Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is your opinion on IP6? I've been hearing good things about its effect on cellular health. Thanks.

Research is certainly interesting, however, I have yet to see any studies published that measured various outcomes after giving IP-6 to human subjects. Until then, it is very difficult to make a judgment call. There are some concerns about the possibility of IP-6 causing

(1) increased risk of bleeding in anyone taking a blood thinning medication or having low platelet counts

(2) iron deficiency anemia by decreasing iron absorption from the GI tract

(3) decreased calcium absorption, of particular concern if you are at risk for osteoporosis (source: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database).

The natural components that form the basis for this supplement are contained in foods like whole grains, particularly brown rice and other plant foods like whole grain cereals, nuts, and legumes.

I don't take it.

posted 2/04

Top

Back to Main QandA Page Herbs and other Dietary Supplements Can herbs interact with any of the chemotherapy drugs? posted 4/01, updated 9/02 Is the herbal product Amrit® safe to take during chemotherapy? posted 9/02 Did you use Essiac tea? There seems to be so much confusing and conflicting information available about this. Can you steer me to some reliable information? posted 8/02, updated 1/05 Do you know anything about the recalls of the herbal products SPES™ and PC-SPES™, both made by BotanicLabs? posted 6/02 Which herbs might cause problems with blood clotting? updated 8/03, 1/04 Can you tell me if a product called Sun Soup is useful for patients with lung cancer? posted 1/03, 4/04, 1/05 What is your opinion on IP6? I've been hearing good things about its effect on cellular health. posted 2/04 Should I drink wheatgrass juice to help fight my cancer?posted 2/04

Top

These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.