DIM
A compound from cruciferous vegetables marketed for hormone metabolism.
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What it is
DIM is formed when the body digests compounds in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. It's marketed for influencing how the body metabolizes estrogen.
How it works
DIM (diindolylmethane) forms when the body digests compounds in cruciferous vegetables. It's studied for influencing how the body metabolizes estrogen, which is the basis for its hormone-related marketing — though human evidence is limited.
What it's been studied for
Taken to support hormonal balance and estrogen metabolism.
What the evidence shows
Laboratory research is interesting, but human clinical evidence for the hormonal claims is limited and preliminary. Treat marketing claims cautiously.
Who should consider it
It's marketed for hormonal balance and estrogen metabolism. The clinical evidence is preliminary, so claims should be treated cautiously, and people with hormone-sensitive conditions should check with a provider.
Amounts commonly studied
Products commonly provide around 100-200 mg per day; absorption-enhanced forms are used.
How to take it
Products commonly provide 100-200 mg per day, often with absorption enhancers since DIM is poorly absorbed on its own. It's taken with food.
Forms & absorption
Capsules, often with absorption enhancers, since DIM is poorly absorbed on its own.
Food sources
Its precursors come from cruciferous vegetables — broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts — though at far lower amounts than a supplement dose.
Safety & interactions
Generally well tolerated; can cause digestive upset, headache, or harmless changes in urine color. Hormonal effects mean people with hormone-sensitive conditions or on related medications should check with a provider.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: DIM reliably balances hormones. Reality: lab research is interesting, but human clinical evidence for the hormonal claims is limited. Myth: natural means no effect on medications. Reality: given its hormonal activity, coordinate with a provider if relevant.
Common questions
- Does DIM balance hormones?
- It's studied for influencing estrogen metabolism, but human clinical evidence for the marketed hormonal benefits is limited.
- Can I just eat broccoli instead?
- Cruciferous vegetables supply DIM's precursors, though at much lower amounts than a supplement — still, they're a healthy source.
- Any side effects?
- Digestive upset, headache, or harmless changes in urine color; hormone-sensitive conditions warrant provider guidance.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on DIM
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Thomson CA, Ho E, Strom MB. Chemopreventive properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane in breast cancer: evidence from experimental and human studies. Nutr Rev. 2016;74(7):432-443. View study →Note: Reviews mostly laboratory and early human research on DIM in breast cancer prevention; human evidence is limited.