In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, sulforaphane, a potent plant compound prevalent in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has been shown to potentially lower blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes. This revelation could open new avenues in the treatment of prediabetes, a condition estimated to affect 5-10% of the adult population. The study highlights the significance of sulforaphane's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties and its potential role in managing blood sugar levels.
The research indicates that consuming pure broccoli in quantities sufficient to achieve the desired sulforaphane levels is impractical, as it would require several kilograms daily. Instead, researchers suggest broccoli sprout extracts as a viable alternative. These extracts offer a concentrated source of sulforaphane, making them an attractive option for functional food treatments aimed at prediabetic individuals.
“Lifestyle changes is a cornerstone but we also need additional complements. Sulforaphane can be provided as a functional food and thereby open up a new form of treatment for prediabetes. It is difficult to eat pure broccoli to reach the levels used in our study (you would need several kilograms per day) but it can be achieved by broccoli sprout extracts. As a consumer you have to be careful as the content of sulforaphane vary widely in marketed products. We used Diaopt in order to achieve the proper amounts.” – Anders Rosengren, PhD
The study involved 74 participants who successfully completed all stages. Notably, it found that individuals with a healthier gut microbiome reaped the most benefits from sulforaphane, highlighting the importance of gut health in blood sugar regulation. An imbalance in healthy gut bacteria can contribute to elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance, emphasizing the need for maintaining a balanced microbiome.
“An imbalance in healthy gut bacteria can contribute to elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance,” – Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC
To bolster gut health, experts recommend incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into one's diet alongside whole grains. These foods provide soluble and insoluble fiber and prebiotics, essential for microbiome improvement. Additionally, fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, pickled foods, and cheeses can introduce beneficial probiotics into the gut.
“We can do this by including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in the diet along with whole grains. This helps to provide both soluble and insoluble fiber and prebiotics, aiding in the improvement of the microbiome. Also including fermented foods, such a yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, pickled foods, and cheeses adds probiotics and probiotics coming from whole foods into the gut microbiome. I would encourage adding these types of foods into the daily diet before supplementing the broccoli sprout extract.” – Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC
While the study's findings are promising, experts caution that broccoli sprout extract did not benefit blood glucose levels as much as initially predicted. Nevertheless, those with lower insulin resistance and healthier gut microbes showed more effective fasting glucose responses.
“Overall, the study shows that the broccoli sprout extract did not benefit blood glucose levels as much as originally predicted.” – Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC
“However, it did help to reveal that the health of the gut microbiome correlates with effective blood glucose control. Those that had a healthier gut microbiome were more likely to benefit from the broccoli sprout extract with a more effective fasting glucose response,” – Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC
The research utilized Diaopt to achieve appropriate sulforaphane levels for study purposes. This precision underscores the need for consumers to be cautious about varying sulforaphane contents in marketed products.
Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD, highlights sulforaphane's noted properties:
“Sulforaphane is a powerful plant compound in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli,” – Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD
“It is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties.” – Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD
Bishoff further emphasizes the necessity for prevention-focused approaches over treatment-centric ones.
“The current research showed potential with broccoli sprout extract and its ability to help lower blood sugar levels. However, the most benefit was seen in people who already had low insulin resistance and healthy gut microbes,” – Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD
“Many medical professionals are focused on treatment with medication versus prevention as a primary approach. People with a healthy gut microbiome also tend to respond better to diabetic medications and see improved blood sugar control compared to those who do not. This is another great reason to always prioritize a healthy lifestyle.” – Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD
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