Share ConsumerLab.com's information with family and friends — or just send to yourself. Simply provide an email address below.
You must provide a valid email address.
Your email address*:
Your name*: Send me a copy
Email Address where it's going*:
*Addresses and name will only be used for sending this message.
Additional message (optional):
Your message has been sent. Thanks for sharing!
ConsumerLab.com Answers
I3C and Cancer
Question: Does I3C (from broccoli) reduce the risk of cancer? Answer: Studies have shown that high consumption of broccoli and other cabbage-family vegetables is associated with reduced risk of a variety of cancers. This has spurred research into potential anti-cancer effects of compounds that occur in these vegetables, such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is sold as a supplement.
I3C
As discussed in our Indole-3-Carbinol article, some studies in animals indicate that I3C may help reduce the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, and a study in women with cervical dysplasia found 200 mg to 400 mg of I3C daily improved the rate at which the cervix spontaneously returned to normal. In addition, a preliminary study found that adding 400 mg of I3C daily to standard therapy for ovarian cancer (surgery and chemotherapy) resulted in better outcomes than standard therapy alone. However, in an experimental model of breast cancer in rats, I3C treatment resulted in more tumors than when it was not given, suggesting that I3C may have the potential to increase cancer risk in some situations.
Laboratory research has shown that I3C can inhibit an enzyme that deactivates a tumor-suppressive protein called PTEN, and applying I3C to prostate tumor cells suppressed their growth (Lee, Science 2019). Consequently, I3C is being considered as a treatment for people with a rare genetic mutation affecting PTEN that predisposes them to higher rates of cancers; however, this has yet to be tested clinically, so it is too early to say if it will work.
Although short-term studies with I3C indicate that doses as high as 800 mg daily are safe, longer-term and larger studies are needed to assess its benefits and risks. It should not be given to women who are pregnant or people already diagnosed with cancer, as explained in the Safety section of our Indole-3-Carbinol article.
Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:
If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.
For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.
Comment:
Share your thoughts and comments about this topic in the space below. Please abide by the following rules:
If you make a statement of fact, such as whether a type of treatment does or does not work, state your basis -- such as personal experience or a published study.
If you make a positive or negative comment about a product, note whether or not you have a financial interest in the product or in a competing product.
Please be respectful in your tone.
Please do not submit any type of HTML markup or scripting as it will not be accepted, nor will comments that exceed 2,500 characters.
For your privacy, only your first name (from your account) followed by a random number will appear with your comment. Your last name and email address will not be displayed.
Comment:
You can modify your comment below. Please be aware the comment will have to approve the changes before they will be shown:
Comment:
Your edit has been submitted and is being reviewed by ConsumerLab.com prior to publication.
This CL Answer initially posted on 5/25/2019.
ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all questions and try to answer those of popular interest.
Sign up for FREE Newsletter
BECOME A MEMBER
Instant Access to Reviews for OVER 1,000 Products!
