Sulforaphane
What is Sulforaphane?
Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich compound found in the cruciferous family of vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy and kale. [1] Other sources include broccoli sprout extract, broccoli seed extract, and broccoli powder. [9]
Sulforaphane helps with detoxification processes in the body. [5,6, 10] It targets pro-inflammatory pathways and helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly in the cells of the brain which regulate development and injury repair. [1-3] It enhances detoxification and antioxidant defense activity. [4,5]
Is Sulforaphane Beneficial for Autism?
Yes, sulforaphane can be beneficial for those with autism and the research on this is quite strong.
In one study, a daily dose of sulforaphane in the form of broccoli sprout extract (BSE) was given for 18 weeks, compared with placebo. Those that received BSE showed improvement in irritability, lethargy, stereotypy, hyperactivity as well as improvement in awareness, communication, motivation, mannerism, social interaction, aberrant behavior and verbal communication. [11] Once treatment with sulforaphane stopped, improvements returned to baseline. Another review of placebo-controlled trials found that sulforaphane was most effective at improving hyperactivity in children, adolescents and adults with ASD. [10]
A separate study reviewed 5 clinical trials and all of them showed a significant positive correlation between sulforaphane use and ASD behavior and cognitive function, stating that sulforaphane appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for ASD with mild side effects. [2]
It has been reported that children with ASD have lower levels of glutathione.[12]Glutathione is an antioxidant that is needed for cellular defense against oxidative stress in order to limit the damage caused by free radicals. [1,12]Animal studies have shown that sulforaphane can increase glutathione levels which helps increase cellular defense and reduce oxidative stress [1-2].
Supplementation*
Dosing
See specific brand recommendations for dosing.
In research studies, doses range from 50 and 150 μM/day.
Notes
Because sulforaphane supports detoxification, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing may be the safest option to avoid any side effects associated with detoxification. The body rids itself of toxins through elimination in sweat, urine and feces. Ensuring your child is physically active every day, is well hydrated and pooping regularly are key to supporting detoxification and keeping those avenues of elimination open.
The most common side effects of sulforaphane supplementation in studies were GI discomfort, increased aggression and weight gain. [2]
If aiming to increase sulforaphane by eating more cruciferous veggies, add mustard seed powder! Mustard seed powder is an active form of myrosinase[8], which helps activate sulforaphane so it can absorb better. One research showed that the availability of sulforaphane was four times greater in cooked broccoli with brown mustard powder compared to consuming cooked broccoli alone. [8]
Our Favorite Sulforaphane Supplements:
Capsules
Designs for Health BroccoProtect (contains both sulforaphane + myrosinase)
Liquid
Chewables
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
AUTHORS
Written by: Elisa Rocks, RDN, CLT & Tanya Cullen, RDN
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[1] Klomparens EA, Ding Y. The neuroprotective mechanisms and effects of sulforaphane. Brain Circulation. 2019; 5: 74-83.
[2] McGuinness G, Kim Y. Sulforaphane treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. EXCLI Journal. 2020;19:892-903.
[3] Vanduchova A, Anzenbacher P, Anzenbacherova E. Isothiocyanate form Broccoli, Sulforaphane and its Properties. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2019; 22(2): 121-126.
[4] Sun Y, Yang T, Mao L, et al. Sulforaphane Protects against Brain Diseases: Roles of Cytoprotective Enzymes. Austin J Cerebrovasc Dis Stroke. 2017; 4(1).
[5] Houghton CA. Sulforaphane: Its’ “Coming of Age” as a Clinically Relevant Nutraceutical in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2019.
[6] Houghton CA, Fassett RG, Coombes JS. Sulforaphane and Other Nutrigenomic NrF2 Activators: Can the Clinician’s Expectation Be Matched by the Reality? Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2016.
[7] Oliviero T, Verkerk R, Dekker M. Isothiocyanates from Brassica Vegetables - Effects of Processing, Cooking, Mastication and Digestion. Mol. Nut. and Food Res. 2018; 62.
[8] Okunade O, Niranjan K, Ghawi SK ,et al. Supplementation of the Diet by Exogenous Myrosinase via Mustard Seeds to Increase the Bioavailability of Sulforaphane in Healthy human Subjects after the Consumption of Cooked Broccoli. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018;62(18).
[9] Palliyaguru DL, Yan JM, Kensler TW, et al. Isothiocyanates: translating the power of plants to people. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018; 62(18).
[10] Lynch, R, Diggins EL, Connors SL, et al. Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. 2017;6.
[11] Singh K, Connors SL, Macklin EA, et al. Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PNAS. 2014; 111(43).
[12] Momtazmanesh S, Amirimoghaddam-Yazdi Z, Moghaddam HS. Sulforaphane as an adjunctive treatment for irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2020; 74(7):398-405.
[13] Ruhee RT, Suzuki K. The Integrative Role of Sulforaphane in Preventing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Fatigue: A Review of a Potential Protective Phytochemical. Antioxidants. 2020;9(16).
[14] Liu H, Talalay P, Fahey JW. Biomarker-Guided Strategy for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets. 2016; 15: 602-613.
[15] Bent, S., Lawton, B., Warren, T. et al. Identification of urinary metabolites that correlate with clinical improvements in children with autism treated with sulforaphane from broccoli. Molecular Autism 9, 35 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-018-0218-4
