Research consistently shows those who eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale are healthier than their counterparts. Besides being rich in fiber, vitamin C, and micro-nutrients, these veggies contain an organic sulfur compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane may improve detoxification, hormone health, brain function, immune function, and heart health.
Today, we’ll tell you about the best sulforaphane products worth your money.
What to skip ahead? BROQ is our clear #1 choice.
There are lots of sulforaphane supplements out there. However, some try to save money by using inactive sulforaphane precursors like glucoraphanin. Unless that’s activated by the enzyme myrosinase, it’s pretty useless.
We did our due diligence to find the 10 best sulforaphane supplements on the market. We prioritize stable supplements that don’t break down before they reach your bloodstream.
Here’s the shortlist:
Best Overall Sulforaphane Supplement: BROQ
Best Sulforaphane in UK and Europe: Nutrinov Prostaphane
Best Liposomal Sulforaphane: DaVinci Laboratories Liposomal Sulforaphane
Best Sulforaphane Supplement for Autism: BrocElite Kids
Best Sulforaphane for Detoxification: Life Extension Optimized Broccoli and Cruciferous Blend
Best Budget Option: Double Woods Sulforaphane
Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This isn’t your first time on the internet, so you likely already knew this.
BROQ is considered the purest and most potent sulforaphane supplement on the market.
Made in France from non-GMO broccoli seeds via a patented four-step process, this is the creme de la creme of sulforaphane supplements.
It’s been sold in France under the name Prostaphane for years. Now, it’s finally available in the US.
So, what makes it the best?
BROQ contains stabilized sulforaphane instead of inactive sulforaphane precursors. Plus, it’s highly bioavailable – meaning the active compounds make it into your bloodstream instead of degrading in your digestive system.
The capsules are 100% vegan and free from gluten, GMOs, preservatives, dairy, soy, corn, yeast, and sugar.
Each bottle contains 60 capsules. The serving size is 2 capsules, so it will last one month. Each serving gives you 20 mg of active sulforaphane.
It’s on the pricier side. But this is a top-tier sulforaphane supplement. Plus, you can save by going for the subscription option.
If you’re in the Continental USA, BROQ comes with free shipping.
For all these reasons, BROQ is our #1 pick for high-quality, bioavailable sulforaphane.
For our UK and European readers, this product is exactly the same as the #1 BROQ. It just sells under the name Nutrinov Prostaphane in Europe.
It’s still the best supplement on the market with free form stabilized sulforaphane from broccoli seeds.
Vitality Pro is the UK and Europe distributor, and they offer free shipping in those territories.
You can choose between 30 or 90 capsule packs. Plus, it’s sent via chilled temperature-controlled packaging to ensure stability.
BrocElite is a close runner-up to BROQ and Prostaphane.
The team at Mara Labs uses shelf-stabilized sulforaphane extracted via a patented water-based process.
Each 2-capsule serving delivers 10 mg of activated sulforaphane – the equivalent of 3 oz of fresh broccoli sprout juice.
In addition, they’ve added 325 mg of broccoli seed complex rich in active compounds that work synergistically to enhance NRF2 expression.
BrocElite is certified glyphosate residue-free and contains no gluten, soy, dairy, fillers, or GMOs.
They also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Sulforaphane is popular for supporting immune health and detoxification in children with autism.
But it can be tricky to find safe supplements for kids.
Enter BrocElite Kids. It’s the same stabilized sulforaphane found in the regular BrocElite capsules but a less-potent and kid-friendly version.
BrocElite Kids contains 2.5 mg of stabilized sulforaphane per capsule, as opposed to 5 mg. Plus, the capsules are easy to swallow.
It’s free from fillers and glyphosate residue, and each batch is third-party tested. This makes it ideal for kids with allergies.
Plus, they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee because you never know with kids!
(You can learn more about the link between sulforaphane and autism in the health benefits section below).
Avmacol Sulforaphane Production System (SPS) delivers the sulforaphane building blocks from broccoli seed and sprout extract.
Each 2-capsule serving contains 475 mg of their proprietary blend of sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS) and Myrosimax® (active myrosinase). It’s standardized for 30 mg of glucoraphanin per serving.
Nutramax Laboratories test its effectiveness by measuring sulforaphane metabolites in the urine of people who take Avmacol.
It comes in both regular and extra strength.
Avmacol® Extra Strength contains added Maitake mushroom extract, moringa leaf powder, and beta-glucans for detoxification and immune system support.
We’ve spoken about sulforaphane’s bioavailability problem. It’s often broken down before it makes it to your bloodstream. So, it’s crucial to look for supplements that factor in this issue and take steps to boost absorption and bioavailability.
