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Diindolylmethane (DIM)
A phytonutrient and plant indole found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, with potential antiandrogenic and antineoplastic activities. As a dimer of indole-3-carbinol, diindolylmethane (DIM) promotes beneficial oestrogen metabolism in both sexes by reducing the levels of 16-hydroxy oestrogen metabolites and increasing the formation of 2-hydroxy oestrogen metabolites, resulting in increased antioxidant activity. Although this agent induces apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro, the exact mechanism by which DIM exhibits its antineoplastic activity in vivo is unknown. Check for active clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)Phytonutrition encompasses the dietary use of micronutrients found in plants. Adequate intake of specific phytochemicals can increase adaptive responses regulating hormone metabolism and cell behavior. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, posses unique phytochemical constituents able to modify the metabolism of oestrogen. The most active of these phytochemicals with regard to oestrogen is the dietary indole, diindolylmethane. Supplemental use of diindolylmethane provides the basis for nutritional support to enhance the beneficial action and safety of oestrogen. An optimal “oestrogen balance” has implications for cancer prevention and successful aging in both women and men.
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a stable indole found in cruciferous vegetables which promotes a beneficial oestrogen metabolism in both women and men.
Pure Diindolylmethane is insoluble and poorly absorbed by the human body. Michael A. Zeligs, M.D. was awarded a U.S. Patent for absorption-enhanced microencapsulated Diindolylmethane, making it the only formulation shown in humans to improve oestrogen metabolism.
Much of the research summarised on the related web site uses Dr. Zeligs’ microencapsulated, absorption-enhanced formulation of DIM.
*All published clinical studies have ONLY used the patented microencapsulated formulation of DIM.
The clinical application of DIM has many practical opportunities to enhance health, where oestrogen metabolism and elimination is involved. dr Zelig and Dr Bradlaw have published widely on the inter relationship between our cruciferous plant families and their beneficial effects in reducing oestrogen related disease risk.
The web site All About DIM presents these papers in an easy to access form and assists greatly with clinical decision making.
All About DIM A research resource for indole related oestrogenmetabolism