Diindoalmethane (DIM) is a compound that is created when we digest cruciferous vegetables. Including broccoli and cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts (a member of the Gemifera Group of Cabbage). Researches have claimed that DIM affects the level of estrogen hormone in the diindolemethane body. As a result, diindoalmethane supplements have become popular for the treatment of certain diseases. These include treatment of hormone related conditions, pimples, menopause symptoms, prostate problems and certain types of cancer. However, there is no good scientific evidence on how effective this is. Let us now know in detail about these supplements.

What are diindoalmethane supplements (DIM supplements) and how do they work?

When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down into a compound called indole-3 carbinol and produces a new compound called diindoalmethane. Diindoalmethane is also known to eliminate cancer cells and reduce swelling. DIM Supplements can stimulate a beneficial form of estrogen known as 2-hydroxyestron. Along with this, it reduces the effect of strong form called 16 alpha-hydroxyestron which increases the risk of weight gain and some types of cancer. Such as breast and uterine cancer.

In addition, DIM Supplements inhibit an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.

People who can use DIM Supplements for a particular condition such as acne or prostate disease, but must consult their doctor for this. Although cruciferous vegetables are its primary food source, but for this you have to take these vegetables in several servings daily to get better benefits of this compound.

Interestingly, intake of cruciferous vegetables has been found in many studies to be linked to a reduction in the risk of certain types of cancer. These include breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, nothing has been known about the mechanism behind it.

Benefits of diindoalmethane supplements

Breast cancer

According to some laboratory studies, diindoalmethane reduces the growth of breast cancer cells. There are some clinical studies on this as well. In pilot studies published in Nutrition and Cancer in 2004, researchers found that diindoalmethane supplements alter estrogen metabolism. This study included 19 women who were at the early stage of breast cancer after menopause.

A 2015 study published in Familial Cancer used 300 mg of diindoalmethane per day for four to six weeks in fifteen women with BRCA1 mutations. The urinary estrogen ratio (a biomarker in contrast to the development of breast cancer) did not change significantly after supplementation.

Diandoalmethane supplements are beneficial in prostate problems

DIM Supplements

DIM supplements can help protect against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Not only this, it can help in combating PIN i.e. prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. It is a condition in which there is a cell growth of the prostate which is believed to be the cause of prostate cancer.

A 12-month study involving 21 men who had a high grade PIN. He was given a placebo or 900 mg DIM every day. Those who were given DIM saw improvement in their prostate health as well as improvement in PIN.

Cervical cancer

DIM supplements and cervical cancer

According to some data, the use of diindoalmethane supplements may reduce the development of cervical cancer. Studies on mice also found evidence that DIM helps prevent cervical cancer. However, in 551 women who suffered from cervical abnormalities in 6 months of studies, it was found that there was no change in cervical cell even when they were given 150 mg DIM supplements daily. Diindoalmethane supplements failed to show effect in the presence of cyclic cell changes and HPV.

Useful in other cancers as well?

In addition, some test tubes and animal studies indicate that DIMs provide protection against ovarian cancer and colon cancer. However, this requires human studies. Due to less research on this, it is too early to say that diindoalmethane can help fight these cancers. Therefore, do not use DIM supplements for any disease without doctor's advice.

Helpful in reducing weight

DIM supplements help in weight

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating the process of collecting fatty fat. DIM supplements can help lose weight. However, no human research supports this fact. Also some studies link estrogen imbalance to weight gain in women and men. Whether its level is very low or very high. In a study done on mice in which the mice were put on hi fat diet, 50 mg diindoalmethane was given to the mice at one kilogram and then the formation of new fat cells stopped. However, human studies are needed for this. Do not use DIM Supplements for weight loss without doctor's advice.

A 2015 study published in Familial Cancer used 300 mg of diindoalmethane per day for four to six weeks in fifteen women with BRCA1 mutations. The urinary estrogen ratio (a biomarker in contrast to the development of breast cancer) did not change significantly after supplementation.

