VIP Explained
VIP is a small messenger molecule your body naturally makes that acts like a peacekeeper throughout your entire system. Think of it as a calming agent your nervous system deploys to keep inflammation in check, keep your airways open, and help your gut and blood vessels relax. People use it therapeutically because some chronic conditions—like long COVID, mast cell activation, and certain inflammatory illnesses—appear linked to your body not making enough of it naturally.
Here's how it works: VIP travels through your bloodstream and brain, finding receptor sites on cells like tiny docking stations. When VIP binds to these receptors, it tells your blood vessels to relax and dilate, so blood flows better. It tells your airways to open up and stay calm. In your immune system, it's especially powerful—it basically tells overactive immune cells to dial it back, prevents mast cells from releasing inflammatory chemicals, and promotes cells that regulate rather than escalate inflammation. In your gut, it helps everything move smoothly and keeps the lining healthy. It even syncs your circadian rhythm, helping you sleep better.
When you're deficient in VIP, your body loses this brake pedal. Everything stays inflamed, your airways tighten up, and your nervous system stays stuck in fight-or-flight mode. That's why researchers now use VIP as a targeted treatment to restore what's missing.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
50 mcg twice daily (Shoemaker protocol)
Frequency
Twice daily intranasally
Administration
Intranasal spray
Half-Life
1–2 minutes
Notes
Shoemaker CIRS protocol requires prior treatment steps before VIP is appropriate. Should not be used if active MARCoNS or inflammatory triggers remain. Requires compounding pharmacy.
Why this matters
Extremely short IV half-life; intranasal route extends effective duration.
Where does VIP sit?
See how this peptide compares across all 150 peptides in our database.
Evidence Score
0.66
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C147H237N43O43S
Molecular Weight
3326.80 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-phenylpropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-5-carbamimidamidopentanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]-4-methylsulfanylbutanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid
PubChem CID
53314964Potential Side Effects
VIP discussions
Quick Facts
- Administration
- Intranasal spray
- Typical Dose
- 50 mcg twice daily (Shoemaker protocol)
- Frequency
- Twice daily intranasally
- References
- 0 curated + 48 from PubMed
- Clinical Trials
- 50 registered
- Evidence Score
- 0.7 / 100
Frequently Asked Questions about VIP
What is VIP?
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide found throughout the central and peripheral nervous system gastrointestinal tract and immune cells. It is a pleiotropic peptide with roles in vasodilation bronchodilation neurotransmission immune modulation circadian rhythm regulation and gut motility. VIP has attracted significant research attention for chronic inflammatory conditions including CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) mast cell activation syndrome POTS and long COVID where VIP deficiency has been hypothesized as a contributing mechanism. Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's protocol for biotoxin illness features VIP as a terminal treatment step.
How does VIP work?
VIP acts through two G-protein-coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 found throughout the body. In the vasculature it causes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. In the airways it produces bronchodilation and inhibits bronchoconstriction. In the immune system VIP is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses Th1 cytokine production promotes regulatory T-cell differentiation and inhibits mast cell degranulation. In the gut it regulates motility secretion and mucosal immune function. In the brain VIP acts as a neurotransmitter modulating circadian rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and neuroprotective signaling. Its deficiency in conditions like CIRS is associated with chronic inflammation multisystem symptoms and dysautonomia.
What is the recommended dosage for VIP?
The typical dose is 50 mcg twice daily (Shoemaker protocol). Twice daily intranasally. Administration: Intranasal spray. Shoemaker CIRS protocol requires prior treatment steps before VIP is appropriate. Should not be used if active MARCoNS or inflammatory triggers remain. Requires compounding pharmacy.
What are the side effects of VIP?
Flushing and warmth (common, transient). Headache (common initially). Nasal irritation (common with intranasal use). Hypotension at higher doses (uncommon). Fatigue (uncommon)
Questions reflect common community inquiries. This is not medical advice.