Indium is a soft, silver-white metal used in manufacturing. It is chemically similar to aluminum and gallium. Indiums most common industrial use is in electrodes used for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Some dietary supplements contain indium.
People use indium for fatigue, aging, boosting the immune system, and increasing hormone production, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using indium orally can also be unsafe.
Healthcare providers sometimes give an FDA-approved prescription product called indium (In-111) pentetreotide by IV to help diagnose certain types of cancer.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Diagnosing cancer. An FDA-approved prescription drug, called indium (In-111) pentetreotide, is used by healthcare professionals to find certain tumors inside the body. It is given by IV.
- Aging.
- Fatigue.
- A condition caused by poor diet or the body's inability to absorb nutrients.
- Boosting the immune system.
- Increasing hormone production.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of indium for these uses.
Is it Safe?
There isn't enough reliable information available to know how indium might work.
When taken by mouth: Indium is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Indium is thought to be toxic to many parts of the body.
When given by IV: Indium is LIKELY SAFE when the prescription product containing indium (In-111) pentetreotide is given by IV by a healthcare professional.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking indium by mouth or as an IV is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. The effects of indium on an unborn infant or a nursing infant are unknown. But indium is thought to be toxic to many parts of the body. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Indium interacts with any medicines. Before taking Indium, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of indium depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for indium. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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