Sulforaphane is a compound that was identified in broccoli sprouts by scientists at the
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD.1
Where is it found?
Sulforaphane is found in highest concentrations in broccoli sprouts, but it is also found
in mature broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
Sulforaphane has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings |
Health Concerns |
 |
Cancer (risk
reduction)
|
Who is likely to be deficient?
Sulforaphane is not an essential nutrient, and thus no deficiency state exists.
How much is usually taken?
The optimal level of intake is not known, but some doctors recommend 200 to 400 mcg of
sulforaphane daily from broccoli-sprout
extracts.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects or drug interactions have been reported, although sulforaphane and dietary
consumption of cruciferous vegetables does
interact with drug detoxifying
enzymes.2 People taking prescription drugs should therefore consult a doctor
before taking sulforaphane or broccoli-sprout
extracts.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with sulforaphane.
References:1. Zhang Y, Talalay P, Cho CG, Posner GH. A major inducer of
anticarcinogenic protective enzymes from broccoli: isolation and elucidation of structure.
Proc Natl Acad Sci 1992;89:2399–403.
2. Kall MA, Vang O, Clausen J. Effects of dietary broccoli on human drug
metabolising activity. Cancer Lett 1997;114:169–70.