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Dietary supplement

Meta I 3 C Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Metagenics

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Meta I 3 C is a dietary supplement by Metagenics with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for estrogen and hormone balance support, breast and cervical health, prostate health.Based on those ingredients, 384 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Rosemary Leaf Extract, Indole-3-Carbinol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Meta I 3 C by Metagenics

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Meta I 3 C contains 2 active ingredients. Indole-3-carbinol is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.

Rosemary leaf extract is a concentrated form of the culinary herb rosemary. The product also includes inactive ingredients — hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, and silica — which serve as capsule material, binder, and flow agents.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: promote healthy estrogen metabolism and balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Breast cancer, Cervical dysplasia, Ovarian cancer, hormone balance, estrogen regulation.
  • The closest evidence on file: Indole-3-carbinol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Breast cancer (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Indole-3-carbinol is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cervical dysplasia, Ovarian cancer.

The evidence for indole-3-carbinol is limited. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical dysplasia, liver disease, and fibromyalgia.

Rosemary leaf extract is possibly effective for memory, but evidence is insufficient for age-related cognitive decline, alopecia areata, and fatty liver disease. For other uses, the data we hold does not establish effectiveness.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Indole-3-carbinol Rosemary

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Indole-3-carbinol is generally well tolerated orally, though diarrhea, nausea, rash, tremor, and unsteadiness have been reported. Higher doses or longer use may increase the risk of imbalance and tremor — one case showed these effects at 800 mg daily, which resolved when the dose was cut in half.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data to know either way; talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. The safety data advises against concentrated supplements while breastfeeding.

Rosemary leaf extract in normal food amounts is safe, but concentrated extracts and undiluted oils require caution. Topically, allergic reactions including dermatitis and lip or gum swelling have occurred.

Oral use of undiluted oil may cause seizures.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Indole-3-carbinol Rosemary

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Rosemary, Indole-3-carbinol.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 384 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Meta I 3 C, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (moderate risk of bleeding), estrogen therapy (may reduce effectiveness), diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar too far), aspirin or other salicylate-based pain relievers, or drugs metabolized by the enzyme CYP1A2. The search tool on this page can help you look up your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Meta I 3 C is mainly a concern if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, estrogen therapy, or aspirin. The product itself is generally well tolerated in most people, but imbalance and tremor can happen at higher doses.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any regular medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interaction profile is broad enough to warrant a quick check of your specific situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Meta I 3 C, straight from the product label.

Brand Metagenics
Barcode (UPC) 755571019523
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2023
DSLD ID 295761
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Meta I 3 C by Metagenics, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
755571019523
IngredientAmount% DV
Indole-3-Carbinol150 mg--
Rosemary Leaf Extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Meta I 3 C is designed to promote healthy estrogen metabolism and balance by featuring indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a nature-identical version of the compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Through its ability to promote the breakdown of estrogen to its beneficial, protective metabolite-2-hydroxyestrone-indole-3-carbinol may be a safe and effective way to help achieve beneficial balance in estrogen metabolism.

Stabilized indole-3-carbinol

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one capsule twice daily with food or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Formulation

This product is gluten-free and vegetarian.

This product is gluten-free and vegetarian.

Certified Gluten Free GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Precautions

Caution: Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. If taking medication, consult your healthcare practitioner before use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Practitioner Exclusive

Seals/Symbols

Certified Gluten Free GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Meta I 3 C by Metagenics label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Meta I 3 C by Metagenics

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Indole-3-Carbinol

Interacts with
294 drugs
150 mg per serving

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a compound formed when you eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, and it is sold as a supplement mainly for...

Indole-3-Carbinol monograph & interactions

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Interacts with
372 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Carnosic Acid, Carnosol

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb that is safe and flavorful in normal food amounts. Some early research suggests possible benefits for memory...

Rosemary Leaf Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Meta I 3 C by Metagenics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Meta I 3 C?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
384Drugs
384 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Meta I 3 C with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Rosemary Leaf Extract6 drug types · 372 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that rosemary inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models. However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults, no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A2 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Indole-3-Carbinol3 drug types · 294 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, indole-3-carbinol might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that indole-3-carbinol inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, indole-3-carbinol might increase the metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates and lower serum concentrations.
Animal research shows that indole-3-carbinol induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Indole-3-carbinol might interfere with the effects of estrogen therapy.
Preliminary clinical and in vitro evidence shows that indole-3-carbinol has antiestrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Meta I 3 C, from the product label.

Metagenics

See all Metagenics products
Name
Metagenics
City
Gig Harbor
State
WA
ZipCode
98332
Phone Number
800 692 9400
Web Address
metagenics.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Meta I 3 C by Metagenics: Common Questions

Does Meta I 3 C by Metagenics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Meta I 3 C has a known interaction with 384 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Meta I 3 C contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does indole-3-carbinol actually work for cancer or other diseases?
The evidence isn't established yet. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate indole-3-carbinol for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical dysplasia, liver disease, or fibromyalgia. That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means human studies are too limited to say either way.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data on indole-3-carbinol in pregnancy to know either way. For rosemary, food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal doses should be avoided during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during pregnancy.
What are the most common side effects?
Indole-3-carbinol may cause diarrhea, nausea, rash, tremor, and unsteadiness — especially at higher doses. Rosemary leaf extract can trigger allergic skin reactions in some people. Most users tolerate it well, but if you notice balance problems or stomach upset, mention it to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
The safety data advises against indole-3-carbinol supplements while breastfeeding because there isn't enough data. For rosemary, medicinal doses haven't been adequately studied during breastfeeding either. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is rosemary safe to use in this supplement form?
Rosemary in normal food amounts is safe, but concentrated extracts like the one in this product require caution. Undiluted rosemary oil should be avoided — it may cause seizures. The extract form used here is less risky, but it's not the same as using fresh rosemary in cooking.
Will this speed up or slow down how my body processes my medications?
Both ingredients may affect an enzyme (CYP1A2) that your liver uses to clear certain drugs. Indole-3-carbinol might speed up the breakdown of some medications, lowering their levels, while rosemary may have a similar but weaker effect. If you're on medications metabolized this way, your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which ones might be affected.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Meta I 3 C is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Meta I 3 C label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Meta I 3 C's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 29 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Indole-3-carbinol 9 references
  1. Rosen CA, Woodson GE, Thompson JW, et al. Preliminary results of the use of indole-3-carbinol for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:810-5. PubMed
  2. Bell MC, Crowley-Nowick P, Bradlow HL, et al. Placebo-controlled trial of indole-3-carbinol in the treatment of CIN. Gynecol Oncol 2000;78:123-9. PubMed
  3. He YH, Friesen MD, Ruch RJ, Schut HA. Indole-3-carbinol as a chemopreventive agent in 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) carcinogenesis: inhibition of PhIP-DNA adduct formation, acceleration of PhIP metabolism, and induction of cytoch
  4. Kim, Y. S. and Milner, J. A. Targets for indole-3-carbinol in cancer prevention. J.Nutr.Biochem. 2005;16(2):65-73. PubMed
  5. Anon. Indole-3-carbinol. Monograph. Alternative Medicine Review 2005;10(4):337-42.
  6. McAlindon TE, Gulin J, Chen T, et al. Indole-3-carbinol in women with SLE: effect on estrogen metabolism and disease activity. Lupus 2001;10:779-83. PubMed
  7. Reed GA, Peterson KS, Smith HJ, et al. A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14:1953-60. PubMed
  8. Bradlow HL, Michnovicz JJ, Halper M, et al. Long-term responses of women to indole-3-carbinol or a high fiber diet. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1994;3:591-5.
  9. Paliwal P, Chauhan G, Gautam D, Dash D, Patne SCU, Krishnamurthy S. Indole-3-carbinol improves neurobehavioral symptoms in a cerebral ischemic stroke model. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2018;391(6):613-625. PubMed

See these in context on the Indole-3-carbinol monograph →

Rosemary 20 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  4. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  5. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  6. Cartier LC, Lehrer A, Malo JL. Occupational asthma caused by aromatic herbs. Allergy 1996;51:647-9. DOI
  7. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  8. Swain AR, Dutton SP, Truswell AS. Salicylates in foods. J Am Diet.Assoc 1985;85(8):950-60. DOI
  9. Zhu BT, Loder DP, Cai MX, et al. Dietary administration of an extract from rosemary leaves enhances the liver microsomal metabolism of endogenous estrogens and decreases their uterotropic action in CD-1 mice. Carcinogenesis 1998;19(10):1821-7. PubMed
  10. Debersac P, Heydel JM, Amiot MJ, et al. Induction of cytochrome P450 and/or detoxication enzymes by various extracts of rosemary: description of specific patterns. Food Chem Toxicol 2001;39(9):907-18. PubMed
  11. Debersac P, Vernevaut MF, Amiot MJ, et al. Effects of a water-soluble extract of rosemary and its purified component rosmarinic acid on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat liver. Food Chem Toxicol 2001;39(2):109-17. PubMed
  12. Lee JJ, Jin YR, Lee JH, et al. Antiplatelet activity of carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene from Rosmarinus officinalis. Planta Med 2007;73(2):121-7.
  13. Yamamoto J, Yamada K, Naemura A, et al. Testing various herbs for antithrombotic effect. Nutrition 2005;21(5):580-7. PubMed
  14. Naemura A, Ura M, Yamashita T, et al. Long-term intake of rosemary and common thyme herbs inhibits experimental thrombosis without prolongation of bleeding time. Thromb Res 2008;122(4):517-22. PubMed
  15. Lee JJ, Jin YR, Lim Y, et al. Antiplatelet activity of carnosol is mediated by the inhibition of TXA2 receptor and cytosolic calcium mobilization. Vascul Pharmacol 2006;45:148-53. PubMed
  16. Bakirel, T., Bakirel, U., Keles, O. U., Ulgen, S. G., and Yardibi, H. In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. J Ethnopharmacol 2-28-2008;116(1):64-73. PubMed
  17. Erenmemisoglu, A., Saraymen, R., and Ustun, S. Effect of a Rosmarinus officinalis leave extract on plasma glucose levels in normoglycaemic and diabetic mice. Pharmazie 1997;52(8):645-646.
  18. Valones MAA, Silva ICG, Gueiros LAM, Leão JC, Caldas AF Jr, Carvalho AAT. Clinical assessment of rosemary-based toothpaste (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.): A randomized controlled double-blind study. Braz Dent J. 2019;30(2):146-151. PubMed
  19. Quirarte-Báez SM, Zamora-Perez AL, Reyes-Estrada CA, et al. A shortened treatment with rosemary tea (rosmarinus officinalis) instead of glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (TSD). J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol. 2019;26(4):e18-e28.
  20. Al Jamal A. Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on lipid profiles and blood glucose in human diabetic patients (type-2). African J. Biochem. Res. 2014;8(8):147-50. DOI

See these in context on the Rosemary monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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