VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is an endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that reigns as the master regulator of systemic immunity and vascular tone. In elite functional medicine, VIP is the definitive, heavy-artillery intervention for crippling autoimmune cascades, specifically Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) triggered by toxic mold (mycotoxins) or catastrophic severe post-viral syndromes. Deployed primarily via nasal spray, it rapidly arrests systemic cytokine storms, restores severely compromised pulmonary function, and violently reverses neuroinflammation.
Quick Stats
Scientific Data
Mechanism of Action
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid regulatory neuropeptide that acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. It exerts potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects throughout the body.
VIP plays a critical role in pulmonary homeostasis — regulating airway smooth muscle tone, pulmonary arterial pressure, and local immune responses. It has been studied extensively for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS/mold illness), post-COVID immune dysregulation, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). In the Shoemaker CIRS protocol, VIP is administered intranasally as the final restoration step — addressing residual pulmonary inflammation and normalizing inflammatory markers (VEGF, TGF-β1, MMP-9) after upstream biotoxin treatment. VIP also has neuroprotective and circadian-regulatory properties.
Source: PMID: 15271596
Background & History
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide discovered in 1970 by Said and Mutt in porcine intestinal tissue. It functions as both a neurotransmitter and hormone, with receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 distributed throughout the CNS, GI tract, lungs, and immune system. VIP is one of the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory neuropeptides known, with emerging roles in autoimmune disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and chronic inflammatory conditions including MCAS and Long COVID.
Research Use Cases
- ✓Chronic inflammatory conditions: MCAS, CIRS, Long COVID
- ✓Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- ✓Autoimmune regulation: rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's, MS research
- ✓Gastrointestinal motility disorders
- ✓Neuroprotection in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's (preclinical)
Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 50-200 mcg (intranasal) |
| Frequency | 1-2× daily (intranasal) |
| Half-Life | ~2 minutes |
Dosing Protocols
Shoemaker CIRS Protocol
General Immunomodulation
Body-Weight Dosing Reference
Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 50–200 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
| Weight | Low Dose | Target Dose | High Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 lb(54 kg) | 39 mcg | 96 mcg | 154 mcg |
| 140 lb(63 kg) | 45 mcg | 113 mcg | 180 mcg |
| 160 lb(73 kg) | 52 mcg | 130 mcg | 209 mcg |
| 180 lb(82 kg) | 59 mcg | 146 mcg | 234 mcg |
| 200 lb(91 kg) | 65 mcg | 163 mcg | 260 mcg |
| 220 lb(100 kg) | 71 mcg | 179 mcg | 286 mcg |
| 250 lb(113 kg) | 81 mcg | 202 mcg | 323 mcg |
💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the VIP Reconstitution Calculator →
Administration
Expected Timeline
Who Is It For?
CIRS / Mold Illness
ModerateFinal step in Shoemaker protocol. Addresses residual pulmonary inflammation after biotoxin pathway treatment.
Post-COVID Immune Dysregulation
LowStudied for long-COVID inflammatory patterns. Emerging evidence for immunomodulatory benefit.
Pulmonary Hypertension
LowResearch suggests VIP deficiency in pulmonary arterial hypertension. IV VIP trials show promise.
Safety & Considerations
Research peptide used clinically in CIRS protocols. Primarily administered intranasally. May cause transient vasodilation (facial flushing, mild hypotension). Not for use in patients with active diarrhea. Monitor blood pressure with initial doses.
Regulatory & Legal Status
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.
Research Chemical
US Compounding: Not eligible / not available
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.
Interactions & Contraindications
Potent vasodilator — risk of blood pressure drop, especially with concurrent antihypertensive medications. Very short half-life (1-2 min) requires intranasal or continuous IV administration. Compounded intranasal VIP is most common route in CIRS protocols.
Synergies & Common Stacks
VIP provides broad anti-inflammatory signaling; BPC-157 handles specific tissue repair post-inflammation. Comprehensive for inflammatory GI conditions.
VIP modulates the immune system centrally; KPV blocks NF-κB locally. Together address inflammation from systemic and cellular levels.
Dosing Quick Reference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP used for in CIRS?▼
How is VIP administered?▼
References
- Shoemaker RC et al. “"Restoration of inflammatory markers in CIRS with intranasal VIP".” Internal Medicine Review (2017). PMID: 28694751
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