A bump under your skin may be a dangerous cancerous growth, but it could be a harmless lipoma. Inositol hexaphosphate, or IP-6, is a compound in plants which may reduce your risk for certain cancers, but it is not likely to impact your risk for developing a lipoma. Consult your doctor if you think you have a lipoma or if you are concerned about your risk for cancer.
Description of Lipomas
A lipoma is a fatty growth under your skin, with common locations including your neck, shoulders, torso arms and legs, notes MayoClinic.com. They may be soft and pliable, and pain can occur if they put pressure on your nerves. You are at higher risk for developing lipomas if you have a family history or are between the age of 40 and 60 years old. No evidence proves a role of dietary factors, such as an increase in inositol hexaphosphate intake, in the development or prevention of lipomas.
Inositol and IP-6
All human tissues contain a compound called inositol, which is also known as vitamin B-8. Inositol may reduce symptoms of psychological conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease, and other potential benefits are for cancer prevention and improving the health of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Inositol hexaphosphate, or IP-6, is a plant-based compound which may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, according to UC San Diego.
IP-6 and Diet
IP-6, is another term for phytic acid. Food sources include nuts, seeds, beans, cantaloupe, whole grains, and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits. These foods are nutrient-dense and high in fiber, but phytic acid reduces your body’s ability to absorb the iron from plant-based sources, such as beans and leafy green vegetables, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A high intake of phytic acid also interferes with zinc absorption.
Considerations
IP-6, does not affect the absorption of iron from animal-based sources, such as beef or liver, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. If your lipoma causes pain, you may need treatment such as surgical removal or liposuction. About 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S. are from cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Since a lipoma can easily be confused with cancer, consult your doctor if you suspect you have a lipoma to verify that it is a harmless lipoma, and not a cancerous tumor.
