Evidence supporting the use of: DIM (diindolylmethane)
For the body system: Prostate
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound formed in the body during the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Interest in DIM as a supplement for prostate health stems primarily from laboratory and preliminary clinical research. Scientific studies suggest DIM may help modulate estrogen metabolism, resulting in a shift toward the production of less potent estrogen metabolites. This is relevant to prostate health because hormonal balance—particularly between estrogen and androgen pathways—has been implicated in prostate disease, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Preclinical studies have shown that DIM can inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in vitro. Animal studies echo these findings, where DIM supplementation has been associated with reduced tumor growth. A few small-scale human studies have explored the effect of DIM on prostate health, with some reporting improvements in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and urinary symptoms in men with BPH. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes and short durations.
While there is scientific rationale and some early evidence supporting DIM’s use for prostate health, large, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the scientific evidence is promising but not conclusive, supporting a moderate rating.
Other ingredients that support Prostate
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)beta-sitosterol
sesame
boron
broccoli
campesterol
turmeric
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flaxseed
gamma tocopherol
genistein
gokhru
green tea
HMR lignan
indole-3-carbinol
lignans
lycopene
mixed carotenoids
nettle
parsley
phytosterols
plant sterols
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
pygeum
quercetin
saw palmetto
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
selenium
soybean
sterols
stigmasterol
tomato
vitamin D
watermelon
zinc
bee pollen
lingzhi
Equol (proprietary)
hydrangea
herbal blend (proprietary)
Apigenin
Alchornea
Alpha phytosterol
Allium tuberosum
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
berry
Brazil nut
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
Borassus aethiopum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cynomorium
Cruciferous
Crinum latifolium
Decursin
Daidzein
Dwarf Nettle
Ellagic Acid
Garlic
Isoflavones
Soy Protein
walnut
Other body systems supported by DIM (diindolylmethane)
BreastsEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Immune System
Male Reproductive System
Prostate
Reproductive System