This is the case with DaVinci® Laboratories Liposomal Sulforaphane.
This berry-flavored liquid sulforaphane supplement comes in a liposomal blend. Basically, liposomes, tiny fat particles, surround the sulforaphane and act as a safe escort through the digestive tract.
A 1 ml serving delivers 93.75 mg BroccoPhane® Broccoli Sprout Powder, yielding 375 mg of sulforaphane.
DaVinci® Laboratories has over 50 years of experience in the health supplement industry.
Each ingredient undergoes third-party testing to ensure its safety, purity, and efficacy.
Davinci Laboratories uses facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration.
Jarrow Formulas is another trusted brand with decades of experience manufacturing science-backed products.
Their BroccoMax® broccoli seed extract delivers active sulforaphane by preserving myrosinase, known as The Sulforaphane Generator™.
A 2-capsule serving of their proprietary blend delivers 35 mg of sulforaphane glucosinolate. The delayed-release capsules protect the compounds until they’re absorbed, so you get the most active compounds possible.
This product is safe for vegans, vegetarians, and people on a gluten-free diet.
Life Extension Optimized Broccoli delivers 300 mg of glucoraphanin from broccoli seed extract and 75 mg of myrosinase together… but separately. Basically, the dual-layered tablet keeps them partitioned until they reach your stomach to enhance bioavailability.
Each tablet contains ingredients for added antioxidant benefits. This includes 100 mg of DIM, 50 mg of watercress extract, 50 mg of rosemary extract, and 25 mg of cabbage extract.
A bottle contains 30 vegetarian, non-GMO tablets.
Each capsule of Solaray Activated Broccoli contains 350 mg of broccoli seed extract (standardized for 10% sulforaphane glucosinolates). Plus, it contains 13 mg of myrosinase and 50 mg of freeze-dried broccoli sprouts.
This is a more affordable choice, but we don’t know how much active sulforaphane actually enters your bloodstream.
Solaray produces supplements made according to cGMP guidelines. And they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Double Woods Sulforaphane is extracted from broccoli seeds via a process that activates the sulforaphane.
Each 2-capsule serving contains 20 mg of sulforaphane.
Double Wood Sulforaphane is manufactured in the US and tested for purity and potency. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
We did the ranking. But we want you to decide on the best product for your needs. To do that, you need to understand how we chose the best sulforaphane supplement.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the supplement industry. So, unscrupulous companies can flood the market with tainted or misleading products.
Our mission is to pick the safest products made with the purest ingredients. We prioritize trusted companies that adhere to cGMP regulations and use third-party testing.
We also boost brands that supply test results online.
We prioritized stabilized sulforaphane products like BROQ, Prostaphane, and BrocElite.
We also looked for products with the myrosinase enzyme needed to convert glucoraphanin to sulforaphane in the small intestine.
We selected supplements that use the most potent sources of sulforaphane – like broccoli seed extract or young broccoli sprouts.
High-quality sulforaphane supplements tend to be on the pricier side. That said, improving your health shouldn’t put you out of pocket.
We’ve listed the best products to suit a range of budgets while never skimping on quality. BROQ is the most expensive, while Jarrow Formulas BroccoMax and Double Woods Sulforaphane are more affordable.
Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing isothiocyanate found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli sprouts, Bok choy, and Brussels sprouts.
In plants, it occurs in an (inactive) precursor called glucoraphanin. But this is “activated” into sulforaphane by the enzyme myrosinase released during chopping, chewing, cooking, and sprouting.
In 1992, scientists from Johns Hopkins identified the health-promoting benefits of sulforaphane.
Now, over two thousand research papers outline the benefits of sulforaphane. And healthcare experts like Dr. Rhonda Patrick have also done their bit to get the word out.
Sulforaphane naturally activates the NRF2 genetic pathway.
NRF2 induces the expression of over 200 genes that fight inflammation and promote detoxification and longevity. It supports the production of multiple antioxidant enzymes (including the “master antioxidant” glutathione) to defend your cells from free radical damage.
Intermittent fasting and exercise are also NRF2 activators (surprise, surprise).
Let’s look at some health benefits of sulforaphane in more detail.
Cruciferous veggies are considered the most powerful detoxifying foods.
Sulforaphane boosts your detox system by stimulating enzymes involved in phase II liver detoxification. When this pathway works efficiently, your body has no problem neutralizing and excreting toxins.
Studies show broccoli sprout juice quickly and reliably detoxifies airborne pollutants from the body.
In my work as a nutritional therapist, I’ve seen that brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor detoxification pathways are common characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
For this reason, researchers have looked at sulforaphane for autism.
