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 restricted or repetitive behaviors, and varies widely with respect to its causes and presentations. There are no validated pharmacologic treatments for t...
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doaj-b5bdf3e876ab47d49489fbf8572645652020-11-25T03:03:33ZengSAGE PublishingGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine2164-95612017-10-01610.1177/2164957X17735826Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind StudyRhoda Lynch0Eileen L Diggins BA1Susan L Connors MD2Andrew W Zimmerman MD3Kanwaljit Singh MD, MPH4Hua Liu MS, PhD5Paul Talalay MD6Jed W Fahey MS, ScD7Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MassachusettsDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MassachusettsDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MassachusettsKennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MarylandDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MassachusettsCullman Chemoprotection Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MarylandCullman Chemoprotection Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MarylandDepartment of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MarylandIntroduction 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.https://doi.org/10.1177/2164957X17735826 |
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DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Rhoda Lynch Eileen L Diggins BA Susan L Connors MD Andrew W Zimmerman MD Kanwaljit Singh MD, MPH Hua Liu MS, PhD Paul Talalay MD Jed W Fahey MS, ScD |
spellingShingle |
Rhoda Lynch Eileen L Diggins BA Susan L Connors MD Andrew W Zimmerman MD Kanwaljit Singh MD, MPH Hua Liu MS, PhD Paul Talalay MD Jed W Fahey MS, ScD Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study Global Advances in Health and Medicine |
author_facet |
Rhoda Lynch Eileen L Diggins BA Susan L Connors MD Andrew W Zimmerman MD Kanwaljit Singh MD, MPH Hua Liu MS, PhD Paul Talalay MD Jed W Fahey MS, ScD |
author_sort |
Rhoda Lynch |
title |
Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study |
title_short |
Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study |
title_full |
Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study |
title_fullStr |
Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study |
title_full_unstemmed |
Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study |
title_sort |
sulforaphane from broccoli reduces symptoms of autism: a follow-up case series from a randomized double-blind study |
publisher |
SAGE Publishing |
series |
Global Advances in Health and Medicine |
issn |
2164-9561 |
publishDate |
2017-10-01 |
description |
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. |
url |
https://doi.org/10.1177/2164957X17735826 |
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