Hormone Balance
DIM Background and Benefits

The natural source of DIM is the digestion of cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables belong to the cabbage family, which also includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale. The health benefits of cruciferous vegetables are due in part to the effects of DIM.
Cruciferous vegetables contain glucobrassicin, a type of glucosinolate. Digestion of glucobrassicin is broken down into indole-3-carbinol and thiocyanate by the enzyme myrosinase, which is also found in cruciferous vegetables. Indole-3-carbinol is rapidly broken down into DIM and other metabolites during the acid-mediated digestion process.
 
Heating degrades myrosinase, so cooking vegetables reduces the bioavailability of DIM. However, some bioavailability is retained because the human intestine also contains some myronsinase. Water reduces the availability of DIM as glucobrassicin is water soluble. Steaming at low temperature is therefore the best method to cook vegetables while maintaining the bioavailability of glucobrassicin.
 
The main biochemical function of DIM is to alter the metabolism of estrogen so that more 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites are formed. The main result of this alteration is a decrease in the production of 16-hydroxyestrone and an increase in the production of 2-hydroxyestrone.
 

Possible uses of DIM

The uses of DIM generally stem from its ability to regulate hormone levels, particularly those of testosterone and estrogen. These uses include prostate health support, antioxidant support, weight control, and treatment of menstrual cramps.

Signs of a need for DIM

The signs that you need DIM supplements are generally caused by unhealthy testosterone and estrogen levels. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are some of the most common signs that women need DIM. Men may benefit from DIM if they have unhealthy testosterone levels that can cause low mood and low libido. Men who want to increase their muscle mass through exercise can also take DIM.