IP6 Immune Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IP6 Enhanced?
IP6 Enhanced is a supplement composed of inositol and Calcium/Magnesium IP6 that is made from rice bran. Inositol is a B vitamin and is also the “I” in IP6. There is debate as to whether calcium/magnesium IP6 should also be considered our newest vitamin, but at this time is not officially a vitamin. In most instances on this website when we refer to IP6, we are in fact referring to calcium/magnesium IP6.
Is IP6 Enhanced Safe?
This rice bran extract is a very safe food based supplement. However, there are two main instances when one should exercise caution and discontinue or lower the dosage. The first is with pregnancy, as it has not been tested specifically with expectant mothers. The second is with patients who are on blood thinners or are expecting to have an operation. This supplement has an inhibitory affect on our platelets, which under normal circumstances is considered a benefit. Please see the safety link for more details.
How much calcium and magnesium are there in IP6 Enhanced?
For every 1000 milligrams of IP6 Enhanced there are approximately 152 milligrams of calcium and 47 milligrams of magnesium. As a rule of thumb you can say that IP6 is 15% calcium and 5% magnesium. With IP6 Enhanced the mineral content can vary by 10 to15% due to the extraction process from rice bran. The milligram numbers above represent 4 calcium and 2 magnesium atoms attached to each molecule of IP6. Some of the molecules may have 5 calcium and only 1 magnesium or they may have 3 of each etc, but overall the average is reported to be 4 calcium and 2 magnesium.
Since the IP6 molecule is a natural chelating agent, do I need to worry about losing calcium?
No, if anything IP6 Enhanced delivers far more calcium and magnesium than it can remove. Each molecule of IP6 used in the formula contains a combination of 6 calcium and magnesium, which on average have 4 calcium and 2 magnesium. Even at conservative estimates, the supplement would supply 33 times more calcium than it can remove.
Why is inositol added to IP6 in the same formula?
They are combined because the two molecules are similar and complement each other’s functions in several areas of our physiology. The combination of the two has been proven to provide a more powerful immune response than either molecule alone. In addition the molecule inositol triphosphate or IP3 is known to promote and regulate healthy cell growth and division. By combining inositol with IP6, we can double the potential IP3 content.
What about dosage?
For a healthy adult 3 to 4 capsules is a typical recommended dosage. Up to 8.8 grams or approx 14 capsules of IP6 were used safely for 2 years with no side affects. Up to 50 grams or 50,000 milligrams daily of straight inositol did not produce any unwanted affects. The question becomes; can one take more than 8.8 grams safely? The answer is uncertain, because this hasn’t been evaluated clinically. Please see the Safety chapter for more details.
Is IP6 Enhanced best taken with food or on an empty stomach?
The difference between the two scenarios would be the amount absorbed. On an empty stomach you can expect a slightly higher absorbency rate.