ACTIVE IS FOUND IN CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES

Di-indolylmethane is a dietary indole found in cruciferous vegetables. It contains indole 3-carbinol (I3C) that induces 2-hydrocarbon (the ‘benign’ pathway) and ‘shunts’ it away from the 16-d pathway. DIM is the combination of two identical ‘mirror-image’ molecules of I3C.

DIM occurs naturally within the cruciferous vegetables after crushing or chewing from the action of plant enzymes from glucosinolate precursors. DIM is also formed directly from I3C, without enzymes, in an acidic environment (eg human stomach) when I3C powder is taken as a food supplement however I3C is unstable. Therefore DIM is both a direct and active metabolic of I3C. In various estrogen metabolism tests, it is DIM, and not I3C, which promotes a shift in the balance of estrogen metabolites.

EVIDENCE OF DIM’S EFFECT ON METABOLISM

• In humans taking DIM (comparing before and after daily supplements with di-indolylmethane), a shift in estrogen metabolites favouring 2-hydroxy estrone, not 16alpha-hydroxylation has been demonstrated.
• These so called ‘good estrogens’ (2-hydroxy and 2-methoxyestrogen) function as antioxidants and have the power to eliminate damaged or cancerous cells throughout the body. Conversely high production of the so called ‘bad estrogens’ act negatively to allow oxidation to damage DNA and promote cancer.
• Supplementation with DIM provides an approach to reducing the estrogen related risk of breast cancer. DIM supplementation can increase the safety of estrogen replacement therapy in post menopausal women. In addition, DIM improves ageing related alteration in estrogen metabolisms in men enhancing prostate health.

USES

• To decrease cancer risk by:
  a) Supporting the removal of damaged cells which initiate and promote cancer
  b) Promoting the metabolism of TT into good estrogens (which lower risk of cancer)
  c) Reducing the metabolism of TT into bad estrogens (which increase risk of cancer)
• Protective from breast cancer, prostate cancer (both rely on high levels of ‘bad” estrogens)
• Alleviate TT deficiency symptoms e.g. In men and women already taking hormonal troches.
  NB. Troches are the source of hormones not DIM. DIM does not replace troches.
• Treat progesterone deficiency symptoms during peri-menopause by shifting E metabolism in favour of good E’s

DRUG INTERACTIONS

• I3C induces certain cytochrome p450 enzymes in the liver, which is the reason that it modulates estrogen metabolism and detoxifies many carcinogens. Check with your doctor or your pharmacist.
• Compounds which reduce stomach acid such as antacids and h2 receptor antagonists

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Avoid neutralizing agents such as antacids.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

• Caffeine sensitive individuals should take Indolpus at a meal without caffeine as metabolism of di-indolylmethane may be in competition with caffeine resulting in a higher than normal blood caffeine levels.
• Possible impact on bone density

RECOMMENDATION

• Include dietary sources of vitamin D and calcium
• Discuss with your doctor
  1. Transient dizziness, particularly if taken as a single daily dose. In this instance take as twice daily doses
  2. Headaches

REFERENCE

1. Komura S et al, Catchetolestrogen as a natural antioxidant. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1996 June 15, 786: 419-429
2. Zhu BT, et al, is 2-methoxyestradiol an endogenous estrogen metabolite that inhibits mammary carcinogenesis? Cancer research 1998 June 1, 58: 2259-2277
3. Service RF new roles for estrogen in cancer? Science 1998 March 13, 279: 1631-1633
4. Farmworth WE, Roles of estrogen and SHBG in prostate physiology. The prostate 1996, 28: 17-23