May protect against prostate issuesĭIM supplements may safeguard against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. However, in a 6-month study in 551 women with cervical abnormalities, taking 150 mg of DIM per day had no effect on cervical cell changes ( 3, 13). Notably, a mouse study found that DIM helped prevent cervical cancer. All the same, human studies are needed ( 10, 11, 12). Test-tube and animal studies indicate that DIM protects against ovarian, prostate, and colon cancers as well. DIM supplements resulted in a significantly improved ratio of two types of estrogen - 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydrozyestrone ( 8).Īlthough research is ongoing, increasing the ratio of 2-hydrozyestrone to 16-hydrozyesterone may reduce breast cancer risk and cause anti-tumor effects ( 8).Ī 30-day study in 19 post-menopausal women with early-stage breast cancer found that taking 108 mg of DIM per day also resulted in beneficial changes in estrogen levels ( 9). 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. Our selection of products includes Vitamins and Supplements, Environmental Equipment, Gluten-Free Foods, Personal Care, Domestic, and Pet Care items, and a variety of books.When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM ( 3). (Nutritional Ecological Environmental Delivery System) is an international mail-order resource that specializes in providing products, information, and education in the areas of Chemical Sensitivity, Environmental Illness, Fibromyalgia, Celiac Disease, and Candida. The product ingredients and images displayed on this website may differ from information contained on or in current product labels. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise, or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or other treatment. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this website have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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