VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

What is VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)?

VIP is a 28-amino-acid peptide produced throughout your body — in the gut, lungs, and brain. It is a master regulator of inflammation, immune function, and circadian rhythm. Most people encounter VIP in the context of mould illness (CIRS — Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), where Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker popularised its use as the final step in his mould recovery protocol.

But VIP does far more than just address mould toxicity. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective agent, vasodilator, and immune modulator. It regulates regulatory T-cells (Tregs), reduces pulmonary artery pressure, supports gut barrier integrity, and even modulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus (your master circadian clock).

The biohacking community uses VIP primarily via intranasal delivery for neuroinflammation, brain fog, and post-mould recovery. Some researchers are also investigating it for pulmonary hypertension and COVID-related lung inflammation. It is one of those peptides that touches so many systems that its therapeutic potential seems almost too broad to be real — but the biology supports it.

How Does It Work?

VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors throughout the body. These are G-protein coupled receptors that increase intracellular cAMP. Effects by system:

Immune: Promotes regulatory T-cell differentiation, suppresses Th17 inflammatory responses, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Brain: Neuroprotective against oxidative stress, modulates microglial activation, supports BDNF expression. Gut: Relaxes smooth muscle, increases secretion, supports epithelial barrier function. Lungs: Bronchodilation, reduces pulmonary artery pressure. Circadian: Expressed in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons, helps synchronise circadian rhythm.

What Does The Research Say?

CIRS/Mould: Shoemaker protocol data shows VIP normalises inflammatory markers (TGF-beta, MMP-9, MSH) in CIRS patients after other protocol steps are completed. Not a standalone treatment.

Pulmonary hypertension: Clinical trial data (Aviptadil) shows reduction in pulmonary artery pressure. COVID-19: Emergency use trials showed potential benefit for ARDS.

Neuroinflammation: Animal studies show neuroprotection in various models. Human data is mostly from CIRS protocols and clinical observations. No large RCTs for cognitive/neuroinflammatory indications specifically.

Reported Dosages

Intranasal: 50mcg per nostril, 1-4 times daily (Shoemaker CIRS protocol uses progressive dosing starting at once daily).

Must be compounded by specialty pharmacy.

Requires proper reconstitution and refrigerated storage.

DISCLAIMER: VIP should only be used under medical supervision, ideally after addressing root causes of inflammation. It is not a first-line treatment — Shoemaker uses it as the LAST step in CIRS recovery. Self-administering without proper context is inadvisable.

Side Effects & Risks

Nasal congestion, mild diarrhoea (VIP stimulates intestinal secretion), transient hypotension (it is a vasodilator), occasional headache. Generally well-tolerated when dosed appropriately. Should not be used if active mould exposure is ongoing (addresses downstream inflammation, not the cause).

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