I3C
Indole-3-Carbinol
I3C (Indole-3-Carbinol) is a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts). Under stomach acid conditions, I3C polymerizes to form DIM (Diindolylmethane) and other indole compounds - the actual bioactive metabolites in vivo. This is why DIM supplementation is often preferred (more direct delivery of the active compound).
With meals.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
I3C and its in vivo metabolites act via:
Stomach Acid Polymerization
I3C is unstable in stomach acid - polymerizes to DIM and other indole compounds. DIM is the active form.
CYP1A1 Induction
Shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-hydroxyestrone (less proliferative) over 16α-hydroxyestrone (more proliferative). Theoretical benefit in estrogen-driven conditions.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Modulation
AhR ligand activity drives Phase 1/2 detox enzyme upregulation.
Anti-Estrogenic at Cellular Level
Modulates estrogen receptor activity beyond simple metabolism shift.
Cervical Dysplasia
Multiple trials show I3C supplementation helps regression of cervical dysplasia (CIN II/III).
What to expect
Days 1-14: subtle effects.
Weeks 4-12: peak metabolism shift.
Long-term continuous use OK.
Evidence
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Dose/route: 200-400mg daily; Oral capsule; 1-2x daily. No checked live PubMed abstract verified this exact displayed dose, route, and frequency for the same molecule/formulation and relevant population.
Mechanism: I3C and its in vivo metabolites act via: 1. Stomach Acid Polymerization: I3C is unstable in stomach acid - polymerizes to DIM and other indole compounds. DIM is the active form. 2. CYP1A1 Induction: Shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-hydroxyestrone (less proliferative) over 16α-hydroxyestrone (more proliferative). Theoretical benefit in estrogen-driven conditions. 3. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Modulation: AhR ligand activity drives Phase 1/2 detox enzyme upregulation. 4. Anti-Estrogenic at Cellular Level: Modulates estrogen receptor activity beyond simple metabolism shift. 5. Cervical Dysplasia: Multiple trials show I3C supplementation helps regression of cervical dysplasia (CIN II/III).. No checked live PubMed abstract provided an exact-molecule/formulation sentence supporting this source-JSON mechanism claim.
Primary safety claim: No primary safety text present in source JSON. No checked live PubMed abstract directly verified this source-JSON safety claim at the displayed formulation, route, and regimen.
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Mild GI
- Mild headache (rare)
Less common & notes
- CYP enzyme induction at high doses.
- Allergic reactions rare.
- Long-term safety good at standard doses.
Pharmacokinetics
Polymerized DIM ~hours
Cumulative effects over weeks
Oral moderate (depends on stomach acid for conversion)
Daily dosing for sustained effects
Hepatic
Storage. Capsule. Cool dry location.
Regulatory status
Dietary supplement (US, DSHEA).
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open I3C straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open I3C in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete I3C walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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