Indolplex/DIM FAQ's

[Guest guest]

I found this DIM FAQ. So just plain DIM is not the same as

Indolplex/DIM.

http://www.rrpwebsite.org/Indolplex.htm

Phil

Frequently asked questions regarding Indolplex (renamed Phytosorb-

DIM in 4/2000)

Submitted by A. Zeligs, M.D.

1. What is DIM?

DIM stands for Diindolylmethane: a dietary indole found in

cruciferous vegetables and formed spontaneously from the combination

(or " condensation " ) of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a closely related

indole, also present in these vegetables. DIM occurs naturally

within the cruciferous vegetable plant after crushing or chewing

from the action of plant enzymes from precursors called

glucosinolates. DIM is also formed directly from I3C, without

enzymes, in an acidic environment such as in our stomachs, when I3C

powder is taken as a food supplement. Based on this, DIM is

described as a direct and active metabolite of I3C. This is true

since in various tests of estrogen metabolism it is DIM, and not

I3C, which promotes a shift in the balance of estrogen metabolites.

2. What is the DIM containing product Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM?

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is a fine-powder formulation which contains

pure DIM for use as a dietary supplement. As described above the DIM

in Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is a component of the human diet and is

found in all cruciferous vegetables. Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM acts to

promote and support a favorable metabolism of estrogen and related

hormones. The main function of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is to

overcome the extreme insolubility of DIM and make it absorbable from

the human intestine. Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM provides consistent

levels and absorption of highly insoluble DIM. The formulation and

composition of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM constitute a patent-pending,

nutrient delivery system developed by BioResponse. In its production

process, BioResponse includes testing of each batch of

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM by an independent analytic laboratory. This

quality control assures the consistent level and purity of DIM in

the product. In addition, BioResponse has established the shelf life

stability of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM through testing levels of DIM

during exposure to elevated temperature and humidity. This

independent laboratory testing has documented at least a 1 year

shelf-life during which levels of DIM do not significantly

change.Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM can therefore be included in dietary

supplements for human consumption to augment the dietary intake of

cruciferous vegetable related ingredients. A daily intake of 3-5

servings of vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, is

recommended by the USDA " Dietary Guidelines for Americans " . Since

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM contains the predominant dietary indole

which results from the digestion of cruciferous vegetables, its use

as a supplement relates to normal dietary intake from crucifers.

Unlike I3C, Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM provides a source of dietary

indole which is shelf-stable following mixture and encapsulation or

tableting with other dietary supplement ingredients.

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM can augment or replace deficient dailyintake

of dietary indoles and contribute to health promotion.

3. How is Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM unique?

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is differentiated from all other dietary

supplements and I3C by the following key points:Indolplex/Phytosorb-

DIM with DIM is the only pure dietary indole which is new to the

marketplace and introduced in conjunction with a patent-pending

nutrient delivery system. Indoles have been proven in a variety of

research to be of benefit in estrogen related

disorders.Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM provides protection from unwanted

estrogen metabolites. Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM promotes the

production of 2 hydroxyestrone, a key metabolitein men and women and

is an estrogen blocker. Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM provides proven

bioavailability of highly insoluble active DIM through action of its

patent-pending dosage form and delivery system.

4. How is Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM used as a dietary supplement?

The dose range for Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM on a weight basis is from

3-5 mg/kg/day . (One kg is equal to 2.2 lbs.) This is the range in

which consistent shifts

in estrogen metabolism have been demonstrated. Use by adults at a

doses of

up to 5 mg/kg/day has been side effect free. To facilitate flexible

and

appropriate dosage in supplement consumers BioResponse is introducing

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM in both 75 and 150 mg strength capsules.

This will allow

individuals of different weights to combine capsules of either

strength to

achieve an Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM dose in the 3-5 mg/kg/day range.

It is recommended that individuals with RRP choose a daily dose

which is

close to 4 mg/kg/day. To be close to 4 mg/kg/day a typical man

weighing

70-85 kg would take from 300 to 375 mg per day. A typical woman

weighing

60-70 kg would take from 225 to 300 mg per day.

