Autism Symptoms Eased By Broccoli Extract, Study Finds

[Jefferson23]

By Michelle Diament

October 14, 2014

A chemical that’s found in broccoli and other vegetables may be able to dramatically improve behavior and social skills in those with autism, researchers say.

In as little as four weeks of taking daily doses of the broccoli sprout extract sulforaphane, many teens and adults with autism saw significant gains in behavior, socialization and communication, according to findings published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study involved 40 males ages 13 to 27 with moderate to severe autism, 26 of whom received daily doses of the broccoli sprout extract while the rest were given a placebo.

After 18 weeks, an assessment found that 46 percent of those taking sulforaphane showed noticeable gains in social interaction, 54 percent saw improvements in behavior and 42 percent exhibited better verbal communication.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/10/14/autism-broccoli-study/19757/

[appalachiablue]

1. Promising news

from this autism study. I recently learned of cruciferous vegetables, Broccoli benefiting autoimmune disorders like UC (ulcerative colitis). Also ongoing NIH studies now on alternative treatments, FT (fecal transplant) and HT (helminthic -worm-therapy) based on the Hygiene Hypothesis, vital gut flora altered in the modern era from adverse chemicals in food and environment. All welcome news for these conditions which hardly existed 50 years ago.