Indole-3-Carbinol Educational Handout
What is it?
Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a phytochemical naturally occurring in cruciferous vegetables (1). Once ingested, stomach acid converts I3C to various active metabolites including diindolylmethane (DIM), which are absorbed into the bloodstream (1).*
Uses for Indole-3-Carbinol:
- Detoxification: Indole-3-carbinol has been shown to promote phase I cytochrome P450 detoxification enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) (1,2). This enhances the livers ability to process and eliminate harmful compounds.*
- Estrogen metabolism: Indole-3-carbinol supports healthy estrogen metabolism by promoting a healthy ratio of weak estrogens (2-hydroxyestone metabolites or 2-OHE) to strong estrogens (16 alpha-hydroxyestrone metabolites or 16 alpha-OHE) in favor of the weak, less potent estrogens (1, 3, 4).*
- Antioxidant: Indole-3-carbinol has been reported to act as a scavenger of free radicals (5).*
- Cellular Support: Promoting phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes, antioxidant activity, and favorable shifts in 2-OHE and 16 alpha-OHE metabolites supports breast, prostate, and cervical health, as well as provides general cellular support (3-8).*
Dietary sources:
Indole-3-carbinol can be found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, and kale (1).
How much is usually taken?
Pure Encapsulations recommends taking between 200 mg and 800 mg indole-3-carbinol per day, in divided doses, with meals.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not take this product. I3C should also be avoided by those sensitive to or allergic to cruciferous vegetables (1).
Potential drug interactions:
The conversion of I3C to its active metabolites requires stomach acid. Therefore, antacids, H2 blockers, and proton-pump inhibitors may impede its effectiveness (1).
References:
1.) PDRâ for Nutritional Supplements™. Hendler and Rorvik. Medical Economics Company, Inc. Montrale, NJ 2001.
2.) Wallig MA, Kingston S, Staack R, Jefferey EH. Induction of rat pancreatic glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase activities by a mixture of glucosinolate breakdown derivatives found in Brussels sprouts. Food Chem Toxicol 1998 May;36(5):365-73.
3.) Wong GY, Bradlow L, Sepkovic D, Mehl S, Mailman J, Osborne MP. Dose-ranging study of indole-3-carbinol for breast cancer prevention. Cell Biochem Suppl 1997;28-29:111-6.
4.) Taioli E et al. Role of estradiol metabolism and CYP1A1 polymorphisms in breast cancer risk. Cancer Detect Prev 1999;23(3):232-7.
5.) Shertzer HG, Senft AP. The micronutrient indole-3-carbinol: implications for disease and chemoprevention. Drug Metabol Drug Interact 2000;17(1-4):159-88.
6.) Yuan F, Chen DZ, Liu K, et al. Anti-estrogenic activities of indole-3-carbinol in cervical cells: implication for prevention of cervical cancer. Anticancer Res 1999;19 (3A):1673Ð80.
7.) Jin L, Qi M, Chen DZ, et al. Indole-3-carbinol prevents cervical cancer in human papilloma virus type 16 (HPV16) transgenic mice. Cancer Res 1999;59:3991Ð7.
8.) Bradlow HL, Sepkovic DW, Telang NT, Osborne MP. Multifunctional aspects of the action of indole-3-carbinol as an antitumor agent. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1999;889:204-13.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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