Rankings / Detox

DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C

Detox · Cruciferous phytochemical

Tier C

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

otc
4.6 / 10
Tier C
Ev 3 Bn 3 Sf 7

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.

Typical use: 100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption — OTC.

What this is

Rationale from estrogen metabolism pathway is solid — 2:16 ratio is a recognized biomarker. Actual disease-endpoint RCT data limited. BR-DIM (bioresponse DIM) with enhanced absorption preferred over unformulated powder. Eat broccoli and related vegetables first; supplement is a concentrated version of same principle.

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

Dose & route

100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption

Citations

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Common questions

Does DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C work?
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.
Is DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C safe?
DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for DIM (diindolylmethane) / I3C?
100-300 mg/day with fat for absorption
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.