The Peptide Nook

VIP

In plain English

VIP is a natural peptide found in the brain, gut, lungs and blood vessels. It relaxes blood vessels, calms inflammation and helps regulate the body clock. It is used as a nasal spray, most famously in recovery from mold-related illness.

What it's used for

  • Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and mold illness
  • Lung inflammation
  • Gut health
  • Sleep and body-clock regulation

Benefits

In human studies, nasal VIP improved symptoms and lab markers in people with CIRS, and intravenous VIP (aviptadil) was tested in severe lung inflammation. Users report better energy, clearer thinking and fewer inflammatory symptoms.

How it works

In simple terms: VIP is a “calm down and relax” signal for blood vessels and the immune system.

It binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which relax smooth muscle, widen blood vessels, reduce inflammatory signals and support the brain’s master clock. In the lungs it protects the cells that line the air sacs.

Development history

  • 1970: Discovered by Sami Said and Viktor Mutt.
  • 2000s–2010s: Ritchie Shoemaker adds nasal VIP to his CIRS treatment protocol.
  • 2020s: Aviptadil tested in severe respiratory illness.

Typical protocols

Educational information only, not medical advice. The information below describes how this peptide has been used in research, on prescription labels or by users. It is not a recommendation. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing anything.

These ranges come from clinical protocols and what users report.

Use Dose Frequency
CIRS (nasal) 50 mcg per spray Up to 4 times a day
Injection (users) 50–100 mcg Daily

Cycling

Nasal courses are often run for 1–3 months, then reassessed.

Administration options

Nasal spray is the main route. Subcutaneous injection is also used.

Reconstitution and dosing calculator

Usually comes in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. For nasal use it is mixed into sterile saline; for injection, bacteriostatic water.

1Peptide in the vial

The total amount printed on the vial label.

2Bacteriostatic water added

More water makes each dose a bigger, easier-to-measure draw. It does not change how much peptide is in the vial.

3Dose per injection

Use the dose from your protocol or your clinician. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.

4Your syringe

All three are U-100 insulin syringes: 100 units = 1 mL. Smaller barrels make small doses easier to read.

Draw your syringe to

– units

Volume to draw
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Concentration
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Each unit holds
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Doses per vial
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Show the math

    This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.

    Side effects and safety

    • Flushing, low blood pressure, lightheadedness and a fast heartbeat.
    • Nasal irritation; loose stools.
    • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

    Common stacks

    • Used as the final step in CIRS protocols, after other treatments.
    • BPC-157 or KPV: for the gut.

    Storage

    Powder: refrigerate or freeze. After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 2–4 weeks.

    Compare with

    • Selank and Semax: other nasal peptides, aimed mainly at the brain.
    • KPV: another anti-inflammatory peptide.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why a nasal spray?

    VIP breaks down within minutes in the blood. Nasal use reaches tissues in the head more directly.

    References

    1. Shoemaker RC, et al. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health. 2013;5(3):396-401.
    2. Said SI, Mutt V. Polypeptide with broad biological activity: isolation from small intestine. Science. 1970;169(3951):1217-1218.
    Educational information only. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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