Using Acemannan When You Have CIRS

A properly functioning immune system is one of the best things for our health because it’s at odds with a longevity and quality of life.

With a diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), is not simply an inflammatory condition—it is a state of immune dysregulation. People with CIRS often show a characteristic lab pattern, including but not limited to:

• Elevated TGF-β1
• Low VEGF
• Low MSH

These markers reflect a body stuck in a maladaptive immune and neuroimmune loop rather than an acute infection from a biotoxin exposure (which is what causes CIRS in the first place in those who are genetically susceptible). Because of this, strategies that support immune modulation—not immune stimulation or “boosting” —are recommended.

Generally, the Shoemaker Protocol is the “first line” recommendation to treat CIRS, but one compound that has drawn interest in being possible additional help is acemannan.

What Is Acemannan?

Acemannan is a mannose-rich polysaccharide derived from the inner gel of Aloe vera. It has been studied (700+ to date) primarily for its effects on:

• Macrophage behavior
• Cytokine signaling
• Antigen presentation
• Immune regulation rather than immune “boosting”

Note that most of the research is pre-clinical (cell and animal models), with limited but informative data on immune signaling.

Why Immune Modulation Matters for Someone with CIRS

In CIRS, the immune system is not underactive—it is stuck in a state of misdirection.
This improper response shows up as:

• Excessive signaling through pathways that can result in a high TGF-β1 (>2380 pg/mL)
• Impaired tissue oxygenation and repair that can result in a low VEGF (<31pg/mL)
• Loss of neuroimmune regulation that can result in a low MSH (<35pg/mL)

Any supportive intervention must be considered with these abnormalities in mind. Let’s talk about these three specific biomarkers that can be checked via bloodwork and where acemannan may provide some help. You can self order some CIRS labs here.

1. Why TGF-β1 Is High in CIRS

TGF-β1 is involved in:

• Fibrosis
• Immune suppression at inappropriate times
• Chronic inflammation signaling

In CIRS, elevated TGF-β1 reflects ongoing immune activation without resolution.

How Acemannan May Be Relevant in Helping Normalize TgF-Beta1

Research shows acemannan can:

• Influence macrophage phenotype (shifting how macrophages signal and respond)
• Modulate cytokine signaling pathways rather than amplifying them
• Support more organized immune responses instead of chronic, chaotic signaling

From a theoretical CIRS perspective, improved macrophage regulation and antigen processing may help reduce the drivers that perpetuate elevated TGF-β1, rather than directly “lowering” the lab value.

Important distinction:
Acemannan has not been proven to lower TGF-β1 directly in CIRS patients.
Its relevance is in upstream immune organization, not lab manipulation.

2. Why VEGF Is Low in CIRS

Low VEGF reflects:

• Impaired blood vessel signaling
• Reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Poor tissue repair and exercise intolerance

This is often tied to chronic inflammatory signaling and endothelial dysfunction.

How Acemannan May Support This Pathway

Acemannan has been shown to:

• Support immune-mediated tissue repair processes
• Influence macrophage signaling involved in wound healing and angiogenesis
• Modulate inflammatory environments that otherwise suppress VEGF expression

By helping calm inappropriate immune activation, acemannan may indirectly support conditions where VEGF signaling can normalize, rather than being chronically suppressed.

3. Why MSH Is Low in CIRS

MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is tightly linked to:

• Neuroimmune communication
• Sleep, pain perception, and mood
• Regulation of inflammation

Low MSH reflects central nervous system involvement and loss of immune-neuro balance. Biotoxins found in a home in elevated amounts can directly suppress the MSH. Check your home for high levels. Order kit 8 here – which is an easy dust swab to see if their are clinically significant levels in your home. If elevated, you must call an indoor environmental inspector to the root problem and then pursue remediation and small particle cleaning.

Where Acemannan Fits Conceptually When Someone Has These Abnormal Labs

Acemannan has been studied for its effects on:

• Immune-to-brain signaling
• Cytokine balance that affects hypothalamic function
• Reduction of excessive inflammatory signaling that interferes with neuropeptide production

While acemannan does not replace the Shoemaker Protocol – the traditional approach to resolving CIRS, reducing inflammatory noise may help remove barriers that prevent normal neuroimmune signaling from recovering. View acemannan as an adjunct support.

Labs and Immune Markers Studied in Acemannan Research

Most research focuses on mechanistic immune markers, including:

• Macrophage activation markers
• Nitric oxide signaling
• Cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α
• Dendritic cell maturation
• T-cell responsiveness

Direct studies on TGF-β1, VEGF, or MSH in CIRS patients do not exist at this time. Any application to these markers is based on pathway relevance, not clinical proof.

Dosing Context for Acemannan (Educational, Not Prescriptive)

There is no established clinical dose for acemannan in CIRS. However, it is fair to argue that it is a low risk, possible high reward intervention.

In research and clinical nutrition contexts, commonly discussed oral amounts range from:

• 500–1000 mg per day, often divided
• Some studies have used higher doses short-term under supervision

Important considerations:

• Product quality and molecular weight matter
• Immune-sensitive individuals may respond strongly
• Starting low and monitoring response is often emphasized by clinicians

Always review with a qualified healthcare provider so your unique situation can be assessed for candidacy. On a personal note, I take this brand of acemannan 2 capsules three times per day which is 1200mg in total.

How to Think About Acemannan in CIRS

Acemannan is best understood as:

• A supportive immune modulator
• Potentially helpful for calming dysregulated signaling
• Not a standalone solution
• Not a direct lab-lowering agent

For someone with high TGF-β1, low VEGF, and low MSH, acemannan may fit into a broader strategy aimed at:

• Reducing inflammatory drivers
• Supporting immune organization
• Removing obstacles to neuroimmune recovery
  

Key Takeaway:

Acemannan does not “fix” CIRS labs—but its immunomodulatory properties may help address upstream dysfunction that contributes to abnormal TGF-β1, VEGF, and MSH patterns. Its role is supportive, contextual, and best considered within a comprehensive, clinician-guided approach.

Looking for individualized guidance?

I heavily support (and utilize) functional nutrition in my practice. I am a rare insurance accepting Dr. Shoemaker Proficiency Partner for those living with CIRS. If you are interested in an individualized consultation, please read FAQS and self schedule online.

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