DIM is an acronym for 3,3’diindolymethane, which is a derivative of the phytochemical indole-3 carbinol (I3C) found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc. In normal-people speak, DIM is a beneficial compound that comes from kale and her cousins.

DIM has recently become popular in alternative and complementary medicinal practices because it’s a powerful little molecule with several really cool potential uses.

Firstly, DIM is being studied as a cancer-prevention supplement. There are a lot of interesting studies which show promising results in DIM’s potential ability to prevent cancer from developing in certain, susceptible populations, such as women who carry the BRACA gene and are therefore more likely to develop certain kinds of hormone-related cancers.1 DIM is not a cure for any kind of cancer and certainly not a guarantee of not developing a cancerous condition in any area of the body, but preliminary studies indicate that it may be able to help reduce your chances of getting certain kinds of cancers. These studies are still in their infancy though, so don’t think you’ve found a magic bullet.

Also, because DIM affects both estrogen and androgen, it may be able to help with certain hormonal conditions.2 The internet is filled with testimonials from people who say they’ve benefitted from taking DIM for issues ranging from hot flashes to acne to hair loss. However, if the hormonal condition you’re taking DIM for is related to too little estrogen or androgen, DIM could make things worse, so be sure you know the cause of your problems before you go popping any pills for it.

There is also some preliminary research which indicates that DIM may be an effective antioxidant. This makes sense since the vegetables that DIM comes from are naturally antioxidative. One study showed that this antioxidant action may work to protect neurons, the cells that compose our central nervous system, from oxidative stress. Pretty cool right?