3 Amazing Benefits Of 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Basics

3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is the major bioactive indole in crucifers vegetables, generated upon ingestion and hydrolysis of glucobrassicin. R

Cruciferous vegetables contain bioactive precursor compounds known as glucosinolates

Major glucosinolates are glucobrassicin and glucoraphanin, the latter of which is a derivative of isothiocyanates, including sulforaphane. R

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) rapidly converts to oligomers that include DIM, which is the major indole bioactive compound, accounting for an estimated 60% of the I3C end product. R

Benefits

1. Reduces Inflammation

As a partial CB2 agonist, DIM may help with neuroinflammation by working on the endocannabinoid system. R

DIM can also protect against inflammation by acting on GPR84. R

DIM also has potent COX-2 inhibition properties. R

2. Combats Cancer

DIM is potent at fighting cancer. R

For example, DIM inhibited the growth of mammary gland cell cancer, (via modulation of estrogen receptor α and AhR). R

3. Promotes Detoxification And Antioxidant Production

Through the activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors (AhR) and Nrf2 signaling pathways, DIM effectively increases detoxification and reduces inflammatory signaling

• DIM can modulate AhR, which promotes transcription of genes that stimulate the expression of detoxification enzymes, including the phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP) family. R
• It can also induce the transcription factor NRF2, which has strong anti-oxidant and detoxification properties. R

My Experience With DIM

I use liposomal DIM on an empty stomach.

In a smoothie, I’ll use DIM as a powder. 

Where To Buy DIM

• Liposomal DIM
• DIM powder
• I3C

If you supplement with I3C, either take it on an empty stomach or with HCL, as the conversion of I3C to DIM is pH dependent. R

Natural Sources

Boiling increases the natural content of DIM (up to 6x). R

Brassicaceae family (cruciferous vegetables): R

• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Garden Cress
• Horseradish
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Mustard Greens
• Red Cabbage
• Savoy Cabbage
• Turnip
• Watercress

DIM Synergies

DIM goes well with Beta-Caryophyllene. R

Mechanism Of Action

Simple:

• Increases AhR R
• Increases CB2 R
• Increases CYP450 R
• Increases GPR84 R
• Increases NRF2 R
• Reduces COX-2 R
• Reduces Estrogen R

Advanced:

• The conversion of I3C into DIM is ~2:1. R