Dim
Also known as diindolylmethane, dim, indole-3-carbinol metabolite
Key takeaways
- DIM may modulate breast cancer biomarkers in patients using tamoxifen (PMID: 28560655)
- DIM may favor benign estrogen metabolism and reduce body fat in premenopausal women (PMID: 36111381)
- DIM has been studied for tissue biomarker modulation in prostate cancer patients (PMID: 26313229)
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 5 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a dietary supplement derived from cruciferous vegetables used to modulate estrogen metabolism. Research suggests it may influence biomarkers in breast and prostate cancer patients and favor benign estrogen pathways in premenopausal women.
By condition
Breast Cancer Biomarker Modulation
Moderate
DIM may modulate breast cancer biomarkers in patients taking tamoxifen and affect urinary hormone metabolites in postmenopausal women.
Prostate Cancer
Weak
A Phase Ib trial explored DIM's effect on tissue biomarkers in patients undergoing prostatectomy.
Estrogen Metabolism and Body Fat
Moderate
DIM supplementation in premenopausal women may favor benign estrogen metabolism pathways and decrease body fat.
Effective doses
Not specified in the provided abstracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were provided in the source abstracts.
Limitations
The available evidence consists of small sample sizes (e.g., N=2 in one pilot study) and phase Ib trials, requiring larger-scale RCTs for definitive conclusions.
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How it's sold
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Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 5 sources, sorted by quality
**Thomson et al., 2017** | Breast Cancer Res Treat | Rct Thomson Cynthia A, Chow H H Sherry, ... Thompson Patricia A. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamox…
**Gee et al., 2016** | Eur J Cancer Prev | Rct Gee Jason R, Saltzstein Daniel R, ... Bailey Howard H. Phase Ib placebo-controlled, tissue biomarker trial of diindolylmethane (BR-DIMNG) in patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing pro…
**Godínez-Martínez et al., 2023** | Nutr Cancer | Rct Godínez-Martínez Estela, Santillán René, ... Hernández-Pineda Jessica. Effectiveness of 3,3'-Diindolylmethane Supplements on Favoring the Benign Estrogen Metabolism Pathway and Decreasin…
It is assumed that the production of cortisol is modulated by light exposure. While initial evidence supports this principal effect, the specific effect of light (intensity and wavelength) onto the cortisol stress response is still not comp…
**Dalessandri et al., 2004** | Nutr Cancer | Rct Dalessandri Kathie M, Firestone Gary L, ... Bjeldanes Leonard F. Pilot study: effect of 3,3'-diindolylmethane supplements on urinary hormone metabolites in postmenopausal women with a history…
Frequently asked questions
What is DIM and how does it work?
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a dietary supplement derived from cruciferous vegetables that is used to modulate estrogen metabolism. Research suggests it may influence biomarkers in breast and prostate cancer patients and favor benign estrogen pathways in premenopausal women.
Does DIM help with breast cancer biomarkers?
There is moderate evidence that DIM may modulate breast cancer biomarkers in patients taking tamoxifen and affect urinary hormone metabolites in postmenopausal women. However, you should consult a healthcare provider before using DIM as a supportive therapy, as it should not replace prescribed medications.
Is DIM effective for prostate cancer?
Evidence for DIM in prostate cancer is currently weak, based on a Phase Ib trial exploring its effect on tissue biomarkers in patients undergoing prostatectomy. Because the research is limited, it is important to discuss any supplement use with your oncologist or healthcare provider.
Can DIM help with estrogen metabolism and body fat?
There is moderate evidence that DIM supplementation in premenopausal women may favor benign estrogen metabolism pathways and decrease body fat. As with any supplement affecting hormones, you should consult a healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for your specific health profile.
What is the effective dose of DIM?
The provided evidence summary does not specify an effective dose for DIM. Since dosing information is not available in the current research abstracts, you should consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on appropriate usage.
Is DIM safe to take with other medications?
No specific drug interactions or contraindications were documented in the provided source abstracts. However, because DIM modulates estrogen metabolism, pregnant women, those on hormonal therapies, or individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid it without explicit medical approval.
Who should avoid taking DIM supplements?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals on medications like tamoxifen should avoid DIM or consult a healthcare provider first, as it modulates estrogen pathways. Additionally, because research on its safety in specific populations is limited, professional medical advice is essential before starting supplementation.