Diindolylmethane
The naturally occurring compound diindolylmethane (DIM) is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower and has long been thought to be one of the many reasons why consuming the plants should be part of any healthy diet.
While many readers may relate diindolylmethane to its purported anti-cancer benefits as reported by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the dietary supplement industry most commonly utilizes it for its anti-estrogenic and testosterone enhancing capabilities.
What it does
Diindolylmethane is most famous for its ability to serve as an anti-estrogen[1][2]. While it may serve to reduce estrogen, it has also been shown to potentially reduce testosterone, sperm quality, androgen receptor levels, as well[3], making it an ingredient one should use with caution.
There is evidence that diindolylmethane may have specific anti-cancer benefits[4], and it warrants further research into the exact mechanism of action and if it is applicable in real-world applications.
How it works
Due to the extreme difference in purported benefits of diindolylmethane, pinpointing an exact mechanism of action (even a theoretical one) is futile at this point. While some studies show beneficial anti-estrogenic capabilities, others show estrogenic side effects which call into question if diindolylmethane is effective at all.
Dosing
If using diindolylmethane, suggested dosing protocol is 100mg per day, in a single bolus dose. Higher doses (200-300mg/day) have not further elevated DIM blood levels, so increasing dosage beyond 100mg/day is not suggested.