Study Summary — Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism

Study: Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study

Key Points of the Study:

• According to estimates, autism affects approximately 1 in 68 children.
• In many instances, the consumption of the compound sulforaphane has been observed to alleviate the symptoms of autism, such as difficulty connecting with others.
• Broccoli, along with many other varieties of cruciferous vegetables, contains a compound called glucoraphanin, which is endogenously converted into sulforaphane. In addition to combating autism, the consumption of this compound (via cruciferous vegetable intake) has been linked to a large number of health benefits.

Excerpts from the Study:

• “R is now happier, has more control over his body, and overall is a positive child with a great attitude. He is more social and goes to concerts, movies, restaurants, vacations, and family outings (all of which were not possible before the study).”
• “One of the biggest differences before the study was that he would bite and rip off his shirt. And during the study, he stopped that behavior and it started up again when he was off the sulforaphane. When he was on the sulforaphane, he was more calm and more responsive. M’s interactions are more intentional than before.”

If you would like to learn more about using dietary modifications to treat the symptoms of autism, check out the video below.