DIM (Di-Indole Methane) Overview & Effects on Estrogen Metabolism

Regular supplementation with DIM (Di-Indole Methane) is touted by some experts as a preventative natural therapy for cancer.

While it may have some anti-cancer effects, it has not yet been studied in humans for cancer treatment and is not approved for this purpose by the FDA.

As a natural health product, it is used to improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate), and to ameliorate the symptoms of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Di-indole methane is synthesized via metabolism of I3C-containing plants; most prevalently cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts and watercress.

More specifically, when I3C is acted on by mastication (chewing), the digestive enzyme myrosinase causes breakdown substances and glucose to be released.

Two indoles resulting from the breakdown of I3C combine with a methane group to generate a larger, yet stable molecule of 3,3′-diindolylmethane.

DIM seems to exhibit multiple medicinal properties in modern clinical tests, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing effects.

While much attention is being paid to its purported chemoprotective and anti-cancer mechanisms, research in this area is still preliminary.

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

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Di-Indole Methane Effects on Estrogen

DIM supplementation seems to affect the metabolism and utilization of estrogen.

For this reason, it is being investigated for the role it may play in preventing and treating hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal and uterine cancers.

It assists the body to maintain proper estrogenic balance; helping to suppress excessive fluctuations in estrogen levels.

In low amounts, di-indole methane administration may suppress the actions of aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme controlled by the adrenal gland that converts estrogen from androstenedione and estrone.

It also acts to diminish the potency of certain estrogen forms to make them more successfully assimilated.

By inhibiting aromatase actions, DIM may be helpful in addressing human breast cancer, as well as various other conditions which are susceptible to the effects of estrogen.

Note that when di-indole methane dosage levels are too high, or they endure for too long, opposite estrogenic effects may be generated. In some cases, DIM is believed to have stimulated the actions of aromatase, thereby increasing estrogen synthesis and estrogenic responses.

Consult with your physician to address specific questions concerning estrogen balance and diindolylmethane supplementation.

DIM (Di-Indole Methane) Research for Cancer

DIM was described by Dr. Oz as a “superantioxidant to help prevent chronic diseases.” As an anti-oxidant, it helps the body combat free radical damage, which is linked to the development of some types of cancers. When DIM (Di-Indole Methane) supplements are used, isothiocyanates are released.

These substances cause apoptosis to occur in cancerous tumor cells; meaning they eliminate potentially cancerous cells. They also discourage cellular mitosis.

The following are some of the other biologic actions that di-indole methane exhibits in research studies:

• Cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on cancerous tumor cells via upregulation of NK (natural killer) T-cell production;

• Suppressing the actions of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) to impede the growth of tumors;

• Speeding up production of tumor-suppressing proteins including BRCA1 (breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein);

• Improving immunity responses and accommodating the repair of damaged DNA;

• Switching on DNA transcription factors like NF-?B (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells);

• Promoting cell survival signaling actions;

• Impeding the actions of S-Phase proteinases;

• Stopping angiogenesis (blood vessel production) in cancerous tumor cells;

• Regulating the actions of androgen-receptor paths;

• Many other antitumor and antiproliferative effects…

The chemopreventive/anticancer properties and actions of Di-Indole Methane are well documented in in vitro studies, but not in human in vivo studies. For this reason, research is still considered to be preliminary.

Currently, large-scope, double-blind human trials are being conducted by agencies like the National Cancer Institute of the United States. To date, not enough is understood about DIM to dictate any standardized supplementation parameters concerning cancer prevention/treatment.

Di-Indole Methane Dosing and Side Effects

DIM supplementation is rated as likely safe when kept under 25 mg daily, and for less than 12 weeks in duration. No side effects have been noted at this level of dosing.

For clinical purposes targeting certain therapeutic actions, doses up to 300 mg daily have been utilized.

At these DIM levels, rare cases of headaches and stomach upset were experienced by treatment group subjects. Up to 300 mg of di-indole methane daily, for no longer than 12 weeks consecutively, is considered to be possibly safe.

In cases where 600 mg daily and higher doses were administered, there have been 2 reported cases of hyponatremia (low serum sodium levels). Supplementation at these levels for 28 days or less is considered possibly unsafe.

Di-Indole Methane Contraindications

DIM may be contraindicated with various prescription medications. Because of the rare possibility of developing asymptomatic hyponatremia at high doses, diindolylmethane supplementation is not recommended for anyone using diuretics; as diuretics are known to deplete sodium levels in the kidneys and also possibly contribute to the onset of hyponatremia.

Further, DIM should not be used in conjunction with cytochrome P450 1A2 substrate agents.

This stacking combination is not recommended because early science seems to show that DIM can induce CYP1A2 substrate metabolism, thereby causing decreased serum concentrations. Some of the prescription medications from this group include Zyprexa, Flexeril, Clozaril, Luvox, Haldol and Mexitil.

DIM may interact with estrogen. Concomitant supplementation with hormone replacement therapies may cause either estrogenic and/or non-estrogenic effects to be intensified. Consult with a physician if you are considering DIM Di-Indole Methane supplementation.

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