DIM
Diindolylmethane
Compound from cruciferous vegetables that supports healthy estrogen metabolism in both men and women.
DIM is a compound formed when you digest cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. It supports healthy estrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of estrogen to beneficial metabolites rather than harmful ones. Used by both men and women for hormonal balance, and popular among those concerned about estrogen dominance.
Mechanisms of Action
Estrogen Metabolism
Shifts estrogen toward beneficial metabolites
Aromatase Modulation
May help balance estrogen production
Recommended Dose
100-200mg
Optimal Timing
- With meals containing fat
Take with food
Best Form
Microencapsulated DIM (BioResponse DIM)
Alternatives: Standard DIM capsules
Regular DIM has poor absorption. Enhanced/microencapsulated forms are much better absorbed.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Fat improves absorption. Can be taken any time of day.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Estrogen Balance
Healthier estrogen metabolism
Hormonal Symptom Relief
May reduce estrogen-related symptoms
Avoid — may affect hormones
Consult doctor before use
Who Should NOT Take This
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (consult oncologist)
- Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
May affect hormone levels and metabolism
May affect drug metabolism
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Reduce dose; ensure adequate hydration
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Normal and harmless
Warnings
- May cause dark-colored urine — this is normal
- Affects hormone metabolism — consult doctor if on hormone therapies
- Standard DIM has poor absorption — use enhanced forms
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Amarakoon D et al. • Annual review of food science and technology (2023)
“This article reviews current knowledge of the occurrence of I3C in nature and foods, along with the beneficial effects of I3C and DIM concerning prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, focusing on preclinical studies and their mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels.”
Key Findings:
- One of its main in vivo metabolites is 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), formed by the condensation of two molecules of I3C.
- Both I3C and DIM alter multiple signaling pathways and related molecules controlling diverse cellular events, including oxidation, inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunity.
- There is a growing body of evidence from both in vitro and in vivo models that these compounds possess strong potential to prevent several forms of chronic disease such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, and osteoporosis.
- This article reviews current knowledge of the occurrence of I3C in nature and foods, along with the beneficial effects of I3C and DIM concerning prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases, focusing on preclinical studies and their mechanisms of action at cellular and molecular levels.
Singla RK et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023)
“The future perspectives on the translation of these findings to the personalized treatment of BC are provided and discussed.”
Key Findings:
- Evidence from clinical trials suggests that such products had major potential in enhancing the effectiveness of conventional antitumor agents and decreasing their side effects.
- We here provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic effects and mechanistic underpinnings of medicinal plants and microbial metabolites in BC management.
- The future perspectives on the translation of these findings to the personalized treatment of BC are provided and discussed.
Kim SM • International journal of molecular sciences (2016)
“Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the preventive and therapeutic properties of DIM in addition to its different perspective on the safety of DIM in clinical applications for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.”
Key Findings:
- DIM acts upon several cellular and molecular processes in gastrointestinal cancer cells, including apoptosis, autophagy, invasion, cell cycle regulation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
- In addition, DIM increases the efficacy of other drugs or therapeutic chemicals when used in combinatorial treatment for gastrointestinal cancer.
- The studies to date offer strong evidence to support the use of DIM as an anticancer and therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal cancer.
Li Y et al. • Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre (2016)
“This systematic-review examined the effects of DIM.”
Key Findings:
- BR-DIM administered in clinical trials was well tolerated, and 93% of patients had detectable prostatic DIM levels.
- The inhibitory effects of BR-DIM on AR and AR target gene such as prostate-specific antigen were also observed in the clinical trial.
- Our preclinical and clinical studies provide the scientific basis for a 'proof-of-concept' clinical trial in CRPC patients treated with enzalutamide in combination with BR-DIM.
- This strategy could be expanded in future clinical trials in patients with PCa to determine whether or not they could achieve a better treatment outcome which could be partly mediated by delaying or preventing the development of CRPC.© 2015 S.
Sarkar FH et al. • Cellular signalling (2009)
“Therefore, non-toxic "natural agents" harvested from the bounties of nature could be useful either alone or in combination with conventional therapeutics for the prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies.”
Key Findings:
- This is also consistent with the epidemiological studies showing that the consumption of fruits, soybean and vegetables is associated with reduced risk of several types of cancers.
- By regulating multiple important cellular signaling pathways including NF-kappaB, Akt, MAPK, Wnt, Notch, p53, AR, ER, etc, these natural products are known to activate cell death signals and induce apoptosis in pre-cancerous or cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
- Therefore, non-toxic "natural agents" harvested from the bounties of nature could be useful either alone or in combination with conventional therapeutics for the prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.