Other uses of DIM supplements:

DIM Supplements can help fight hormonal acne. However, currently no research supports its use.

During the menopause, there is a problem of hot flashes caused by hormonal changes. While DIM supplements reduce hot flashes, their effects have not been supported by any research.

PMS Symptoms - A variety of symptoms and signs are seen in premenstrual syndrome. Including mood swings, pain in the breast, food craving, fatigue, irritability and depression. It is believed that PMS symptoms are seen due to changes in the level of estrogen hormone. Some people use DIM supplements to reduce these symptoms, but research does not confirm their effectiveness.

High levels of estrogen in men cause problems of breast growth, erectile dysfunction and infertility. DIM supplements can be effective for this problem, but their effects on humans have not been studied so far.

DIM supplements side-effects and precautions

Due to less research on humans, less information is available about its side effects. According to the little available information, diindoalmethane is safe when taken as foods. 2–24 mg diindoalmethane can be consumed in diets. DIM supplements are probably safe for those who are used for medicinal purpose. Its side effects are as follows.

Its most common side effects are headache, vomiting, gas, dark colored urin and diarrhea. Excess intake of this can cause harm.

Consumption of 600 mg diindoalmethane daily may cause sodium levels to decrease in some people.

Diindoalmethane affects the metabolism of estrogen, so taking diindoalmethane supplements can increase hormone sensitive conditions, including hormone-based cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

According to a report, a healthy woman complained of central chorioretinopathy after consuming an overdose of DIM for two consecutive months. This is a condition in which visualization is reduced. Her symptoms went away after eight weeks of discontinuing the supplements.

Along with this, symptoms of skin rashes (an increase in eosinophils often occur as an allergic reaction) have also been found with eosinophilia after the use of diindoalmethane. Muscles and joint pens that occur mainly in the hips and nee have also been reported.

Keeping safety in mind, it is extremely important not to use diindoalmethane without consulting a doctor. Since diindoalmethane acts like estrogen, it is of concern that it may worsen hormonal-related conditions. Which includes breast, uterus and ovarian cancer. Although studies have also revealed that it protects against breast cancer, you should not use it in a hormone sensitive condition for safety.

Should diindolemethane supplements be used during pregnancy and breast feeding?

Diindoalmethane is safe to use if it is used as a quantity found in food. There are not enough studies to confirm whether this supplement is safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women. Take it as a food for the safe side. Please consult the doctor for more information. Diindoalmethane is safe even for young children if taken as vegetables. For more information, please consult a doctor.

What amount of DIM should you take?

Due to limited research, information on the proper dose of diindoalmethane is not available. Its typical range is 108–900 mg per day, based on research conducted for the treatment of cancer and prostate enlargement. According to a research conducted on 24 healthy people, 200 mg DIM can be used and does not cause any side effects. One person experienced a headache, vomiting and nausea after using the 300mg dose. On the basis of this, it can be said that its higher dose can cause side effects. So do not forget to consult a doctor for its correct dosage and usage.

Always remember that natural products are not always safe and the dose of any medicine or supplements depends on the age, health and other conditions of the person. Which can be different for everyone. Due to lack of more and correct information about the correct dosage of DIM supplements, the risk of this increases further. While using any natural products, read the necessary directions given on the label. Also seek the opinion of the pharmacist and doctor.

Can DIM supplements interact with a drug?

Some medicines are broken down by the liver. How quickly the liver will break down the drug diindoalmethane can increase it. Taking diindoalmethane with some medications may reduce the effect of other drugs. Before taking diindoalmethane, please consult your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines mentioned below so that drug interactions can be avoided.

Clozapine (Clozaril) clozapine (Clozaril)

Cyclobnazaprine (Flexeril) cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)

Fluvoxamine (luvox) fluvoxamine (luvox)

Haloperidol (Haldol) haloperidol (Haldol)

Imipramine (Tofranil) imipramine (Tofranil)

Mexitil etc.

