03/09/2026
Clinical research published in the journal EXCLI Journal in 2020 reviewed several studies investigating the effects of sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One randomized clinical trial included 44 adolescents and adults aged 13–27 with autism who took sulforaphane supplements for 18 weeks. The study reported that participants receiving sulforaphane showed about a 34% improvement in behavior scores and a 17% improvement in social responsiveness compared with the placebo group.
The findings also indicated improvements in social interaction, communication, and reductions in irritability, lethargy, repetitive behaviors, and hyperactivity. Overall, the review concluded that sulforaphane may be a potentially safe and promising complementary treatment for ASD, although researchers emphasized that larger and longer-term clinical trials are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.
PMCID: PMC7527484 PMID: 33013262
