VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a naturally occurring 28–amino acid neuropeptide made in the gut, lungs, pancreas and brain, where it plays a powerful regulatory role in blood vessel tone, inflammation, immune signalling and the gut–brain–lung axis. In modern integrative and functional medicine, VIP is most often used under specialist supervision in programs targeting chronic inflammation, CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndromes), biotoxin illness, breathing issues and brain fog. 

It works not by “stimulating” one system in isolation, but by binding to VIP receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) on immune cells, blood vessels and nervous-system tissue, where it can promote vasodilation, shift inflammatory signalling and support more balanced immune responses. 

Clinically, VIP is often brought in later in a protocol once foundational work has been done (for example, addressing exposure triggers, gut health, mast-cell activation, mould/biotoxin treatment and basic nutrient and lifestyle foundations). In that context, VIP is positioned as a regulatory “finishing tool” to help calm residual inflammation, improve oxygen delivery and blood flow, support clearer thinking and energy, and help stabilize the system after a long period of immune and inflammatory stress. 

Improvements can range from breathlessness, chest tightness, exercise tolerance, brain fog and overall quality of life, but responses are individual and depend heavily on the rest of the treatment plan and how thoroughly root causes have been addressed. 

Because VIP directly modulates immune, vascular and neuro-endocrine pathways, it is not a casual wellness peptide. It should only be used when a qualified clinician has completed an appropriate workup, ruled out contraindications (especially around lung and heart function, blood pressure and coagulopathy) and put the peptide into a structured plan with monitoring. Long-term human data are still emerging, and VIP should always be framed as one component of a broader, medically supervised program, not a stand-alone cure for complex inflammatory or neurological conditions.

When used as directed and as part of a comprehensive medical plan, clients commonly use VIP to help support:

Chronic inflammation and CIRS-style presentations

VIP is widely used in protocols for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and related biotoxin-driven illnesses, as a regulatory peptide to help calm persistent inflammatory signalling after other steps have been addressed. 

Breathing, lung and vascular support

As a potent vasodilator and smooth-muscle relaxant, VIP may support better blood flow and respiratory function in selected patients under specialist care, and has been explored in conditions such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension and inflammatory lung disease. 

Brain fog, cognition and energy

By improving perfusion, reducing neuro-inflammatory signalling and modulating the gut–brain axis, VIP is often included where brain fog, fatigue and cognitive “slowness” remain despite prior treatment steps. 

Gut, immune and mast-cell regulation

VIP receptors on immune cells and in the gastrointestinal tract allow it to influence mucosal immunity, barrier function and inflammatory cascades, which is why it shows up in protocols for gut-immune disorders and mast-cell–type presentations. 

Systemic recovery and quality of life

In carefully selected patients, VIP can function as a “fine-tuning” tool aimed at restoring a more normal pattern of blood flow, inflammatory signalling and autonomic balance, with the goal of improving day-to-day function and resilience after prolonged illness. 

*Individual results vary. VIP is not a stand-alone treatment for CIRS, autoimmune disease, lung disease or any other condition, and it must be embedded in a structured, medically supervised protocol.

Active Ingredient

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) – 500 mcg/mL

Presentation – Injectable Vial

Strength: 500 mcg/mL

Volume: 12 mL multidose vial

Total peptide content per vial:

500 mcg/mL × 12 mL = 6,000 mcg (6 mg) VIP

Excipients

Sterile diluent (e.g., bacteriostatic saline) and standard compounding excipients as specified by the partner pharmacy (may include buffering agents and preservatives).

Protocol & Standard Dosing

Starting Range (sensitive / first-time patients – to be confirmed by prescriber)

Dose: 

0.20 mL SC once daily (≈ 100 mcg)

Timing: 

Often in the morning or early afternoon, or as directed.

Typical Working Range (if tolerated and indicated)

Dose: 

0.20–0.40 mL SC, once or twice daily (≈ 100–200 mcg per dose)

Frequency: 

5–7 days per week, depending on protocol, usually for blocks of 8–12 weeks with planned review.

Route: 

Subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue (e.g. lower abdomen, outer thigh) using a fine insulin syringe.

Timing:

Standard: once nightly (e.g. in the evening, same time each day).

Regenerative: morning and evening, roughly 12 hours apart, or as directed.

Technique:

Clean the area, pinch a fold of fat, inject as instructed by your nurse or clinician, rotate injection sites and use aseptic technique at all times.

Do not change your dose, frequency or protocol without discussing this with your prescribing clinician.

Side Effects, Reactions & Medical Contraindications

Use is generally not recommended or requires specialist oversight in:

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to VIP or any component of the formulation
• Significant, uncontrolled lung or heart disease, including severe pulmonary hypertension or unstable cardiovascular disease, without specialist review
• Active or high-risk arrhythmias, poorly controlled blood pressure or advanced heart failure
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
• Uncontrolled autoimmune disease or complex inflammatory illness without careful protocol staging and specialist guidance
• Patients with raised intracranial pressure or conditions where vasodilation could be risky
• A thorough CIRS/inflammatory, cardiovascular and respiratory history plus relevant baseline investigations should be reviewed before starting VIP.

Common Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

• Side effects can vary depending on dose, sensitivity and underlying illness. Reported reactions include:
• Flushing, warmth or transient drop in blood pressure due to vasodilation
• Headache, light-headedness or dizziness, especially early on or with rapid dose escalation
• Nasal symptoms (where nasal formulations are used) such as congestion, runny nose or irritation
• Digestive changes, mild nausea or abdominal discomfort in some individuals
• Temporary fatigue or feeling “washed out” as the system adapts, particularly in more fragile patients
• Side effects often improve with slower titration, dose reduction or timing adjustments. Persistent, uncomfortable or worrying symptoms should prompt review with the prescribing clinician. 

Reactions Requiring Medical Attention – Stop VIP and seek medical help (or emergency care if severe) if you experience:

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction – widespread rash or hives, swelling of lips/face/tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe chest pain, marked shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting or severe dizziness
• Sudden, severe headache, visual changes, neurological deficits or other worrying neurological symptoms
• Any new or rapidly worsening symptom that feels serious, unusual or concerning, especially in those with complex cardiovascular, respiratory or inflammatory disease

Safety Note

• VIP is a high-level regulatory neuropeptide with powerful effects on blood vessels, the immune system, lungs and brain. Because of this:
• It should only be used under experienced clinical supervision, ideally by practitioners familiar with CIRS, biotoxin illness or complex inflammatory syndromes.
• It must be embedded in a stepwise protocol that addresses triggers, detoxification, gut and immune status before and during use.
• Ongoing pathology and clinical monitoring (symptoms, oxygenation, cardio-respiratory status, inflammatory markers where appropriate) is essential.
• It should always be framed as one adjunctive therapy, not a cure or a replacement for conventional care or lifestyle foundations.
• Informed consent is crucial so clients understand the off-label nature of VIP use, potential benefits and risks, alternatives, and the need for ongoing follow-up.

Safety Note: Long‑term data is limited. Use should always be monitored by a qualified clinician, with regular reviews and ongoing medical supervision.  Informed consent is essential.