Choosing the best DIM capsules for supplementation requires the consideration of a few different variables.
DIM (diindolylmethane) is a naturally-synthesized substance that we make in our bodies when digesting vegetables from the Brassica plant family.
DIM and its precursor, indole-3-carbinol (I3C) are referred to as anticancer agents. They are sometimes used by naturopathic doctors to prevent and treat various cancers, especially prostate, cervical, breast and colon cancers.
While the FDA has not yet approved DIM tablets as a cancer treatment, there is significant evidence showing positive effects in laboratory and animal studies.
DIM capsules are also currently used by women to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), prostate issues, perimenopause and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
As DIM is a relatively new area of clinical study, most research to date has been animal-based or in-vitro.
Di-indole methane is also known to affect estrogen levels and utilization. As such, it may help in the prevention of certain conditions which are sensitive to excessive estrogen levels.



- Aids healthy hormone balance for men & women
- Mitigates some effects of excess estrogen
- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits
Using DIM Capsules
Related Topics
DIM (3,3′-diindolylmethane) is a phytonutrient constituent of cruciferous vegetables.
It is a metabolic condensation of I3C (indole-3-carbinol) that occurs when myrosinase is released during the chewing process (mastication).
More precisely, when I3C mixes with myrosinase, glucose and isothiocyanates are released which cause molecular breakdown.
At this point, two indoles are joined to a single methane group; resulting in a molecule of diindolylmethane.
DIM capsules seem to assist with the efficient breakdown of fats from the diet. Also, diindolylmethane supplementation may promote gains in lean muscle mass and decrease body fat mass.
Bodybuilders are using DIM pills more and more to increase testosterone levels, help lose weight, improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, and for muscle building.
Effects of DIM on Estrogen
Oral DIM capsules are often recommended to control levels of estrogen in males and females, particularly as they age. Both men and women utilize estrogen for a variety of biological functions.
Some of the roles of estrogen include maintaining healthy blood vessels, preserving strong brain functioning, repairing DNA and combating free radical damage.
The elevated levels of estrogen in women compared to men are believed to be responsible for the female body shaping of hips and breasts, as well as many other differences between the sexes.
Estrogen is also the reason why women tend to store fat around the thighs and buttocks, while men are more likely to store fat around the abdomen.
In some men with excessive estrogen levels, symptoms like gynecomastia (male breast growth) develop. Other effects of high estrogen in men may include fat gains, weight gains, muscle loss, decreases in strength, diminished sex drive, reduction in testosterone levels, and feminization of the body.
There is also a potential increased risk for developing prostate cancer, heart disease and various other conditions. Taking a regular DIM pill may help to avert these conditions associated with high estrogen levels.
In many women nearing menopause, estrogen dominance develops as naturally-synthesized levels of progesterone decrease. This can manifest as early as ten years before the official onset of menopause.
Symptoms of estrogen dominance may include water retention, erratic mood swings, heavy bleeding during menstruation, and painful breasts.
When estrogen dominance onsets, the tissues of the breasts and uterus may become hyperstimulated. This is known to possibly cause adenomas (cysts) in the breasts as well as uterine growths.
These effects are linked to increased occurrence of hysterectomies, mammograms and otherwise unnecessary pharmaceuticals. Supplementation with DIM capsules seems to prevent excessively high, or excessively low estrogen levels.
DIM Capsules and Testosterone Replacement Therapies
The effects of diindolylmethane supplementation are also reported to protect men who use testosterone replacement therapies (TRTs) from developing excessive estrogen levels.
DIM is believed to upregulate 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolite (“good” estrogen) synthesis and downregulate 4, 16-hydroxy estrogen metabolite (“bad” estrogen) production.
Also, free testosterone levels increase. These combined actions encourage proper hormonal balance, and help to enhance overall metabolism efficacy.
DIM capsules also seem to work to naturally elevate testosterone by inhibiting its conversion into estrogen. It has been found in some studies to inhibit aromatase actions.
The natural increases in free testosterone resulting from di-indole methane supplementation may come with fewer side effects than those associated with synthetic testosterone replacement.
Best DIM Capsule Dosages
DIM dosage between 1 and 24 milligrams each day is likely safe for all normal, healthy adults. This dosage is also considered safe for pregnant women and children. Doses between 25 mg and 300 mg daily are considered to be possibly safe and have been associated with rare cases of gastrointestinal upset and headaches.
For doses above 300 mg daily, supplementation should be limited to 28 days and is considered to be possibly unsafe.
With high dosage levels, the possibility of developing hyponatremia exists. This condition is marked by low sodium levels and can be very serious if not attended to promptly.
Diindolylmethane is a plant nutrient; not a hormone. It acts naturally to balance hormones in the body, lowering excessive levels of estrogen which may contribute to the development of disease.
DIM supplementation in the proper amounts seems to enhance testosterone/estrogen balancing and thereby generally improve health on various levels.
Choosing the best DIM capsules to supplement your diet with should be based on proper dosing as recommended for specific therapeutic purposes. These dosage levels should be determined by your doctor.
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Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment