Sulforaphane / Broccoli Extract

Buy sulforaphane: broccoli extract, broccoli sprouts and targeted formulas

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing plant compound (isothiocyanate) that naturally occurs in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, and especially in young broccoli sprouts. In the plant, sulforaphane is stored as its precursor glucoraphanin; under the influence of the enzyme myrosinase, this is converted into sulforaphane. Broccoli extract and broccoli sprout extract are concentrated forms that provide a fixed amount of this plant compound per capsule, without having to eat large quantities of vegetables every day.

In this collection you will find sulforaphane and broccoli extract in various forms and from multiple brands. From pure broccoli sprout extract with a high sulforaphane content and black pepper extract (Vit4ever), via standardized sulforaphane extract in veggie capsules (Swanson), to a combined formula in which broccoli extract is combined with choline, turmeric and vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid (LUTO Broccoli XTR). This allows you to choose between a plain, single-ingredient capsule or a more comprehensive formula.

What is sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane belongs to the isothiocyanates, a group of sulfur compounds that are characteristic of cruciferous vegetables. The compound does not occur ready-made in the plant: broccoli contains glucoraphanin (a glucosinolate) and the enzyme myrosinase. As soon as the plant tissue is damaged, for example by chewing, cutting or fermentation, these two together convert into sulforaphane. Supplements mimic this process or provide an extract in which the building blocks are already present.

What does sulforaphane naturally occur in?

Sulforaphane is found mainly in broccoli and even more so in young broccoli sprouts (seedlings just a few days old). Other cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, radish and watercress also contain glucosinolates. Broccoli sprouts are considered the richest food source, which explains why many extracts are made from sprouts instead of the fully grown broccoli head.

Broccoli extract, broccoli sprout extract or pure sulforaphane?

The products in this collection differ in raw material and concentration. A broccoli sprout extract is made from young sprouts and often states a percentage of sulforaphane or glucoraphanin (for example 13%). A standardized sulforaphane extract provides a fixed amount of sulforaphane per capsule in micrograms. Some extracts add black pepper extract (piperine). Combination formulas such as Broccoli XTR contain additional ingredients besides broccoli extract. When comparing, look at the stated amount of sulforaphane or glucoraphanin per daily dose, not just the weight of the extract.

Forms and variants

Sulforaphane and broccoli extract are almost always offered as capsules or veggie capsules, because the plant compound is so easy to dose and protect. You will find single capsules (only broccoli extract or sulforaphane) and combined capsules in which it is combined with, for example, choline, turmeric and B vitamins. The package sizes range from 60 capsules to a bulk pack of 180 capsules.

Why do people choose sulforaphane or broccoli extract?

Sulforaphane and broccoli extract are chosen by people who eat little cruciferous vegetables but still want to include this plant compound in their routine, and by those who are consciously mindful of their nutrition. For sulforaphane and broccoli extract themselves, no health claims have been approved within the EU, which means we cannot attribute any effect to this plant compound. For the combined formula Broccoli XTR, however, ingredients have been added for which approved health claims exist: choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function, vitamin B6 and B12 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and to the normal function of the immune system, and folic acid plays a role in the cell division process. These claims apply to the respective vitamins and choline and not to the broccoli extract.

Dosage and use

The correct dosage depends on the type of product: a standardized sulforaphane extract is stated in micrograms, while a broccoli sprout extract is usually stated in milligrams of extract with a sulforaphane percentage. Most supplements are taken with some water, preferably with a meal. Do not take sulforaphane or broccoli extract in combination with other products without comparing the labels, to prevent an unintended accumulation of the same compound. Always follow the directions for use and the recommended daily dose on the packaging.

What to look for when buying?

When purchasing, pay attention to the raw material (broccoli or specifically broccoli sprouts), the stated percentage or number of micrograms of sulforaphane or glucoraphanin per capsule, and whether additional ingredients such as black pepper, choline or B vitamins have been added. Also look at the capsule form (veggie capsule or not) and the package size in relation to the price per daily dose. This way you can easily distinguish a plain single extract from a broader combination formula.

Also check out our collections Antioxidants, Glutathione, Turmeric and Herbs & Plants for related plant compounds and formulas.