Indole-3-carbinol is a product that forms as a result of the breakdown of glucosinolate glucobrassicin, a component found in many vegetables. It provides a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant properties, and may also reduce the risk of cancer. Indole-3-carbinol is not classified as an essential nutrient, and therefore no deficiency state has been confirmed. It may be consumed in such vegetables as cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts, or taken as a supplement.

The most beneficial aspect of indole-3-carbinol is its ability to reduce the risk of cancer. It may specifically reduce the risk of reproductive cancer by reducing the G1 growth rate of these cells. The G1 phase of cell growth occurs early in the cell, and this may lead to significant decreases in tumor growth.

It is important to regularly monitor hormone levels when supplementing with this substance, as it may have an effect on certain hormones, such as estrogen. Indole-3-carbinol may change the metabolism of estrogen in the body, even causing significant increases in the amount of estrogen excreted in urine. It may have a similar effect on testosterone metabolism as well.

Indole-3-carbinol may also act as an anti-aging supplement. It may reduce the damage that is caused from free radicals and support healthy cell function. It may also reduce the risk of heart disease, as it supports the promotion of platelet aggregation and reduces the secretion of apolipoprotein B.

It is suggested that indole-3-carbinol also may increase the body's metabolism and reduce the effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It may also increase the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that plays an important role in the metabolic process. Glutathione also supports the body's immune system and helps to repair damaged cells.

Patients with lupus may also benefit from using indole-3-carbinol. Lupus is an incurable chronic autoimmune disease that affects various parts of the body, including joints, lungs, heart and skin; it typically is more common in women than in men. Indole-3-carbinol may help reduce the symptoms of lupus and further studies are currently conducted to support this.

Indole-3-carbinol may be found in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, or it may also be taken as a supplement in the form of a capsule. The recommended dosage is between 400 and 800 milligrams per day. This may be increased on a recommendation from a healthcare professional. It is generally not advised to take this supplement when pregnant. The side effects that are associated with indole-3-carbinol may include skin rashes and nausea. This, however, should only occur with the consumption of very high dosages.