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is also available in a " Chocolate

Sprinkles " form in which the Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM is contained in

chocolate granules for a pleasant tasting alternative to be given by

spoon or on food. The dose of " Sprinkles " can

be individualized with each quarter teaspoon being appropriate for

each 16

kg of body weight (approximately 35 pounds). Using a measuring

spoon ,this

provides 4-5 mg/per kg of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM. The Sprinkles

weigh more than the milligrams of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM in

capsules because of the addition of the chocolate flavoring and

fructose. This formulation is especially

appropriate for young children and individuals who do not wish to

take

capsules. Chocolate Sprinkles are great on cereal, applesauce, ice

cream

to name a few tasty ideas.

Ed. Note--Strikethroughs were made by MG, editor. Since this

publication, BioResponse has increased the recommended dosage range,

and the numbers given above are no longer relevant. My mild-

moderate RRP, for example, is currently being maintained in

remission with a 7-8 mg/kg dose, and this is the suggested dose for

most RRP patients. [Take your weight, divide by 2.2 and multiply by

7-8. That's the suggested dosage in mg.] MG 9/13/02

Regarding potential side effects: No reported side effects have

occurred

using Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM in the range of 3-5 mg/kg/day in

either adults or

children. [Ed. note: click here for potentially important

reconsiderations regarding this issue. MG]. Based on the experience

of individuals taking I3C at excessive

dosage the most commonly reported side effect has been dizziness,

head

ache, or unsteady gait. We recommend that Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM

consumers look for this side effect and reduce dosage if it occurs.

5. Availability of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM?

TMThe 150 mg strength Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM capsules will be

available by mid-August and contain 60 capsules. The 75 mg bottles

contain 90 capsules per bottleand are available now. Both bottles

are available for $33.00 per bottle which includes priority mail

shipping.Chocolate Sprinkles are now available for $43.00 per bottle

which includes shipping. and represents at least a month's supply.

As an introductory offer, for every bottle of Chocolate Sprinkles

purchased, a second bottlewill be included for FREE. This 2 for one

special is a great way to try the Sprinkles.

6. Testing of the formulation of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM products?

Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM has been extensively tested in human

subjects to establish a consistent shift in urinary estrogen

metabolites at the 3 mg/kg/day dose. There are a number of

individuals with RRP currently using Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM

products with good results. Most importantly there are some

individuals with RRP who have failed to have good responses to I3C

who subsequently did respond to high doses of pure DIM.Whether

individuals with RRP will have a more dramatic or consistent

response to Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM over I3C is not known at this

time. BioResponse intends to test Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM in

individuals with RRP in controlled trials as soon as such research

is designed. In the meantime, use of Indolplex/Phytosorb-DIM by RRP

individuals will provide useful information. The important point to

remember is that the active indole, DIM, is the most potent dietary

substance for achieving the desired shift in estrogen metabolites.

7. Present and Future Research?

New findings from the research community indicate that there are

individuals that possess more or less an inherited or genetically

determined ability to respond to dietary indoles with a shift in

estrogen metabolism. Whether individuals with RRP are special in

this regard is not yet known. The bigger question is whether RRP

individuals are somehow more susceptible to as yet unidentified

environmental influences that shift metabolism of estrogen or other

hormones to make them better " hosts " for the human papilloma virus.

This question relates another distinct estrogen metabolite

identified as 4-hydroxyestrone, present in low amounts in certain

tissues. This metabolite arises from its own class of cytochrome

enzymes and is associated with abnormal growth in other estrogen

sensitive disorders. In preliminary research, both the responsible

enzymes and levels of 4-hydroxyestrone are reduced by DIM and I3C in

estrogen sensitive cells in culture. Future research will determine

whether individuals with RRP produce elevated levels of 4-

hydroxyestrones in papilloma tissue. If increased production of 4-

hydroxyestrone is modified due to exposure to environmental

substances, new approaches to reducing susceptibility and treating

RRP may be possible.