My attention has been mostly elsewhere, with a family need, but I did pick up enough from skimming here the past few days to notice Sol talking about an excess iron problem.
I was just filing something away when I noticed this note I had in the file and thought maybe it would be useful for Sol. If this has already been mentioned here, please just hit 'delete'. Sharon ------------------------------------------- Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6): A search on Medline yielded numerous publications that indicated that IP6 held considerable promise for treating some forms of cancer. How does it function biochemically? It has been found in the blood of birds where its function is to facilitate the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Therefore, the treatment with IP6 would logically work to compensate for the lack of carbon dioxide in the cancer cells and promote the availability of oxygen from hemoglobin. (There is some evidence that it may also act as an oxygen transporter independent of hemoglobin.) It is most interesting to note that its effect on cancer is not to kill the cells, but rather to cause them to revert back to normal cells, as this theory would predict. (David Gregg at Krysalis Sparx) ** (The other option for folks who can't or won't utilize blood withdrawal is using IP6, which is basically purified phytate. Phytates are found in numerous plant foods, and can dramatically lower the rate of iron absorption. However, they can also interfere with the absorption of other minerals, so if you are going to use IP6, it's a good idea to supplement with non-iron minerals, especially magnesium, zinc and calcium. This way, you will preferentially lower iron without causing deleterious changes in your overall mineral status.By the way, don't try lowering your iron using phytates from foods such as soy or whole grain cereals. Do this, and you'll not only be getting phytates, but a whole host of other undesirable anti-nutrients such as lectins, enzyme inhibitors, and glycosides that can interfere with vitamin B6 and vitamin D absorption. In rodent studies, IP6 supplements protect against cancer, but no such protection is seen when the little critters are given an equivalent amount of phytate from cereal grains.In highly active folks, I think IP6 is actually the preferable option. In a typical blood withdrawal, you are giving almost half a liter of blood, which is quite a bit to lose in one hit. If you are in heavy training and lose that much blood, it can really knock you around, which is why blood collection agencies usually advise you to avoid heavy exercise for several days before and after blood withdrawals. However, competitive athletes and serious exercisers may not have the luxury of taking such a break from their training, especially on a regular basis. IP6 allows them to lower their iron levels in a less abrupt and more gradual manner than blood withdrawal.IP6 is something you should take in a cyclic fashion. How much you take and how long you stay on it must be determined by regular blood testing. When I'm using IP6, I take a level teaspoon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Anthony Colpo)
