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Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout)

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Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout). Most potent natural Nrf2 activator — upregulates phase II detox enzymes.

How it works. Activates Nrf2/ARE pathway, inducing glutathione, NQO1, HO-1.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces oxidative stress markers (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 10–40 mg sulforaphane (or fresh broccoli sprouts).

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout). Most potent natural Nrf2 activator — upregulates phase II detox enzymes.

Molecular structureC6H11NOS2 · 177.3 g/mol

What it is

Most potent natural Nrf2 activator — upregulates phase II detox enzymes.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

How it works

Activates Nrf2/ARE pathway, inducing glutathione, NQO1, HO-1.

Pathways

  • Nrf2/ARE
  • Phase II detoxification

Effects

  • ↓oxidative stress markers decreases
  • +Possible autism behavioral benefits supports

What the research supports

Reduces oxidative stress markersmoderate
Possible autism behavioral benefitslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
10–40 mg sulforaphane (or fresh broccoli sprouts)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Reduces oxidative stress markers ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "Reduces oxidative stress markers". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — Possible autism behavioral benefits ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "Possible autism behavioral benefits". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sulforaphane (Broccoli Sprout) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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