In an 18-week study on adults with ASD, researchers observed sulforaphane improved behavior, communication, and social interaction. Unfortunately, the changes didn’t stick when they stopped supplementing.
Furthermore, a study on children with autism found sulforaphane for 12 weeks improved social responsiveness.
Research consistently links eating more cruciferous vegetables to lower risks of cancer.
Now, this may be due to several factors, including that those who eat well are more likely to engage in other health-promoting behaviors. Sulforaphane may also inhibit cancer cells and protect against carcinogens by activating the NRF2 pathway and improving detoxification.
A study on men found that stabilized sulforaphane helped to manage prostate cancer recurrence after prostatectomy.
That said, we need more clinical trials in this area.
Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation are precursors to heart disease.
Research suggests sulforaphane may support cardiovascular health thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This study on diabetic patients found that 100 grams of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts daily reduced markers of oxidative stress and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol levels.
That said, most studies are on animals. So, don’t neglect heart-healthy habits in favor of sulforaphane. I’m talking about exercising regularly, reducing stress, sleeping well, and eating more fiber.
Eating just 10 grams of broccoli sprout powder per day may improve insulin resistance. Insulin is the pancreatic hormone that pushes sugar from your bloodstream into your cells. The more responsive your cells are to insulin, the better your blood sugar levels.
This may explain why a more recent study found broccoli sprout extract may improve short- and long-term blood sugar control in those with poorly controlled type-2 diabetes.
However, sulforaphane is a complementary supplement, not a replacement for any medication.
Sulforaphane and DIM (di-indolyl methane) are plant compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. They’re both potent antioxidants with anticancer properties.
DIM helps your body excrete excess estrogens associated with hormone imbalances and certain cancers.
There is no standard dose for sulforaphane. However, suggested dosages range from 5 to 60 mg, depending on the supplement.
We need more research to find out the best dose of sulforaphane for different health goals.
The effects of sulforaphane may be noticeable after a few weeks. However, for some people, it may take a couple of months.
Sulforaphane can interact with medications that involve the Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme in the liver. It may affect how quickly the liver breaks down these medications, thus reducing their effectiveness.
It’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking any medications before starting sulforaphane supplements.
While sulforaphane is safe in the amounts typically found in food, there is insufficient research to determine the safety of sulforaphane supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements during pregnancy.
Most of your nutrients should come directly from whole foods whenever possible. But that’s not always easy.
As mentioned, sulforaphane comes from a range of cruciferous vegetables and sprouts. Unfortunately, overcooking your veggies destroys these compounds. Eating them raw or lightly steaming them is the best choice. Although, I don’t know anyone who enjoys raw broccoli. Plus, you’d have to munch on mountains of the stuff to get the same concentration used in clinical studies.
Supplementing is a convenient way to get a reliable level of sulforaphane.
If you don’t want to supplement, young broccoli sprouts are the most bioavailable source of sulforaphane.
Another option that’s a supplement but gives you whole food nutrition is to invest in a quality greens powder.
If you’re taking sulforaphane regularly, keep your bottle in a cool place away from direct sunlight. However, you can also keep it refrigerated after opening to preserve its potency.
There’s some concern that sulforaphane may disrupt thyroid health. This is mainly because cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) contain compounds called goitrogens that may interfere with thyroid function if eaten in excessive amounts.
That said, research shows sulforaphane does not adversely affect thyroid function.
To learn more about supporting thyroid health, check out our article on the best thyroid supplements.
As mentioned, sulforaphane is a potent detoxification compound.
Theoretically, it may alleviate symptoms associated with PMS, like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes, by helping the body detox excess hormones.
That said, there is no conclusive research to confirm this yet.
No, sulforaphane isn’t associated with weight gain. On the contrary, studies in mice have shown it may even prevent weight gain.
While sulforaphane is safe when consumed in foods like broccoli, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm its safety when taken as a supplement over an extended period.
Sulforaphane is a natural plant compound that’s generally well-tolerated. In rare cases, concentrated sulforaphane may cause mild side effects like gas, cramps, constipation, or diarrhea.
Just a disclaimer: While we’re passionate about health and fitness at RFS, we’re not medical professionals. Talk to your doctor before taking a new dietary supplement if you have a health condition or are taking chronic medication.
Comments for This Entry
9 Best Spirulina Supplements (2023) Reviewed and Compared
[…] Lots of the best greens powders on the market include spirulina. So you can check out that article for products that will help you get in your spirulina, along with along superfoods. For another superfood we recommend, check out our article on the best sulforaphane supplements. […]January 11, 2023 at 11:30 am