Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C)
Converts to DIM in the stomach, shifting estrogen metabolism toward favorable 2-hydroxy metabolites for hormonal balance.
Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. It's converted in the stomach to DIM (diindolylmethane) and other metabolites that influence estrogen metabolism, shifting it toward more favorable 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites. It's used for hormonal balance, particularly in conditions related to estrogen dominance, and is studied for potential cancer-preventive effects.
Shifts estrogen to favorable metabolites
Converts to DIM in stomach
Induces detoxification enzymes
How Indole-3-Carbinol works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
200-400mg daily
Loading: Not required
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊I3C capsules or DIM (more stable) | Recommended |
| 💊DIM (diindolylmethane) - the active metabolite | Alternative |
I3C must be converted in stomach; DIM is the active metabolite and may be more predictable. Some use both.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Taking with food improves tolerance and allows acid conversion to DIM. Some prefer DIM directly for more predictable metabolism.
Improved estrogen metabolism ratio
May reduce estrogen-related symptoms
Enhanced liver detoxification
Can cause digestive upset
Consult doctor; may help but needs monitoring
May increase metabolism of some drugs
May affect hormone therapy; consult doctor
Tip: Take with food; consider DIM instead
Tip: Discontinue if occurs
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Simões AC et al. • Journal of lower genital tract disease (2025)
“Imiquimod 5% is an effective treatment for uVIN with comparable results to surgery.”
Galanty A et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2024)
“Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function.”
Amarakoon D et al. • Annual review of food science and technology (2023)
“This article reviews current knowledge of the occurrence of I3C in nature and foods, along with the beneficial effects of I3C and DIM concerning prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, focusing on preclinical studies and their mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels.”
Behera A et al. • Cell death & disease (2023)
“This systematic-review examined the effects of Indole-3-Carbinol.”
Lawrie TA et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016)
“Topical treatment (imiquimod or cidofovir) may effectively treat about half of uVIN cases after a 16-week course of treatment, but the evidence on whether this effect is sustained is limited.”
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