IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate) (Inositol Hexaphosphate (Phytic Acid/IP6)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 192 participants, researched for Cancer Support & Immune Function, Iron Chelation & Mineral Interactions, Antioxidant & Metabolic Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cancer Support & Immune Function
ModerateIron Chelation & Mineral Interactions
ModerateAntioxidant & Metabolic Effects
ModerateKidney Stone Prevention
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cancer Support & Immune Function
To evaluate the efficacy of IP6 + inositol in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Study Type
Prospective, randomized, pilot clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of IP6 + inositol in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Dose
IP6 + inositol (oral supplementation during chemotherapy)
Participants
14 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer (same stage, randomized to IP6+inositol or placebo)
Duration
6 months (2005-2007)
Results
IP6 + inositol group showed significantly better quality of life (p=0.05) and functional status (p=0.0003). No cytopenia or drops in leukocyte/platelet counts in treatment group. Valuable help in ameliorating chemotherapy side effects.
How They Measured It
Quality of life assessment, functional status, leukocyte counts, platelet counts, red blood cell counts, tumor markers
To document the outcome of IP6+inositol treatment in a patient with stage IV melanoma who declined conventional therapy.
Study Type
Case report
Purpose
To document the outcome of IP6+inositol treatment in a patient with stage IV melanoma who declined conventional therapy.
Dose
Over-the-counter IP6+inositol supplement
Participants
1 patient with metastatic stage IV melanoma
Duration
3+ years follow-up
Results
Patient achieved complete remission from stage IV melanoma and remained in remission for 3 years after initiating IP6+inositol treatment. Authors recommended further research into antiproliferative and immune-stimulating effects.
How They Measured It
Tumor response assessment, remission status monitoring
To evaluate the effect of IP6 on human normal and leukaemic haematopoietic cells.
Study Type
In vitro study with human cells
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of IP6 on human normal and leukaemic haematopoietic cells.
Dose
Various IP6 concentrations (in vitro)
Participants
Human leukemic cell lines and fresh CML progenitor cells from patients vs normal bone marrow specimens
Duration
In vitro study
Results
IP6 showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on all leukemic cell lines. Significantly inhibited CFU-GM formation in CML samples (p=0.0062) while not affecting normal bone marrow cells. Selective anticancer activity demonstrated.
How They Measured It
Cytotoxicity assays, cell cycle analysis, cDNA microarray, colony-forming unit assays (CFU-GM)
Iron Chelation & Mineral Interactions
To determine how inositol phosphates with different numbers of phosphate groups influence iron absorption in humans.
Study Type
Controlled human experimental study (5 experiments)
Purpose
To determine how inositol phosphates with different numbers of phosphate groups influence iron absorption in humans.
Dose
10-20 mg phosphorus as IP3, IP4, IP5, or IP6 added to single meals
Participants
8-11 subjects per experiment (5 experiments total)
Duration
Single meal studies
Results
IP5 reduced iron absorption by 39%. IP3 and IP4 alone had no significant effect. Combined IP3+IP4 in food matrix reduced absorption by 54-64%. IP6 is a potent inhibitor of iron absorption.
How They Measured It
Iron absorption measured via extrinsic isotopic labeling (55Fe and 59Fe) with whole-body retention and erythrocyte uptake
To characterize the oral absorption and renal excretion profile of IP6 (phytate) in humans.
Study Type
Pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers
Purpose
To characterize the oral absorption and renal excretion profile of IP6 (phytate) in humans.
Dose
Single dose of IP6 from three different commercial sources
Participants
7 healthy volunteers
Duration
16 days to reach normal levels on normal diet
Results
Plasma IP6 was significantly lower during restriction (0.07 mg/L) vs normal diet (0.26 mg/L). Peak plasma concentration occurred 4h after ingestion. Similar renal excretion profiles across sources. Normal levels reached within 16 days on normal diet.
How They Measured It
Plasma IP6 levels, urinary IP6 excretion, comparison across different commercial sources
Antioxidant & Metabolic Effects
To evaluate whether IP6 (phytate) supplementation decreases formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Study Type
Randomized crossover trial
Purpose
To evaluate whether IP6 (phytate) supplementation decreases formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Dose
Daily IP6 (phytate) supplements
Participants
33 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Duration
3 months
Results
IP6 supplementation resulted in lower levels of circulating AGEs and HbA1c (3.8% decline). First report showing IP6 inhibits protein glycation in T2DM patients. Good tolerance with no serious adverse events or dropouts.
How They Measured It
Circulating AGE levels, HbA1c, tolerability assessment
Kidney Stone Prevention
To evaluate the role of phytate (IP6) as a crystallization inhibitor in biological fluids for renal lithiasis prevention.
Study Type
Review of clinical and experimental evidence
Purpose
To evaluate the role of phytate (IP6) as a crystallization inhibitor in biological fluids for renal lithiasis prevention.
Dose
Various (dietary and supplemental phytate)
Participants
Review of multiple studies
Duration
Various
Results
IP6 demonstrated extraordinary capacity to inhibit crystallization of calcium salts (oxalate and phosphate). Positioned as a clear alternative in the treatment of calcium oxalate renal lithiasis. Higher dietary phytate intake linked to lower kidney stone risk in large prospective cohorts.
How They Measured It
In vitro crystallization assays, in vivo experiments, clinical outcome reviews
To comprehensively review the role of IP6 in bone health and disease, including kidney stone prevention and osteoporosis.
Study Type
Review article
Purpose
To comprehensively review the role of IP6 in bone health and disease, including kidney stone prevention and osteoporosis.
Dose
Various (380 mg/day IP6 in one referenced clinical study; >307 mg/day associated with normal BMD in cross-sectional study)
Participants
Review of multiple studies including human cross-sectional data on postmenopausal women
Duration
Various
Results
IP6 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and hydroxyapatite dissolution (similar to alendronate). Cross-sectional data showed BMD of lumbar spine increased with phytate consumption >307 mg/day. IP6 supplementation (380 mg/day for 3 months) improved bone markers in patients with osteopenia.
How They Measured It
Review of in vitro, animal, and human clinical data on IP6 and bone/calcification outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate) research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate) (Inositol Hexaphosphate (Phytic Acid/IP6)), involving 192 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant, Immune support, Iron chelation. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate) has been researched for: Antioxidant, Immune support, Iron chelation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
