Dwibedi · 2025 · Nature microbiology
How much did blood glucose change after 12 weeks of broccoli sprout extract?
How did blood glucose and insulin secretory function change when adults with prediabetes took sprout extract?
Human · randomized double-blind controlled trial
Key findings
Fasting glucose decreased slightly
The mean difference from placebo was −0.2mmol/L, about −3.6mg/dL. The 95% confidence interval was −0.44 to −0.01mmol/L; this fell short of the prespecified 0.3mmol/L reduction target.
Insulin secretion and resistance markers
In the full analysis group, there were no between-group differences in changes in estimated insulin secretory function (HOMA-B), insulin resistance, or HbA1c.
Responses varied between individuals
Exploratory analysis linked some metabolic characteristics and gut microbiota to differences in response.
Fasting Glucose · Difference Versus Placebo
Adjusted mean difference · mmol/L
Point: estimated difference / line: 95% confidence interval
Did not meet the prespecified 0.3 mmol/L reduction target
Read the original paper and sources ↓View values and units
| Group | Estimate | 95% confidence interval |
|---|---|---|
| Difference versus placebo | -0.2 | -0.44 ~ -0.01 |
Study Population and Conditions
Prediabetes · randomized, placebo-controlled
- Randomized
- 89 participants
- Final analysis
- 74 participants
Extract group 35 / placebo group 39 · 12 weeks
Sulforaphane 150 μmol/day · extract study
Read the original paper and sources ↓Detailed results
Blood glucose and beta-cell markers
In the full analysis group, there were no between-group differences in changes in HOMA-B (estimated beta-cell function), HOMA-IR (insulin resistance), or HbA1c.
Improvement in HOMA-B, an estimate of beta-cell function, was observed in an exploratory MARD-like subgroup.
Study design
Eighty-nine adults with prediabetes who were not taking medication were assigned, and 74 were analyzed (35 extract, 39 placebo). Sprout extract supplying SFN 150μmol/day was compared with placebo over 12 weeks.
- Participants
- 89 adults with prediabetes assigned
74 analyzed · placebo controlled - Intake and observation
- SFN 150μmol/day · 12 weeks
extract 35 / placebo 39 participants - Measures
- Fasting glucose · existing gut microbiota
Study context
This was a 12-week trial in adults with prediabetes who were not taking medication. Gastrointestinal discomfort was reported alongside fasting glucose changes.
Original paper and sources
Effect of broccoli sprout extract and baseline gut microbiota on fasting blood glucose in prediabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Journal
- Nature microbiology · 2025 · 10(3): 681-693
- First published
- 2025-02-10