Sulforaphane Treatment in Children with Autism: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with repetitive behaviour which affects interaction and communication. Sulforapha

Martin Magner, Kateřina Thorová, Veronika Župová, Milan Houška, Ivana Švandová, Pavla Novotná, Jan Třı́ska, Naděžda Vrchotová, Ivo Soural, Ladislav Jílek

Nutrients · 2023 · https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030718

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with repetitive behaviour which affects interaction and communication. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate abundant in the seeds and sprouts of cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to be effective in alleviating autistic behaviour. We performed a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study to examine the possible effect of SFN in a paediatric cohort aged three to seven years based on measurements of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), and the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC). The study consisted of three visits over the duration of 36 weeks (baseline, 18 weeks, and 36 weeks). Twenty-eight of the 40 randomized children completed the study. The mean total raw scores on ABC and SRS-2 improved in both groups, but none of the changes reached statistical significance (ABC: 0 weeks p = 0.2742, 18 weeks p = 0.4352, and 36 weeks 0.576; SRS-2: 0 weeks p = 0.5235, 18 weeks p = 0.9176, and 36 weeks 0.7435). Changes in the assessment of the ADOS-2 subscale scores also did not differ between the two study cohorts (ADOS-2: 0 weeks p = 0.8782, 18 weeks p = 0.4788, and 36 weeks 0.9414). We found no significant clinical improvement in the behavioural outcome measures evaluated in children with ASD aged 3–7 years that were treated with sulforaphane.

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Martin Magner; Kateřina Thorová; Veronika Župová; Milan Houška; Ivana Švandová; Pavla Novotná; Jan Třı́ska; Naděžda Vrchotová; Ivo Soural; Ladislav Jílek (2023). Sulforaphane Treatment in Children with Autism: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030718 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.

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