Diindolylmethane(DIM) is a compound derived from the chemicalindole-3-carbinolfound incruciferousvegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Still, additional research is needed to fully understand its role in hormonal balance.
This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
OKrasyuk / Getty Images
OKrasyuk / Getty Images
Does Diindolylmethane (DIM) Balance Hormones?
Some research indicates DIM influencesestrogenmetabolism.
Further research is needed to fully understand DIM’s effects on estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance.
What Is DIM?
DIM is a plant compound with potential health benefits (phytonutrient).
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts containindoleglucosinolates(also known asglucobrassicins).
These are chemicals with potential health benefits.
Once eaten, indole glucosinolates break down intoindole-3-carbinol(I3C).
Another series of reactions in the body converts I3C to DIM.
Yourgastrointestinal(GI) tracts acidity facilitates this conversion.
I3C is an unstable molecule, so the conversion to DIM happens relatively quickly.
Other Health Benefits of DIM
Researchers are still trying to fully understand DIM’s health benefits.
Most research on DIM focuses on its potential anticancer benefits.
However, as research evolves, more benefits of DIM may emerge.
Where Can I Find DIM?
DIM naturally exists incruciferousvegetables.
Cruciferous vegetables are rich inglucobrassicins, which can convert to DIM.
The following cruciferous foods contain DIM:
Cooking cruciferous vegetables increases the amount of DIM in the food.
DIM can also be found in supplements.
Supplements contain DIM or I3C, which is converted to DIM once ingested.Encapsulatedsupplements may be more effective.
Encapsulation protects the supplement until it reaches the stomach, where the acidic environment helps convert I3C to DIM.
How Much DIM Is Good for Me?
Dosages up to 300 milligrams (mg) appear safe and well tolerated among females.
However, 200 mg is a more commonly recommended dosage.
DIM dosages may be larger for males than females.
Some supplements contain only DIM, while others use a proprietary blend that includes DIM.
Studies evaluating DIM use 150 mg of DIM, so look for a supplement close to this amount.
Many supplements do come in 200 mg doses.
Precautions
Few studies on DIM exist outside of cancer research.
As always, and due to limited research, exercise caution when starting a DIM supplement.
Summary
Diindolylmethane is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables that has potential health benefits.
Adding cruciferous vegetables to your diet provides numerous health benefits, including any associated with DIM.
2017;165(1):97-107. doi:10.1007/s10549-017-4292-7
PubChem.4-hydroxyestrone.
2016;7(1):5.
Published 2016 Apr 2. doi:10.1186/s13167-016-0057-3
