However, human studies are limited ( 1, 2).Ī yearlong study gave 130 women with breast cancer on tamoxifen therapy either a placebo or 150 mg of DIM twice a day. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that DIM supplements may help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. While these benefits are promising, overall research on DIM’s effectiveness and long-term safety in humans is limited. They’re also used to help prevent prostate enlargement, treat acne, aid weight loss, and reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause symptoms. Uses and potential benefits of DIM supplementsĭIM supplements are being studied for their protective effects against certain cancers. While more research is needed, it’s thought to help balance hormone levels via its effects on estrogen. SummaryĭIM is a compound your body makes from cruciferous vegetables. While cruciferous vegetables are the primary food source of DIM, you would need to eat several servings every day to reap this compound’s benefits ( 1).Īs a result, people looking to treat a specific condition like acne or prostate issues may seek a concentrated dose in the form of a DIM supplement. It may also help reduce the effects of a stronger form called 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone, which has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of some cancers, including breast and uterine cancer ( 1, 7).Īdditionally, DIM has been shown to inhibit an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen ( 1). Specifically, DIM may stimulate the production of a less potent, more beneficial form of estrogen known as 2-hydroxyestrone ( 1). While the exact mechanism is unknown, indole-3-carbinol is thought to be partly responsible ( 4, 5, 6).Īlthough research on DIM is still quite limited, it’s thought to help balance estrogen levels in your body ( 1). Intriguingly, observational studies associate high cruciferous vegetable intake with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. There is no I3C in the product.When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM ( 3). Therefore, DIM-Plus™ features active DIM. Some research has shown IC3 may cause certain side effects, including stomach upset and dizziness DIM has no known side effects. The stability of IC3 is very low compared to DIM. IC3, on the other hand, has an unpredictable absorption rate. When combined with vitamin E and phosphatidylcholine, DIM is highly absorbable. It's fully active and ready to be absorbed, while IC3 must first be synthesized into DIM after it is digested. As a dietary supplement, DIM provides the exact compounds that are found in vegetables.

Research has shown that DIM improves the way estrogen and other reproductive hormones are metabolized in the body.* However, the research on I3C has been mixed, with some studies showing benefits and other studies having negative results.

Diindolylmethane (pronounced: dye-indo-leel-methane), or DIM for short, as well as indole-3 carbinol (I3C) are plant nutrients found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other related vegetables.

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