I3C is a naturally occurring phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables. I3C initiates a series of reactions in the body that culminates in the maintenance of healthy levels of estrogen.* Researchers have observed that metabolism of estrogen occurs via one of two pathways: The first metabolic pathway, 16 alpha-hydroxylation, or the second ‘beneficial’ metabolic pathway, 2-hydroxylation. I3C encourages estrogen to take the beneficial path, a process that transforms estrogen into an antiestrogen.* Because testosterone converts to estrogen even in the male body, I3C may support balance in individuals who take testosterone precursors.*
About I3C (Indole-3-Carbinol)
Estrogen is definitely vital for life, but too much of anything is never a good thing. A healthy balance is critical.
Some estrogens come from the environment and hormone laden livestock. Men also produce estrogen. In fact, as they age, they not only produce less testosterone than they did in their youth, but more of the testosterone they do produce is converted to estrogen. This effect, known as andropause, the male menopause.
How do you support estrogen’s good effects but maintain a healthy balance? The answer lies in a derivative from cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts) known as I3C (Indole 3 Carbinol). Estradiol and Estrone break down in the body to 3 metabolites; 16-Hydroxyestrone, 4-Hydroxyestrone, and 2-Hydroxyestrone. 2 I3Cs combine in the stomach to form DIM, which decreases the conversion of the 16 and the 4 metabolites by about 75% while increasing the 2 metabolite by about 50%.
Most scientists agree that much of what I3C accomplishes in the body is actually due to its metabolite, DIM. Why do they believe this? Experiments have shown that the beneficial effects observed from I3C only come from taking it orally. If it is injected, nothing happens! Scientists conclude that there must be something going on in the stomach that “activates” the I3C so that it can modulate the estrogen metabolites. Not coincidentally, the acidic stomach is where the 2 I3C molecules combine to form DIM, Indolylcarbazole (ICZ) and several metabolites.
So the choice is up to you. Take I3C and convert it yourself into DIM and related compounds or take our BioDIM formula to get your DIM directly. Either way, there are some other benefits you should know about.
- I3C/DIM reduces the ability of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines (HAAs) to affect the body’s endogenous Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
- I3C/DIM stimulates the endogenous production of Glutathione by Liver Cells (hepatocytes).
- I3C/DIM aids in the body’s response in detoxification.