IP-6, or inositol hexaphosphate, is a vitamin-like carbohydrate substance found in humans, animals, and many plants, especially cereals, nuts, and legumes. It can also be synthesized in a laboratory. IP-6 performs important messenger roles and affects numerous cellular processes. It is marketed as a supplement to support natural cellular defense. Lab studies suggest anticancer and antiangiogenic effects. It is also used for anemia and diabetes, and in manufacturing, IP-6 is added to food to keep it from spoiling.
My experience with IP-6
Some of my mast cell activation syndrome triggers are sulfur and oxalate dysregulation, so my functional provider recommended that I try IP-6. IP-6 regulates mast cells in several ways and has a beneficial impact on sulfur, oxalate, and uric acid metabolism. His recommendation was to start with 250 mg once a day on an empty stomach and work up to 2000 mg per day.
I tried starting with 250 mg and had severe wakefulness and depression. Then I started over with just 1/32 tsp. of a powdered version (75 mg) and I slowly increased my dose over several months. I eventually landed on a beneficial dose of 300 mg once in the morning on an empty stomach. If I take IP-6 in the evening I don’t sleep, and if I take more than 300 mg I get severe wakefulness and depression. IP-6 is helping with my oxalate and sulfur issues, so I will continue taking it, though it is a bit inconvenient taking it in powder form because it must be measured each time, first thing in the morning, and shaken in a jar of water, when I’m not fully awake.
My functional provider recommends Pure Encapsulations IP-6. I am taking this powdered form of IP-6.
How does IP-6 work?
IP-6 is also an antioxidant and it might help treat and prevent cancer by slowing down the production of cancer cells. It might also bind to certain minerals, decreasing the risk of colon cancer.
Why IP-6 helps MCAS?
For those patients with MCAS IP-6 acts beneficially in several ways.
First of all, IP-6 is immunoregulatory. This source discusses how IP-6 is immunoregulatory and chemoprotective by acting on various growth factors in the body.
Secondly, my functional provider and others believe that IP-6 is a mast cell mediator. This source discusses how inositol-biphosphate and inositol-triphosphate are mast cell mediators. Though these studies focus on versions of inositol with fewer phosphate atoms per molecule, the expectation is that IP-6, with six phosphates per molecule, would behave in similar mast cell mediating ways.
Third, many people with MCAS also have issues with oxalates, and IP-6 has been shown to inhibit oxalates. – source I have found IP-6 helpful for gout, which for me is caused by having a dysregulated sulfur cycle.
And finally, IP-6 has also been shown to regulate blood sugar. – source Another of my mast cell activation triggers is blood sugar fluctuations, and I’ve found IP-6 helpful for this as well.
Basically, IP-6 helps keep my bucket less full so that mast cell activity is less likely to occur.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory offers a helpful analogy for understanding symptom reactions with MCAS.
Think of your body as an empty bucket you want to keep from overflowing. Different foods and activities fill your histamine bucket at different speeds but they combine to form the total level of histamine in your body (how full your bucket is). A fuller bucket means you have more histamine symptoms. When you manage triggers, reduce exposure to known triggers, and take medications and supplements to reduce histamine, you can manage the level of your bucket.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. In this post, I discuss how to determine your symptom progression. Once you know what typically happens in your symptom progression you can design a rescue plan to address those symptoms.
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Do your research
Though I have not found any contraindications for using inositol hexaphosphate for MCAS it’s up to you to do your research and check with your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement regimen.
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This 240-page book chronicles Betsy’s journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
All preorder books will be signed by Betsy and shipped by December 15, 2024.
Preorder my book!
Rocks and Roots: Solo Backpacking My Way to Health on the Superior Hiking Trail
This 240-page book chronicles Betsy’s journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
All preorder books will be signed by Betsy and shipped by December 15, 2024.
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Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
