Diindolylmethane supplements may offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and support for weight loss. However, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound created when you digest cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Research suggests that DIM affects estrogen levels in your body. As a result, DIM supplements have been gaining popularity as a potential treatment for a variety of hormone-related conditions, including acne, menopause symptoms, prostate issues, and certain forms of cancer.

Still, you may wonder whether these uses are backed by scientific evidence.

Here is a comprehensive overview of DIM supplements, including their benefits and side effects.

When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM.

Some studies have linked high intake of cruciferous vegetables to a reduced risk of certain cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer. While the exact mechanism is unknown, indole-3-carbinol is thought to be partly responsible.

Although research on DIM is still quite limited, it’s thought to help balance estrogen levels in your body.

Specifically, DIM may stimulate the production of a less potent, more beneficial form of estrogen known as 2-hydroxyestrone.

While cruciferous vegetables are the primary food source of DIM, you would need to eat several servings every day to reap this compound’s benefits.

As a result, people looking to treat a specific condition like acne or prostate issues may seek a concentrated dose in the form of a DIM supplement.

DIM supplements are being studied for their protective effects against certain cancers. They’re also used to help prevent prostate enlargement and reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause symptoms.

While these benefits are promising, overall research on DIM’s effectiveness and long-term safety in humans is limited.

May have anticancer effects

Studies suggest that DIM supplements may help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. However, human studies are limited.

An older 2017 study gave 130 people with breast cancer on tamoxifen therapy either a placebo or 150 mg of DIM twice a day. DIM supplements resulted in a significantly improved ratio of two types of estrogen — 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydrozyestrone.

Although research is ongoing, increasing the ratio of 2-hydrozyestrone to 16-hydrozyesterone may reduce breast cancer risk and cause anti-tumor effects.

May boost weight loss

Given that estrogen plays an important role in regulating fat accumulation, DIM supplements may aid weight loss — although no human research currently supports this effect.

All the same, studies link an imbalance of estrogen — either too much or too little — to an increased risk of weight gain, which means DIM supplements may stimulate fat breakdown.

Keep in mind that further studies are still needed.

Due to a lack of research in humans, little is known about the long-term safety and side effects of DIM supplements.

Current human research doesn’t show DIM supplements to be toxic or have serious side effects. The most common side effects include:

  • darkening of the urine
  • increase in bowel movements
  • headaches
  • gas

Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

As DIM supplements interact with estrogen levels, they may affect people with hormone-sensitive cancers or who are on hormone therapies. These individuals should avoid DIM supplements unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

No matter your medical history, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking these supplements.

Although DIM supplements are generally considered safe, insufficient research has been conducted to establish dosage recommendations. You’re generally advised not to exceed the dosage listed on supplement packaging.

You can consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations tailored to your intended use.

DIM is a compound your body creates when you eat cruciferous vegetables. It’s also concentrated and sold as a supplement.

As it affects estrogen levels, DIM may help treat a variety of conditions, including hormone-sensitive cancers and prostate issues.

Nonetheless, further studies are needed — particularly for uses related to weight loss and PMS symptoms, which aren’t currently backed by human research.

It’s important that you talk with a healthcare professional before taking DIM supplements