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IP-6

Uses

IP-6 is a naturally occurring component of plant fiber.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Kidney Stones
120 mg daily
IP-6 (inositol hexaphosphate, also called phytic acid) reduces urinary calcium levels and may reduce the risk of forming a kidney stone.

(inositol hexaphosphate, also called phytic acid) reduces urinary calcium levels and may reduce the risk of forming a kidney stone. In one trial, 120 mg per day of IP-6 for 15 days significantly reduced the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine of people with a history of kidney stone formation.

How It Works

How to Use It

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.

Where to Find It

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.

Possible Deficiencies

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

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

Phytate in foods has been associated with reduced mineral absorption.1 In particular, significant interference with iron absorption has been reported.2 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.

References

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

2. 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.

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