DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C
Detox · Cruciferous phytochemical
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C as C (4.6/10) based on weak evidence, weak benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Rationale from estrogen metabolism pathway is solid — 2:16 ratio is a recognized biomarker.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Rationale from estrogen metabolism pathway is solid — 2:16 ratio is a recognized biomarker. Actual disease-endpoint RCT data limited. BR-DIM has higher measured absorption than unformulated powder; cruciferous vegetables are dietary sources of the same precursor pathway.
Mechanism
Dimer of indole-3-carbinol; shifts estrogen metabolism toward the 2-hydroxy (less proliferative) pathway vs 16α-hydroxy (more proliferative); produces the 2-OH:16α-OH ratio shift seen with high cruciferous vegetable intake
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C as Weak and the benefit magnitude as weak, producing an overall grade of C (4.6/10). Rationale from estrogen metabolism pathway is solid — 2:16 ratio is a recognized biomarker.
- What safety findings are reported for DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C?
- DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (GI upset; scalp irritation; body odor shift; dose-dependent headaches; theoretical concerns with breast cancer hormonal modulation — get informed care) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C?
- 100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C work?
- Dimer of indole-3-carbinol; shifts estrogen metabolism toward the 2-hydroxy (less proliferative) pathway vs 16α-hydroxy (more proliferative); produces the 2-OH:16α-OH ratio shift seen with high cruciferous vegetable intake
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.