However, no research currently supports this use ( 20, 21). DIM supplements are sometimes used to treat hormonal acne. Still, it’s important to remember that research is lacking on all of these effects. Other potential uses and benefitsĭIM supplements are purported to aid other hormone-related conditions. Keep in mind that human studies are needed. In one study in mice on a high fat diet, 23 mg of DIM per pound (50 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the formation of new fat cells ( 19). Given that estrogen plays an important role in regulating fat accumulation, DIM supplements may aid weight loss - although no human research currently supports this effect.Īll the same, studies link an imbalance of estrogen - either too much or too little - to an increased risk of weight gain in both men and women ( 16, 17, 18).įurthermore, DIM supplements may stimulate fat breakdown and inhibit fat cell formation. Still, more human research is necessary ( 15). Test-tube and animal studies likewise suggest that DIM helps fight prostate cancer. Those given DIM experienced significant improvements in prostate health, as well as PIN ( 14).
In a 12-month study, 21 men with high-grade PIN were given either a placebo or 900 mg of DIM per day. In fact, it may help combat prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a condition that’s characterized by prostate cell growth and considered to be a precursor to prostate cancer ( 14). 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. When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM ( 3).
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