PROJECT SHRED is marketed as a metabolic and hormonal optimization supplement, leveraging a blend of phytonutrients and botanical extracts traditionally associated with detoxification, liver support, and estrogen metabolism. The product's name and ingredient profile suggest a focus on hormonal balance, particularly estrogen modulation, which is central to its mechanism. This is primarily driven by two well-researched cruciferous compounds: Diindolylmethane (DIM) and Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), both of which influence estrogen metabolism pathways and are commonly used in hormone-balancing supplements.
The supporting ingredients—dandelion root, white button mushroom, buchu leaf, juniper berry, uva ursi, acacetin, and resveratrol—add layers of antioxidant, diuretic, and metabolic support. While these compounds have preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and glycemic effects, their doses in this product are generally sub-clinical. The overall formulation appears designed for individuals seeking to support estrogen detoxification, reduce estrogenic burden, and enhance metabolic and liver function, particularly in the context of fitness or hormonal fluctuations. However, the safety profile warrants caution due to several ingredients with narrow therapeutic windows.
Quick Summary
High transparency: all ingredients are fully disclosed with exact amounts, and there are no proprietary blends. This allows for accurate dose evaluation and safety assessment.
High efficacy for primary purpose: DIM is at a clinical dose, and I3C, though slightly underdosed, contributes meaningfully to estrogen metabolism support. Supporting ingredients are underdosed but do not detract from the core hormonal benefits.
Moderate bioavailability: DIM and I3C are not specified in enhanced forms (e.g., BioResponse DIM, enteric-coated I3C), and resveratrol is at a low dose without absorption-enhancing technology, limiting systemic availability.
Moderate to low safety profile: multiple ingredients (uva ursi, juniper, I3C, DIM) carry risks of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or hormonal disruption. Long-term use is not advised, and contraindications exist for pregnancy, liver/kidney disease, and medication users.
Suggested: 2 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
The formulation combines two primary hormone-modulating agents—DIM and I3C—with a suite of botanicals aimed at supporting liver, urinary, and metabolic health. While the primary ingredients are dosed at clinically effective levels, most supporting ingredients are below therapeutic thresholds, limiting their standalone impact.
Primary Ingredients
Diindolylmethane
Estrogen metabolism modulator, phase 2 enzyme inducer
Dosed at the upper end of the clinical range (100–200 mg/day), making it highly effective for hormonal balance. No enhanced form (e.g., BioResponse DIM) specified, slightly reducing bioavailability potential.
Diindolylmethane (DIM) promotes the 2-hydroxylation of estradiol, favoring less estrogenic metabolites. It also induces phase II detoxification enzymes via AhR activation and exhibits antioxidant properties.
Indole-3-Carbinol
Estrogen metabolism modulator, detoxification inducer
Dosed at 200 mg, below the typical 300–400 mg/day used in clinical studies. While active, this is suboptimal for full efficacy. Enteric coating would improve stability.
Precursor to DIM; induces phase I and II enzymes via AhR, shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-hydroxyestrone, and has antiproliferative effects in preclinical models.
Supporting Ingredients
There are 7 supporting ingredients.
Practical Recommendations
- Use As Directed And Cycle Appropriately: Limit use to 4–6 weeks followed by a break, especially due to uva ursi and I3C. Do not exceed recommended servings to avoid liver or kidney strain.
- Monitor For Hormonal Or Gastrointestinal Effects: Be aware of potential changes in mood, menstrual cycle, or digestion, particularly during the first few weeks of use.
- Avoid With Hormonal Medications Or Liver Conditions: Consult a healthcare provider before use if taking birth control, tamoxifen, or medications metabolized by the liver.
- Choose High-Quality, Tested Products: Ensure the product is third-party tested for heavy metals, especially given mushroom and herbal content, to avoid contamination.
Is it Safe?
Several ingredients in PROJECT SHRED carry notable safety concerns, including potential liver and kidney toxicity with prolonged use. Uva ursi and juniper berry require particular caution due to nephrotoxic metabolites. The product should be avoided in pregnancy, liver/kidney disease, and when taking hormonal or diuretic medications.
Safety & Considerations
- Hepatotoxicity: Uva ursi releases hydroquinone, which can cause liver damage with prolonged use. Limit use to 1 week per month.
- Nephrotoxicity: Juniper berry and buchu leaf may irritate kidneys; avoid in kidney disease or with diuretics.
- Hormonal Interaction: DIM and I3C may interfere with hormonal therapies (e.g., birth control, tamoxifen); use with caution.
- Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to hormonal and uterine effects of multiple ingredients.
The Science
Efficacy is driven by the primary ingredients DIM and I3C, both present at doses shown in clinical studies to influence estrogen metabolism. Supporting ingredients, while biologically plausible, are largely underdosed, reducing their contribution. Overall, the product is likely effective for its core purpose—hormonal balance—provided it is used appropriately and short-term.
DIM and acacetin act as chemopreventive agents by modulating drug-metabolizing enzymes and scavenging reactive oxygen species.
DIM induces phase 2 detoxification enzymes, supporting its chemoprotective potential.
Dandelion polysaccharides improve lipid profiles in atherosclerotic mice.
Dandelion flavonoids suppress iNOS and COX-2, reducing inflammation.
White button mushroom reduces in vitro glycemic response.
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