ISLAMABAD, FEB 25 (ONLINE): Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have found that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, may help lower blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes.
\nThe study found that the compound works better for people with certain metabolism types and a specific gut bacteria.
\nWhile this suggests sulforaphane could be used for more personalised treatment, experts stress that a healthy diet and regular exercise are still key to managing prediabetes.
\nPrediabetes occurs when an individual\u2019s blood sugar levels are elevated beyond the normal range but have not yet reached the threshold for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Now, a new study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, published in Nature MicrobiologyTrusted Source, has linked sulforaphane, a chemical compound found in broccoli sprouts, to improved blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes.<\/p>\n
The research found that the compound had a more pronounced effect on blood sugar regulation in certain individuals.<\/p>\n
Previously, researchers found that sulforaphane, a substance in broccoli sprouts, can help with type 2 diabetes. In a 2017 study, patients who took high doses of sulforaphane had much lower blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n
How broccoli sprout compound impacts blood sugar levels
\nThis new research involved 89 individuals with elevated fasting blood sugar, a key marker of prediabetes.<\/p>\n
Participants were also had either overweight or obesity and were between the ages of 35 and 75.<\/p>\n
For 12 weeks, the participants were randomly assigned either sulforaphane or a placebo, with neither the researchers nor the participants knowing who received which treatment. In total, 74 participants successfully completed all stages of the study.<\/p>\n
The study found that participants who took the sulforaphane compound experienced a greater average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels compared to those who received the placebo.<\/p>\n
The difference between the two groups was significant. An even more pronounced effect was observed when examining specific clinical subgroups.<\/p>\n
The greatest improvements were seen in individuals with early signs of mild age-related diabetes, a relatively lower BMI within the study\u2019s context, low insulin resistance, a low prevalence of fatty liver disease, and lower insulin secretion.<\/p>\n
Senior researcher Anders Rosengren, PhD, from the University of Gothenburg explained the key findings to Medical News Today. He told us:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have found that sulforaphane, a compound that is highly contained in cruciferous vegatables such as broccoli, reduces blood glucose in individuals with prediabetes, i.e. a pre-stage of type 2 diabetes. In early stages of diabetes, the glucose production from the liver is increased. Sulforaphane interferes specifically with increased glucose production and reduces it. By doing that, fasting blood glucose is kept at lower levels, which is beneficial.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also found that a subgroup of people with mild obesity and well-preserved insulin secretion has even larger effect,\u201d Rosengren added. \u201cMoreover, we found that individuals who have high abundance of a specific gut microbe that converts the inactive precursor to active sulforaphane have increased effect.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis opens an avenue for precision treatment of prediabetes to those who benefit most,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Gut bacteria may boost sulforaphane\u2019s effect on blood sugar
\nIn the third part of the study, researchers also studied gut bacteria. They found a specific type of bacteria that interacts with sulforaphane and seems to make it more effective at lowering blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n
On average, people who took sulforaphane had fasting blood sugar levels that were 0.2 millimoles per litre lower than those who took a placebo.<\/p>\n
In a specific group of participants \u2014 individuals with mild obesity, low insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion \u2014 the difference was of 0.4 millimoles per litre.<\/p>\n
The greatest drop, 0.7 millimoles per litre, occurred in people who were part of that group and also had a particular gut bacterium.<\/p>\n
Lifestyle changes should continue to be prioritised
\n\u201cPrediabetes is estimated to affect 5-10% of the adult population,\u201d Rosengren explained. \u201cMost people don\u2019t know about their condition but it can be suspected if you have relatives with type 2 diabetes, eat unhealthily and have limited exercise and high BMI [body mass index].\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLifestyle 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 [a tool called] Diaopt in order to achieve the proper amounts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2013 Anders Rosengren, PhD<\/p>\n
Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Rutsu Nutrition in Las Vegas, not involved in this research told MNT that \u201csulforaphane is a powerful plant compound in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli,\u201d and that \u201cit is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe [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,\u201d Bishoff explained.<\/p>\n
What are the recommendations for patients and the public?
\n\u201cFirst and foremost, it\u2019s important to understand that prediabetes is often preventable and reversible,\u201d Bishoff explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2013 Haley Bishoff, RDN, LD<\/p>\n
\u201cAn imbalance in healthy gut bacteria can contribute to elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance,\u201d she added. \u201cTo maintain a healthy gut, it\u2019s important to reduce eating ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates and high saturated fat foods.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEating a diet rich in prebiotic fiber, fermented foods and food in its natural form will help maintain an overall healthier gut microbiome,\u201d Bishoff advised.<\/p>\n
Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC, a registered dietitian specializing in sports nutrition and wellness nutrition, also not involved in the study, said that \u201coverall, the study shows that the [broccoli sprout extract] did not benefit blood glucose levels as much as originally predicted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, 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,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis study could have bigger implications later on when we have more research in identifying exactly who will benefit from broccoli sprout extract as a treatment for prediabetes. \u201cI think in my own practice, I would use this information to encourage patients to focus on having a healthy gut microbiome,\u201d Pelitera explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2013 Courtney Pelitera,\u00a0MS,\u00a0RD,\u00a0CNSC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, FEB 25 (ONLINE): Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have found that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, may help lower blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes. The study found that the compound works better for people with certain metabolism […]<\/p>\n
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