Diindolylmethane (DIM): Is This Right for You?
by The Dr. Oz Show

Looking for a superantioxidant to help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases? Diindolymethane (DIM) may be the supplement for you. It’s both an antioxidant and phytonutrient. It can be found in a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts. However, in order to get the recommended amount of DIM, one would have to eat at least two pounds of these vegetables daily.

Some experts also recommend DIM to fight chronic inflammation in the body, especially as it ages. With inflammation, it gets harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food, to keep it’s immune system under control, and fight pain.

Is DIM Effective?
The cancer-fighting data on this supplement is preliminary and mostly done in animal or in-vitro studies. Because it’s a newer area of research, there has been little research on humans. There is increasing research evidence of its effects on estrogen metabolism, which is important since some dangerous cancers, including breast cancer, can be fueled by excess hormone exposure.

Currently, there are clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that are focusing on using DIM to treat breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

Is DIM Safe?
If taken appropriately, DIM is mostly safe. However, taking higher than the recommended dose can cause excess gastrointestinal distress and headaches, especially at doses of 300 mg and above. Women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid this supplement because there is insufficient safety evidence.

If I Decide That DIM Is Right for Me, How Much Should I Take?
People who are at a normal, healthy weight should take 100 mg per day. Take 200 mg instead if you are overweight or have significant health concerns because of PMS, menopause, chronic inflammation or a family history of cancers. Always speak with your doctor first.

While seeking the right supplement, look for DIM complex as an active ingredient. Also, some recommend looking for a product that also contains black pepper, which increases absorption.

Don’t take this if you are currently on a cancer treatment regimen. DIM may interact with one of the medications you’re taking.