As we have already mentioned in this article that if diindoalmethane is used as a food, it is safe as well as very beneficial. It is found in cruciferous vegetables as a compound. They have cancer fighting properties. So now let us know about these vegetables in detail and also know how they can be used?

  • Cruciferous Vegetables
  • Arugula arugula
  • Broccoli Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Radish
  • Turnip
  • Benefits of cruciferous vegetables
  •  What are the side effects of DIM supplements?
  • Cruciferous Vegetables

Let us tell you, the benefits of cruciferous vegetables are not many because they are found in high amounts of folate, vitamin C, E, K and fiber. If you want to lose weight, fiber plays a big role because it keeps the stomach full for a long time. They also have other advantages:

  • Cruciferous vegetables are a good source of phytonutrients which is the best compound plant. This helps to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of cancer.
  • Simultaneously, there is a group of subsidence in cruciferous vegetables called glucosinolates. It is a sulfur-rich chemical, which is responsible for the pungent aroma of vegetables and its bitter test.
  • Glucosinolates found in cruciferous vegetables during food preparation, chewing, and digestion break down into biologically active compounds such as indoles, nitriles, thiocyanates, and isothiocyanates. Indole-3 carbinol and sulforaphane have been tested several times for their anticancer effects.
  • Indole and isothiocyanates have been found to inhibit the development of cancer of organs such as bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung, and stump in mice. Studies conducted on animals and experiments with laboratory-developed cells have identified several possible ways in which these compounds may help prevent cancer:
  • They help protect cells from DNA damage.
  • They help to inactivate carcinogens.
  • They have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
  • They have anti-inflammatory effects.
  • They induce apoptosis (apoptosis is a process of cell death. In which the body gets rid of unnecessary and abnormal cells).
  • These inhibit the tumor blood vessels formation (angiogenesis) and tumor cell migration (required for metastasis).

How much can one eat cruciferous vegetables?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, an adult woman should eat 2.5 cups of vegetables per day. Three cups for men there. A cup of cooked or raw broccoli, brussels spouts or cabbage will be counted as one cup vegetable. Your total vegetable intake should not be among the cruciferous vegetables, but you should include them in your diet daily to get the most out of them. Let us now know how these vegetables should be used?

Arugula



Arugula is a leafy vegetable. It can be used in many recipes. It can be used in pasta. Also it can be added to salads. Arugula is a Tulsi Substitute. It tastes strong.

Broccoli



Broccoli can be eaten as a raw salad. Apart from this, it can be eaten by frying lightly in olive and adding salt and chilli. Its vegetable can also be made. Broccoli tastes good. It can be easily added to your diet. Being a good source of fiber, it also helps in relieving constipation.

Brussels sprouts



The test of this vegetable is slightly different and especially children do not like it. It can be roasted in the oven and eaten. Also, its vegetable can also be made. It can also be used by filling it in paratha.

Cabbage



Cabbage is very popular in Indian households. It is also very easy to make its vegetable. Vegetables are prepared by mixing potatoes with it. It is beneficial as well as being tasty. It can also be easily included in its daily diet.

Radish



Radish is eaten raw only. It is mostly eaten in salads, but you can eat it in many other ways like radish paratha, radish pickle etc.

Turnips



Turnip looks like a potato, but its flavor is different. It has a slightly pungent taste and a color purple. It can be used in many vegetables instead of potato. In addition, turnip vegetables are also made and eaten.

All these vegetables are natural sources of diindoalmethane. You can easily take the benefits of diindoalmethane by adding them to your diet. For this you will not even need to take DIM supplements, but do not always eat these vegetables. Make other vegetables a part of your diet. There is no loss of vegetables, but if you are facing a health condition or you are allergic to any type of food, then consult a dietician or doctor before making any cruciferous vegetable part of your diet.