VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
The neuroimmune peptide for mould illness and CIRS
VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. Central to CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) treatment protocols.
Admin routes
Nasal spray, Subcutaneous
Popularity
Medium
Side effects
Generally mild
AU vendors
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✓Key benefits
📈What to expect
Reduced inflammatory markers in CIRS patients
Improved pulmonary artery pressure; reduced symptoms
Normalisation of VEGF and TGF-β1 levels
Sustained symptom improvement in mould/CIRS protocols
Based on community reports and published research. Individual results vary significantly.
💊Dosing protocols
CIRS protocol (nasal)
50 mcg per spray, 4 sprays daily
Four times daily
30 days minimum, often longer
Immune modulation
50–100 mcg
Once or twice daily
4–8 weeks
Dosing information is sourced from published research and community protocols. This is not a recommendation. Consult a healthcare professional.
Research status|Clinical data available - used in CIRS protocols since 2000s
Overview
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide first isolated from the small intestine in 1970. It functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator throughout the body - found in the gut, brain, lungs, and immune system. VIP gained significant attention through the work of Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, who identified it as a critical marker and treatment target in CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), commonly triggered by mould exposure.
⚙️How it works
Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors distributed throughout the body. In the immune system, it suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) while promoting anti-inflammatory pathways. It regulates pulmonary artery pressure, stabilises mast cells, protects neurons, and modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. In CIRS patients, VIP normalises multiple dysregulated biomarkers including MSH, VEGF, and TGF-β1.
⚡Side effects
📅Research history
VIP first isolated from porcine small intestine by Said and Mutt
Identified as neurotransmitter present throughout brain and nervous system
Dr. Shoemaker integrates VIP into CIRS treatment protocol
Review of VIP's pleiotropic immune functions published
Growing use in functional medicine for mould illness and MCAS
VIP and CIRS/mould illness
CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) is a multi-system inflammatory condition triggered by biotoxins - most commonly from water-damaged buildings (mould). Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's protocol identifies VIP as the final step in treatment, used after other inflammatory markers have been normalised. In CIRS patients, VIP levels are typically low, and replacement therapy has been shown to normalise pulmonary artery pressure, VEGF levels, and inflammatory cytokines.
References
- [1]Delgado M, et al. 'Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a neuropeptide with pleiotropic immune functions.' Amino Acids, 2013.
- [2]Shoemaker RC, et al. 'Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in patients with biotoxin illness.' Clinical Neuroscience Research, 2005.
Frequently asked questions
Related peptides
Need to calculate your dose?
Use our free reconstitution calculator to work out syringe units for VIP.
Open CalculatorDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The dosing protocols listed are sourced from published research and community reports and do not constitute a recommendation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. Australian regulations classify many peptides as Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances. Check current TGA guidelines before purchasing.