3,3′-Diindolylmethane(DIM)

3,3′-Diindolylmethane

Molecular Formula: C17H14N2 
Molecular weight: 246.31 
CAS#: 1968-05-4 

Appearance: Off- white to white crystalline powder

Synonyms:DIM, Diindolylmethane, Diindolyl methane;Diindolymetano

What is 3,3′-Diindolylmethane?

3,3′-Diindolylmethane, from Wikipedia description, also commonly known as DIM, is a natural substance produced when the body breaks down indole-3-carbinol, a compound found in the following vegetables:broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, watercress,etc.

How Does 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Work?

3,3′-Diindolylmethane stimulates more efficient estrogen metabolism. Supplementing the diet with DIM and eating cruciferous vegetables increases the specific aerobic metabolism for estrogen, multiplying the chance for estrogen to be broken down into its beneficial, or "good" estrogen metabolites. These "good"estrogen metabolites are known as the 2-hydroxy estrogens. Many of the benefits that are attributed to estrogen, which include its ability to protect the heart and brain with its antioxidant activity, are now known to come from these "good" metabolites.

When 3,3′-Diindolylmethane(DIM) increases the "good" estrogen metabolites, there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of undesirable or "bad" estrogen metabolites. These include the 16-hydroxy estrogens, which are not antioxidants and can actually cause cancer. Greater production of these "bad" estrogen metabolites is promoted by obesity and exposure to a number of manmade environmental chemicals. These "bad" estrogen metabolites are responsible for many of estrogen's undesirable actions in women and men, including further unwanted weight gain, breast cancer, and uterine cancer.

In addition, a slow metabolism of estrogen, which leaves too much unmetabolized active estrogen known as estradiol in the body, can be a problem for both women and men. Elevated estradiol causes moodiness and breast pain in women and loss of sex drive in men. By promoting a healthy estrogen metabolism, DIM adjusts the balance of estradiol to its "good" metabolites. This also can result in a more desirable action fro testosterone. Testosterone supports energy and mood and helps sustain interest in sex in both men and women. When supplemental DIM is taken along with a program of regular exercise, it can help estrogen and testosterone contribute to good physical conditioning.

Benefits of taking 3,3′-Diindolylmethane(DIM) supplement

1. Estrogen Metabolism

Taking Diindolylmethane supplements increases the efficiency of the metabolic processing of estrogen. This increase in efficiency has been linked to increased antioxidant protection of the heart and brain. This process is also responsible for other benefits, such as an increase in libido in men and women and a decrease in moodiness for women.

2. Hormonal Balance

Diindolylmethane also appears to promote a healthy balance of testosterone in the body. Testosterone supports energy, promotes a happy mood and helps to maintain a healthy sex drive. In addition, Zeligs states that DIM may have an anti-aging effect and may help encourage lean body mass. When combined with exercise, it can increase muscle mass. These benefits are speculative, however, and more research needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of these claims.

3. Anticancer Benefits

According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, DIM has been found to help prevent and treat breast and prostate cancers. Studies done on animals also found DIM to prevent the replication and spreading of cancer cells. Exactly how DIM helps to prevent and treat cancer is unknown; however, DIM inhibits angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. Tumors require the growth of new blood vessels to supply the nourishment that is necessary for tumors to thrive. By preventing the growth of new blood vessels, DIM may therefore help to abolish tumors. Unfortunately, only a few small studies have been done on DIM so far, and more research needs to be done to confirm the usefulness of DIM as an anticancer supplement.