Diindolylmethane as a dietary supplement
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural compound derived from indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. As a dietary supplement, DIM is popularly promoted for its potential health benefits, particularly in reducing cancer risk and addressing hormone-related conditions. Some studies suggest it may help prevent various cancers, including breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, due to its complex interactions with estrogen. However, the evidence is still considered preliminary, and the effects of DIM on health are not fully understood.
In addition to its anticancer properties, DIM is being explored for its potential roles in managing conditions like acne, cervical dysplasia, and hormonal imbalances such as those experienced during menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome. Recommended dosages typically range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily, although the optimal dose remains unclear. While generally regarded as nontoxic, DIM's influence on hormone levels could lead to hormonal disturbances, and its safety in vulnerable populations has not been adequately studied. As interactions with medications could occur, consulting a healthcare provider before starting DIM is advisable.
Diindolylmethane as a dietary supplement
- DEFINITION: Natural substance promoted as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Reducing cancer risk, hormone-related conditions
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Acne, cervical dysplasia, female sexual function, male sexual function, respiratory issues, weight loss
Overview
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is produced when the substance indole-3-carbinol is digested. Indole-3-carbinol, found in broccoli and other vegetables, has shown considerable promise for cancer prevention. Some of its benefits in this regard may occur after it is converted by the body to DIM. Also, DIM has complex interactions with the hormone estrogen, which could lead to either positive or negative effects on cancer risk. Diindolylmethane has other proposed therapeutic uses as well.
Sources
There is no dietary requirement for DIM. Good natural sources include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Therapeutic Dosages
Manufacturers selling DIM products typically recommend about 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily. The optimal dose (if there is any) is not known.
Therapeutic Uses
Numerous test-tube and animal studies hint that DIM might help prevent various types of cancer, especially breast, cervical, prostate, and uterine cancer, as well as other diseases related to estrogen levels, such as lupus. However, the evidence is too preliminary to serve as the basis for recommending that anyone use DIM. As with many proposed cancer-preventing substances, there are also circumstances in which DIM might increase the risk of cancer.
Some of DIM’s apparent anticancer benefits derive from its complex interactions with estrogen. DIM appears to alter liver function, so an increased amount of estrogen becomes metabolized into inactive forms. In addition, DIM blocks specific effects of estrogen on cells; however, it may enhance other effects of estrogen. The overall effect is far too complex and poorly understood to be described as balancing estrogen in the body, which is what many proponents say about DIM. Still, because DIM influences estrogen, research into its use for hormonal conditions, such as menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and polycystic ovary syndrome is ongoing.
DIM also appears to have an anti-testosterone effect, which could make it helpful for preventing or treating breast cancer. Again, this effect has been optimistically termed “balancing testosterone levels.”
Some research suggests that DIM may offer benefits for diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical dysplasia and respiratory papillomatosis. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to affect hormones could make it helpful in treating acne. Preliminary research suggests it may help weight loss but increase fat metabolism.
According to some manufacturers, DIM can enhance sexual function in men or women and can also improve sports performance. However, there is no evidence that DIM works. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled trials can prove DIM is effective for treating health conditions, and these have been limited to HPV research and prostate studies.
Safety Issues
DIM is thought to be a relatively nontoxic substance. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been completed. Because of DIM’s complex interactions with estrogen and testosterone, it has the potential to cause hormonal disturbances. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Although there are no known drug interactions with DIM, the substance has shown considerable potential for interacting with many medications. For this reason, if one uses any medication that is critical for health, one should not use DIM except under a physician’s supervision.
Bibliography
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Yerushalmi, Rinat, et al. "3,3-Diindolylmethane (DIM): A Nutritional Intervention and Its Impact on Breast Density in Healthy BRCA Carriers. A Prospective Clinical Trial." Carcinogenesis, vol. 41, no. 10, 2020, pp. 1395-1401, doi.org/10.1093/carcin/bgaa050. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
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