3,3-diindolylmethane (DIM) for the health of the Prostate, Breast Tissue & Other Important Organs & Tissues
Cruciferous vegetables are in the plant family, Brassicaceae, which have flowers with 4 petals that are the same size and have a crucifer cross pattern. This family includes kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, garden cress, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and some other green leafy vegetables. They contain a large array of phytochemicals that include glucosinolates and their metabolites like indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and 3,3′- diindolylmethane (DIM) (Zhanga WW et al, 2014).
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is made from the breakdown of glucobrassicin, found in cruciferous vegetables. DIM is then produced from I3C.
Research has been performed on these cruciferous vegetables and demonstrates many benefits related to hormones, including estrogen and supports the thyroid gland, prostate and breast tissue (Zhanga WW et al, 2014).
DIM has also been shown to support these tissues and glands and also has a protective effect on endometrial tissue, the colon and the pancreas (Banerjee S et al, 2009; Wu QJ et al, 2013).
What are the different ways that DIM works?
- Promotes positive preferred estrogen metabolite formation
There has been research performed that demonstrated that DIM promotes favorable estrogen and helps to lower the less favorable estrogen (Dalessandri KM et al, 2004).
In laboratory and animal research, DIM showed it could promote the positive preferred estrogen metabolite formation. This mechanism has a valuable effect on breast, cervical and endometrial tissues and promotes healthy cell function (Thomson CJ et al, 2016). There has also been a human study that showed the benefit of DIM on promoting the preferred estrogen (Thomson CJ et al, 2017).
- Detoxification
DIM has been shown to operate as an “anti-initiating” agent since it is able to help stimulate cell detoxification pathways. It is active in metabolizing and eliminating various compounds, which includes steroid hormones.
- Reduces oxidative stress to cells
DIM has also been shown to help control the cell’s redox status when there is oxidative stress occurring within the cells. DIM also provides support against inflammation.
DIM supports breast tissue health
DIM has been shown to promote a particular type of receptor, AhR which is found in breast tissue. When the AhR receptor is activated it travels to the cell’s nucleus to generate the transcription of genes. This effect promotes the expression of detoxification enzymes, such as the phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP) family (Thomson CJ et al, 2016).
DIM supports prostate health
It has been shown that as men age, they have an increase in female hormones. Estrogen promotes prostate stromal cells, which are connective tissue cells. The stromal cells influence estrogen receptors and also ductal cells that are sensitive to estrogen. This causes problems with abnormal cell growth and promotes inflammation.
DIM has demonstrated to support prostate health. In a one year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, 21 men with prostate health problems were provided DIM or placebo. There was significant prostate improvement in the DIM group versus the placebo (Paltsev M et al, 2016).
As with any supplement, if you have a medical condition and/or are on prescription medication, it is best to check with your health care practitioner prior to taking them.
In summary, cruciferous vegetables are in the Brassicaceae plant family and contain compounds such as 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM). DIM has numerous health benefits related to hormones, including estrogen and provides support to breast tissue, the prostate and other tissues, glands and organs.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
