DIM (Di-indolymethane)

PHARMACOLOGY

Di-Indolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinole (I3C)

DESCRIPTION

Di-indolylmethane (DIM) is two indole-3-carbinole (I3C) molecules bonded together. Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cabbages are rich in the phytochemical I3C and also contain DIM in smaller quantities. Their general uses are in aiding estrogen metabolism, the treatment and prevention of cancers, (particularly cervical and prostate) and even weight control.

They can act as a protection against the increasing amount of estrogens and estrogen type substances, that are leaking into the environment and food/ water-chain from phytoestrogens such as, pesticides and plastics, (which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer). DIM and I3C help to reduce the risk of these “hormone-related cancers” for both men and women, this includes those on hormone replacement therapies.

Clinical trials have reversed and remised 50% of stage 2 and stage 3 cervical cancers within a 12 week periods for 50% of women using I3C. Similar effects with prostrate conditions have been observed, with 40% of men’s prostrate problems responding positively to I3C within a comparable period.

ACTION

Specifically, DIM and I3C stimulate more efficient estrogen metabolism. In order for estrogen to be modified into its final form to be urinated out of the body, it has to combine with oxygen as part of aerobic metabolism. DIM and I3C can help to multiply and improve this process.

Women’s estrogen ratios alter with age, particularly after the menopause and hence the ratio alters (estriol compared to the total amounts of estradiol and estrone), increasing the risk of cancers. Women who are on hormone replacement therapy using estrogen, (particularly the alien horse hormones) are known to have an increased risk of cancer, especially breast cancer. Men are also at risk because testosterone is converted by the chemical aromatase into estradiol. An imbalance between estrogen and testosterone appears to heighten the likelihood of a prostrate condition, such as cancer.

However, the body is able to metabolize estradiol into the non-carcinogenic estrone, and then the potential anti-carcinogenic estriol, using DIM and I3C. One study has shown that eating 3 portions of Brassica vegetables a day can cut the risk of prostrate cancer by as much as 48%.

As for its weight loss benefits, estrogen helps us to “put on weight.” As DIM and I3C help to control and eliminate estrogen, it may help us in weight control, particularly the muscle-fat ratio.

INDICATIONS

1. a) Environmental toxins (through estrogen metabolism).
2. b) Cancer (particularly cervical and prostate).
3. c) Weight control.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Antacids and H2 Blockers (such as Zantac®) can inhibit the effectiveness of I3C, but appear to have little effect on DIM.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects are mainly confined to flatulence, stomach ache and nausea. The effects tend to pass with continued or lowered dosages.

DOSAGE

Precise dosages of both substances have yet to be confirmed, but obviously dosages need to raised and lowered depending upon the need etc. For example, if cancer was already prevalent or likely (i.e. high risk group) then dosages have to be higher.

As a general preventative and useful ration, dosages of DIM are suggested at approximately 1mg per KG bodyweight (2.2m Lbs), thus 75mg for a 165Lbs person. However, dosages have gone as high as 8mg per Kg bodyweight in cancer treatments.

CAUTIONS

None known

HOW SUPPLIED

Capsules of DIM as 25mg, 30mg, 50mg, 60mg, 75mg and 100mg.
Capsules of I3C as 50mg, 100mg, 200mg and 300mg
Some capsules contain a mixture of both, for example a ratio of 60mg DIM and 200mg I3C.

NOTES

It is interesting to note that DIM is ten times more potent mg/mg than I3C. Recent studies indicate that whilst DIM is likely to be the main active ingredient, I3C can be transformed into DIM in stomach acid. Oral and injectable forms of DIM have been successful, although only the same can be said of oral I3C. Injectable I3C has shown little effect in investigations.

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