The 28-amino-acid neuropeptide used in Ritchie Shoemaker’s CIRS protocols — powerful anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and autonomic regulator for chronic inflammatory illness.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28 amino acid neuropeptide naturally produced in the gut, brain, and peripheral nerves. It’s a member of the secretin/glucagon family and functions as a potent anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and autonomic regulator.
In peptide therapy, VIP is most associated with Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) protocol for mold illness, Lyme, and post-infectious chronic inflammation. It’s also used off-label for dysautonomia, POTS, mast cell activation, and autonomic dysfunction.
Not FDA approved. Not WADA prohibited. Available as research chemical in injectable and nasal spray formulations.
Strong inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) while supporting anti-inflammatory IL-10. Shifts Th1/Th17 drive toward Th2/Treg regulatory tone.
Activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors throughout the nervous system. Helps normalize vasomotor tone and parasympathetic/sympathetic balance — directly relevant to POTS and dysautonomia.
Shoemaker’s CIRS research: VIP supplementation restores α-MSH levels and downstream hormonal cascade that becomes suppressed in chronic biotoxin exposure.
Significant vasodilator and bronchodilator. Has been investigated in pulmonary hypertension, asthma, and COPD contexts.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| CIRS / mold illness | Shoemaker program: symptom reduction and biomarker normalization in verified CIRS patients after Step 12 (VIP) of the protocol |
| Dysautonomia / POTS | User-reported improvements in orthostatic tolerance, heart rate regulation, and autonomic symptoms |
| Chronic inflammation | Broad anti-inflammatory via cytokine shift; useful adjunct in autoimmune protocols |
| Cognitive / brain fog | Improvement common as neuroinflammation resolves |
| Mast cell activation | Reduced mast cell reactivity; complementary to KPV |
Most compelling when used within a structured CIRS protocol under medical supervision rather than as a standalone "try it and see" peptide.
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Start Tracking FreeThis 50 mcg × 4/day regimen is derived from Shoemaker’s CIRS clinical protocol, not from peer-reviewed RCT data — no published clinical trial has validated intranasal VIP at this dose for CIRS or any other indication. The protocol also requires prior completion of Steps 1–11 (MARCoNS clearance, VCS testing, cholestyramine binder, etc.). Starting VIP on an unstabilized patient can worsen symptoms.
Less common than intranasal; used when nasal route is not feasible. Note: there is no peer-reviewed literature establishing subcutaneous VIP dosing — this range is clinician-protocol experience only. Specialist oversight is strongly recommended.
VIP can cause intense symptoms if started at full dose in inflammatory conditions. Begin with 25 mcg (half-spray) 1×/day and titrate up over 2 weeks to assess tolerance. If symptoms worsen, reduce or pause.
5 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL. Standard nasal pump delivers ~50 μL per spray = 50 mcg per spray at this concentration.
For 50 mcg: 1 spray. For 100 mcg: 2 sprays (1 per nostril). Alternating nostrils is gentler than repeat sprays on one side.
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The "avoid with active cancer" warning is not a boilerplate caveat. VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (VIP’s primary targets) are overexpressed on breast, lung, prostate, CNS, and neuroblastoma tumor cell lines (PMID 26702849, and broader oncology literature). Exogenous VIP may promote tumor proliferation and survival signaling in those tissues. Do not use VIP if you have any active malignancy or recent cancer history without oncologist sign-off.
VIP is a specialty protocol peptide, not a general-purpose anti-inflammatory. Best used under the guidance of a practitioner trained in CIRS or integrative medicine.
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Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
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