DIM and I3C Supplements – Which is Better?

DIM and I3C are two natural compounds found in Brassica vegetables that are used to regulate hormone balance and to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

DIM (diindolylmethane) is so-named to denote its chemical structure: 2 indoles and a methane group. Diindolylmethane is derived from I3C (indole-3-carbinol) when this compound is digested in the stomach.

Both of these compounds are now sold as dietary supplements and are frequently used together to prevent excess estrogen levels in the body.

Indole-3-carbinol is a substance that is naturally present in cruciferous vegetables from the Brassica family of plants. Such vegetables include watercress, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, kale and broccoli.

DIM and I3C are both used therapeutically to reduce the risk of certain cancers from developing.

They have been implicated as lowering risk factors for estrogen-sensitive cancers like breast, colon and cervical cancers.

DIM and I3C also demonstrate antioxidant, antiarthritic, neuroplegic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor and other medicinal properties.

DIM

Hormone Supplement

Estrogen

Testo- sterone

Body- building

How It Works:

• Aids healthy hormone balance for men & women
• Mitigates some effects of excess estrogen
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits

Dosage:

Between 100 - 600 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top DIM Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

DIM and I3C Supplement

DIM is synthesized from I3C via activation of molecular condensation by digestive enzymes.

While it is possible to eat more Brassica vegetables or use I3C supplements to increase DIM levels, the most effective way of raising levels of this compound is to supplement with it directly.

If relying on vegetable sources, it would be necessary to eat up to two pounds of vegetables a day to derive significant amounts of DIM.

If using I3C supplements, this compound must first be activated by the appropriate enzyme in the stomach in order to be converted into DIM. This can slow the onset of effects and is believed to be a less bio-available source.

Epidemiological studies on Brassica vegetables show that they are effective reducing the risk for certain cancerous tumors, especially tumors in the breasts, lungs and the digestive system.

Cruciferous vegetables have fruits bodies called siliqua which are known to contain glucosinolates; a category of glucosides which contain sulfur.

In order to understand the health benefits of DIM and I3C, it is necessary to first explain the biochemistry of glucosinolates. When cruciferous vegetables are acted on by digestive enzymes, most specifically myrosinase, glucose is released – as well as several substances which induce cellular breakdown, including isothiocyanates.

Isothiocyanates are chaotic molecules that induce Phase II metabolic processes. They have been clinically shown to impede mitosis and to encourage natural apoptosis in tumor cells, in both in-vitro and in-vivo experimentation.

Health Benefits of DIM and I3C

Diindolylmethane exhibits various effects on estrogen metabolism. It helps to balance the amount of available estrogen and prevents certain “bad” forms of estrogen metabolites from forming. Instead, it promotes “good” estrogen metabolites from forming; these good metabolites are less likely to cause hormone-sensitive cancers to develop.

When administered in small amounts, diindolylmethane supplementation is capable of suppressing the aromatase enzyme. I3C can also cause this effect, but only as a precursor to DIM.

Aromatase is an adrenal enzyme that alters estrone and androstenedione to create estrogen. By limiting its actions, testosterone conversion into estrogen is suppressed.

By inhibiting the effects of aromatase, DIM and I3C may reduce risk factors for a number of estrogen-sensitive conditions and diseases. This has a secondary effect of increasing available amounts of testosterone, which can have many benefits for men and for bodybuilders and athletes.

However, when taken in doses that are too high, DIM and I3C supplementation seem to have the opposite effect on estrogen availability. In some studies excess DIM levels seem to activate the aromatase enzyme, thereby increasing the production of estrogen.

Anti-Cancer Effects of I3C and DIM:

The majority of research on DIM and I3C has looked at their anti-cancer and chemo-preventive effects.

In both in vivo, and in vitro tests, with both animal and human subjects, diindolylmethane has shown effects that combat various cancer cell lines; most particularly breast, uterine and colorectal cancers.

The following actions have been noted:

• Stimulation of naturally schedule cellular death (apoptosis) in tumor cells;
• Stimulation of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on tumor cells by increasing the activity of interferon gamma (IFN-?);
• Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) by increasing synthesis of natural killer (NK) T-cells;
• Upregulating synthesis of tumor growth suppressor proteins like BRCA1;
• Stimulating immune responses to DNA damage and promoting DNA repair;
• Activating transcription factor NF-?B;
• Encouraging enhanced cell survival signaling;
• Regulation estrogen-sensitive genetic expressions;
• Inhibiting S-Phase proteinase actions;
• Suppressing the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in tumor cells;
• Modulating the activity of androgen receptor pathways;

The actions of DIM and I3C against cancer are being explored in large human trials by the US National Cancer Institute and other authoritative healthcare entities.

Additional DIM and I3C Uses

In addition to the cancer-fighting effects, DIM and I3C supplements are used in a number of other ways to promote health in both women and men. While some of these applications are supported by clinical research findings, others warrant more study to determine the full scope of effectiveness.

It is used for the following reasons:

• Alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms
• Potentially reduce symptoms related to menopause
• Treat benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Promote weight loss through hormone balance
• Alleviate symptoms of “Estrogen Dominance”
• Enhancing detox functions in the body
• May help treat human papilloma virus (HPV) and related conditions

Safety of DIM and I3C Supplements

Diindolylmethane and its acid-catalyzed precursor indole-3-carbinol are considered likely safe in doses under 25 milligrams daily. Higher clinical doses targeting various therapeutic uses may cause headaches and/or nausea.

In rare cases of use over long time periods, hyponatremia may develop. Hyponatremia is marked by low levels of sodium in serum samples. If not corrected, serious, possibly deadly symptoms may onset.

Especially if you use diuretic prescription medications, or have an estrogen-sensitive condition or disease, consult with your primary care physician if you are considering DIM and/or I3C supplementation.

Rate This Article

(9 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5, rated)