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In most healthy individuals, there are few adverse side effects caused by indole-3-carbinol (I3C) at appropriate dosages.
I3C is a nutrient found in a number of vegetables, specifically cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
On average, individuals likely consume between 20 and 120 mg of I3C per day through their diet.
At higher dosages, some Indole-3-Carbinol side effects can occur, but the frequency is low for most individuals.
This supplement may interact with certain drugs, herbs or other supplements. It may also be contraindicated for individuals with certain medical conditions.
To reduce your risk of I3C side effects, speak to your doctor before taking this supplement. Your doctor will help you determine whether this is the right supplement for you to use and what the best dosage is.
Hormone Balance
Weight Loss
Liver Health- Supports healthy estrogen metabolism
- Improve hormone balance & fat burning
- Promotes liver detoxification
Top I3C Products* ❯Common Uses of I3C
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Indole-3-Carbinol supplements are used to obtain higher dosages of this compound for therapeutic effects.
I3C has been observed to increase the synthesis of “good” forms of estrogen, while reducing “bad” forms.
By balancing hormone levels, it may promote weight loss, muscle building, improve PMS symptoms and reduce symptoms linked to menopause.
This supplement is also being researched for its effects on cancer.
Researchers initially became interested in I3C because diets high in vegetables appear to reduce the risk of developing some cancers.
Indole-3-Carbinol has exhibited some anticancer effects against certain cell lines in a laboratory setting. Although I3C is under active investigation, it is not approved by the FDA as a treatment or prevention for any form of cancer.
Indole-3-Carbinol Side Effects
I3C exhibits several different mechanisms of action in the body. It has been observed to affect liver enzymes, balance hormones, reduce the build-up of arterial plaque and more. Because it affects different systems in the body, there may be interactions with various pharmaceutical and herbal medications.
Indole-3-carbinol side effects occur infrequently. When adverse side effects of I3C are noted, they are generally mild and do not last long.
Possible effects may include skin rashes, nausea, pain in the intestines and an increases in P450 cytochrome liver enzymes. When used in excess, or for too long, I3C may cause tremors and/or issues with balance.
Indole-3-carbinol side effects are rare at dosages in amounts similar to those gained from the average diet. This is between 20 and 120 mg each day. Currently, clinical research on I3C at higher dosages is limited.
There is insufficient evidence to understand how it affects developing babies and newborns. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women should use I3C only with the supervision of their doctors.
Also, speak with your doctor about supplementing indole-3-carbinol while using conventional agents for birth control.
Some pre-clinical studies indicate I3C may promote tumor development under specific conditions, but these observations have not been made in a human population.
In one animal study, rats experienced symptoms of infertility during I3C administration. There is also a chance that postmenopausal women may develop osteoporosis with I3C supplementation because it has been observed to reduce the effect of estrogenic compounds.
Indole-3-Carbinol Interactions
Indole-3-carbinol has been observed to affect the levels of certain liver enzymes. This may cause some medications and other substances to be metabolized faster. When this occurs, both the therapeutic and/or side effects of these medications may be strengthened or weakened.
Pharmaceuticals that may be affected by indole-3-carbinol supplementation include (but are not limited to):
- Clozapine and cyclobenzaprine;
- Fluvoxamine and haloperidol;
- Imipramine and mexiletine;
- Pentazocine and olanzapine;
- Propranolol and tacrine;
- Theophylline and zileuton.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking I3C if you are taking any prescription medications.
Currently, there are no known I3C side effects caused by an interaction with herbal medications or foodstuffs.
Indole-3-Carbinol Side Effects: Dosage
Indole-3-carbinol side effects are unlikely when doses are kept below 120 mg per day.
Appropriately administered doses between 120 and 200 mg per day have been used for up to 15 consecutive months.
Dosages between 200 and 400 mg daily have been used for up to three consecutive months. Doses above 400 mg per day have been associated with tremors, disequilibrium symptoms and/or severe nausea.
Some evidence suggests I3C supplementation may increase the formation of tumors in some cases. I3C has been observed to promote tumor development in animal subjects that have been exposed to a carcinogen and have entered into the initiation phase of tumor induction.
No increase in tumor production has been observed in human subjects. The precise tumorigenesis risks to human subjects are unknown and caution is recommended. I3C use should take place under the supervision of a doctor.
Indole-3-Carbinol Health Benefits
I3C should be taken orally because it requires gastric enzymes to convert it into an active metabolite. If it does not pass through the stomach and digestive tract, it will remain inactive and present no known therapeutic benefit.
When administered orally, indole-3-carbinol is used for breast cancer and other cancers that may be affected by estrogen metabolism. However, there is insufficient evidence to endorse these uses.
Although some studies have yielded promising results, I3C is not currently approved to by the FDA to prevent or treat any form of cancer. Active research is ongoing.
I3C supplementation may reduce symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Individuals have reported a reduction in fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, sleeping difficulties and low pain thresholds, but clinical study is lacking.
I3C is also used for the symptoms systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cervical dysplasia, laryngeal papillomatosis, herpes, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and estrogen imbalances. There is variable evidence to support these uses.
Further, I3C is thought to support detoxification of the liver and kidneys by increasing the production of some enzymes. Indole-3-carbinol is also used to promote hormone balance, mainly by modulating the activity and metabolism of estrogens.
Conclusions
Indole-3-carbinol side effects are rare and normally mild if experienced. Speak with your doctor about I3C supplementation, especially if you are taking any prescription medications or have been diagnosed with any medical conditions.
The best way to reduce your risk of adverse effects from taking I3C supplements is to use it properly, as directed by a physician. Clinical and research on indole-3-carbinol continues to discern its medicinal effects.
The efficacy and safety of this supplement is still under investigation.
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Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment