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Indium

Also known as: Indium, In, Atomic number 49, Indium sulfate (In₂(SO₄)₃), Indium-111 pentetreotide

Overview

Indium is a soft, malleable metal primarily known for its industrial applications and use in medical diagnostic tools. It is not naturally found in significant amounts in the human body and is not commonly used as a dietary supplement due to its potential toxicity. In medical contexts, indium, particularly in the form of indium-111 pentetreotide, is used in diagnostic imaging to locate certain tumors. Research on indium as a dietary supplement is limited, with most studies focusing on its medical and industrial uses. Indium compounds can be toxic, especially when ingested, highlighting the importance of using indium only under strict medical supervision.

Benefits

There is insufficient evidence to support any health benefits of indium as a dietary supplement. The primary use of indium in medicine is for diagnostic purposes, such as in the form of indium-111 pentetreotide, which is administered intravenously by healthcare professionals. No reliable studies demonstrate any benefits from oral indium supplementation. Therefore, indium should not be considered a beneficial dietary supplement.

How it works

The mechanism of action for indium compounds, particularly in diagnostic imaging, involves the binding of indium-111 to specific peptides or antibodies that target tumor cells. However, there is no clear mechanism described for any potential health benefits when taken as a supplement, as there is no reliable evidence to support such use. The diagnostic applications rely on the radioactive properties of indium-111 to allow for imaging and detection of specific tissues or cells.

Side effects

Indium is considered possibly unsafe when taken by mouth due to its toxicity. While specific data on common, uncommon, and rare side effects from oral ingestion are limited, it is known to be toxic. When administered intravenously as part of a prescription drug, it is likely safe under medical supervision. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential toxicity. It is crucial to avoid use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in individuals with unknown sensitivities to indium compounds. No specific interactions are documented for dietary use, but caution is advised due to the inherent toxicity of indium.

Dosage

There are no established safe or effective dosing guidelines for indium as a dietary supplement. The use of indium in medical diagnostics is strictly under medical supervision and follows specific protocols. Due to the potential toxicity of indium, self-administration or use outside of a controlled medical setting is strongly discouraged. Any use of indium should be guided by qualified healthcare professionals.

FAQs

Is indium safe for oral ingestion?

No, indium is not safe for oral ingestion and should only be used under medical supervision for diagnostic purposes due to its toxicity.

When should indium be administered?

Indium administration is not applicable for dietary supplements; it is only for medical use under professional guidance for diagnostic imaging.

What are the expected results from taking indium as a supplement?

There are no expected health benefits from taking indium as a supplement. Its primary use is in medical diagnostics under strict medical supervision.

Is there any evidence to support the health benefits of indium?

No, indium is sometimes mistakenly believed to have health benefits, but there is no reliable evidence to support this. Its use is limited to medical diagnostics.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/10/3814 – This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-DOTATATE compared to indium-111 DTPA-octreotide for neuroendocrine tumors. It highlights the safe use of indium compounds in medical diagnostics under strict protocols, but this does not pertain to dietary supplement use.
https://jmla.pitt.edu/ojs/jmla/article/download/1223/1368 – This article discusses various aspects of metal toxicity. It provides a broader context for understanding the potential hazards associated with indium exposure, reinforcing the need for caution in its use.
https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/57/6/872 – This research focuses on the use of Indium-111 labeled compounds in nuclear medicine imaging. It details the procedures and effectiveness of using indium for diagnostic purposes, emphasizing its role in medical settings rather than as a dietary supplement.
https://osf.io/mepkc/?action=download – This in-vitro study on indium sulfate's effects on human dermal fibroblasts shows significant cytotoxicity and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at higher concentrations, indicating potential toxicity. The findings underscore the potential dangers of indium exposure and its unsuitability as a dietary supplement.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1158/indium – WebMD emphasizes that indium is possibly unsafe when taken orally and should only be used under medical supervision for specific diagnostic purposes. This aligns with the consensus that indium is not suitable for dietary supplementation due to its toxicity.