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Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study
INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 68 children, is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as restric
Rhoda Lynch, Eileen Diggins, Susan L. Connors, Andrew W. Zimmerman, Kanwaljit Singh, Hua Liu, Paul Talalay, Jed W. Fahey
Global Advances in Health and Medicine · 2017 · https://doi.org/10.1177/2164957X17735826
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 68 children, is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors, and varies widely with respect to its causes and presentations. There are no validated pharmacologic treatments for the core symptoms of ASD. The social, medical, and economic burdens of ASD on families and caregivers are profound. We recently showed in a small clinical trial that sulforaphane (SF) from broccoli sprouts could significantly reduce the behavioral symptoms of ASD. METHODS: After we completed the intervention phase of the original trial (2011-2013), many caregivers used over-the-counter dietary SF supplements in order to attempt to maintain improvements similar to those noted during the intervention. We periodically followed the progress of study participants through the summer of 2016. RESULTS: Families of 16 of the 26 subjects who received SF as part of the original study responded to requests for further information. Of these subjects, 6 did not continue taking SF supplements after the study. Nine of the 16 subjects are still taking an SF supplement and a 10th planned to. We present the edited testimonials of their caregivers in this case series. CONCLUSIONS: Many parents and caregivers articulated the positive effects of SF, both during the intervention phase and in the ensuing 3 years reported herein. These observations may contribute to understanding ASD and to treatments that may alleviate some of its symptoms. Diet- and supplement-based therapies deserve careful consideration for their potential to provide vital clinical as well as biochemical information about ASD.
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How to credit this work
Rhoda Lynch; Eileen Diggins; Susan L. Connors; Andrew W. Zimmerman; Kanwaljit Singh; Hua Liu; Paul Talalay; Jed W. Fahey (2017). Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/2164957X17735826 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NC 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/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.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Broccoli microgreens — growing guide
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