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Indole-3-carbinol has been observed to affect estrogen levels in preliminary studies, but further research is required before any definitive claims can be made.
I3C supplements are used for a number of hormone-sensitive conditions and may also help PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms as well as support weight loss.
These benefits may be mediated by the effects of I3C on estrogen levels in women.
I3C is the precursor to another molecule called diindolymethane (DIM). Both I3C and DIM show anti-cancer effects in laboratory research studies, among other possible therapeutic effects.
These supplements have been promoted by some for their ability to reduce risk factors related to breast cancer.
In research studies, I3C has been observed to affect estrogen production, metabolism and utilization. In particular, this compound is said to improve levels of “good” estrogen metabolites while reducing levels of “bad” metabolites.
Hormone Balance
Weight Loss
Liver Health- Supports healthy estrogen metabolism
- Improve hormone balance & fat burning
- Promotes liver detoxification
Top I3C Products* ❯Introduction to Indole-3-carbinol (I3C)
Related Topics
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a plant nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, which are members of the Brassica botanical genus.
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, watercress, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, to name a few.
Researchers have observed that individuals who eat a diet high in vegetables are less likely to develop some forms of cancer.
This observation has led many researchers to consider whether constituents of these vegetables may be helpful in cancer prevention.
Currently, I3C is being investigated for its effectiveness in preventing some hormone-sensitive cancers, particularly breast cancer. Further research is necessary before any therapeutic function can be attributed to I3C.
This compound has not been approved by the FDA to prevent, treat, mitigate or cure cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables contain varying concentrations of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) called glucosinolates. One glucosinolate, called glucobrassicin, is used to synthesize I3C. When I3C is digested, it gets converted into DIM (Diindolylmethane) in the stomach.
Both I3C and DIM are used to improve estrogen balance in the body. These supplements may work by inhibiting the effects of the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone into estrogen.
As a result, these supplements are used for a number of purported health benefits including: weight loss, muscle building, sexual function, helping to alleviate cramping or hot flashed linked to PMS and menopause and anti-aging effects.
Estrogen Roles in the Body
A number of substances inside the body and within the central nervous system exhibit estrogenic activity. Some are natural and some are synthetic.
Synthetic estrogen derivatives, such as xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) and mycoestrogens (estrogens from fungi sources), can alter hormone levels in the human body.
I3C has been observed to affect the production and release of estrogen in the body. This may help offset these fluctuations and maintain a consistent estrogen balance in the body.
It seems to have benefits for women (and men) who have either too low or too high levels of this sex hormone.
Estrogen plays a number of important roles in both men and women. Estrogen refers to a class of related hormones. The three primary types of estrogens are: estriol (E3), estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1).
- Eristol is synthesized from placenta and produced only during gestational periods (pregnancy).
- Estradiol (E2) is responsible for the formation and function of sex organs. This is the form of estrogen that affects the development of estrogen-sensitive cancers and other conditions, such as endometriosis.
- Estrone (E1) is found throughout the human body and is especially prevalent in postmenopausal women.
Estrogen plays a number of biological and psychological functions in both men and women. It has the most impact on women who are able to reproduce.
In females, estrogens impacts the development of secondary sexual traits (such as breasts), thickens the walls of the uterus (endometrium), health bone develoment and plays a role in modulating the menstrual cycle.
In men, estrogen mainly works to stimulate the libido and to help sperm mature in a healthy manner. It is also involved in bone health.
The Importance of Estrogen Balance
Maintaining a healthy balance of estrogen in the body is important for good health. Estrogens are produced in every vertebrate and in some insects.
In humans, estrogen plays a number of physiological roles, including: developing secondary sex traits, increasing the storage of fats, maintaining skin health, developing bone tissue, supporting blood vessel health, increasing production of binding proteins, stimulating vaginal lubrication and inducing uterine growth.
But too much estrogen is inked to certain adverse conditions. In women, excess estrogen can cause weight gain and increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer.
In men, excess estrogen can lead to gynecomastia, the development of male breast tissue.
Indole-3-Carbinol and Estrogen
Using I3C supplements has been observed to help regulate estrogen levels and improve the metabolism of this hormone.
Indole-3-Carbinol is reported to include induces cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1A2 (CYP1A2). These are part of a group of a group of heme-thiolate monooxygenases.
These enzymes are involved in estrogen metabolism in the liver. In particular, they convert Estradiol into 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone and 2-alpha-hydroxyestrone, which are two types of estrogen metabolites.
16-alpha-hydroxysestrone is sometimes referred to as a “bad estrogen” metabolite. It is more active in the body and may increase the risk of breast or cervical cancer. In research trials, it shows genotoxic and tumorigenic effects.
2-alpha-hydroxyestrone is sometimes called a “good estrogen” metabolite. It is weaker and less active in the body. It may compete with 16-alpha-hydroxysestrone for binding sites on cell receptors, and therefore may have a protective effect against the development of certain cancers.
When cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1A2 (CYP1A2) are induced, they convert more of the Estradiol into the good estrogen metabolite and less of the bad estrogen metabolite.
In research studies, Indole-3-Carbinol has been shown to reduce 16-alpha-hydroxysestrone and increase 2-alpha-hydroxyestrone levels. By increasing metabolism of estrogen into good metabolites and away from bad metabolites, it may have a protective affect against these forms of cancer.
I3C Benefits
I3C is being investigated for its capacity to prevent hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer. As mentioned, this may be related to the molecule’s observed capacity to impact estrogen metabolism.
Indole-3-carbinol may work to reduce risk of developing hormone sensitive conditions, support the function of the alveoli to enhance lung function, stimulate release of LH (luteinizing hormone), increase sexual desire and decrease obesity.
Further research is necessary and underway. There is currently not enough evidence to identify I3C as a prevention or treatment for any disease or condition.
Indole-3-Carbinol: Safety and Side Effects
Indole-3-carbinol is thought to be safe at appropriate dosages. The average daily intake of I3C from vegetable sources ranges between 20 and 120 mg per day. Doses between 120 and 200 mg per day have been used for up to 15 months without report of significant side effect.
Daily doses between 200 and 400 mg have been used for up to three months. However, doses above 400 mg daily are not recommended without supervision by a physician.
In rare cases, tremors, rashes, balance issues and overproduction of P450 cytochrome liver enzymes have been noted with high levels of supplementation. There may also be interactions between I3C and estrogen drugs.
Conclusions
I3C has been observed to affect estrogen metabolism and utilization, which may support a number of therapeutic benefits. Indole-3-carbinol may help maintain healthy estrogen levels by converting more Estradiol into “good estrogens” as opposed to “bad estrogens”.
In so doing, it may lessen the risk of developing certain hormone-sensitive conditions. Further research is necessary before any definitive relationship between indole-3-carbinol and cancer can be claimed. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking I3C to help balance estrogen levels.
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Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
Thanks for a very informative article.