DIM and Prostate Health
DIM (diindolylmethane) maintains a favorable estrogen and testosterone metabolism for prostate health. Men with underactive estrogen metabolism and higher levels of circulating estrogen have larger prostate gland volumes. Aging and the development of prostate gland hypertrophy (enlargement) have been associated with the accumulation of un-metabolized estrogen in prostate gland tissue.

DIM supplementation provides one way to stimulate healthy metabolism of estrogen in the prostate gland. Another way DIM supports prostate health is to reduce the activity of Androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cells. Overactive AR activity contributes to prostate cell enlargement, cell multiplication and to an increased PSA production. DIM also reduces the activity and levels of the related Estrogen Receptor (ER), also present in prostate tissue, which has recently been shown to react with the Androgen receptor activity and also contribute to the development of prostate cancer. When tested directly in human prostate tissue culture, the 2-hydroxy metabolites promoted by DIM were shown to inhibit PSA production. Phase I and II clinical trials supported by the National Cancer Institute are ongoing in 2008.