A study on whether a natural sulforaphane supplement can boost glutathione levels
This study wants to find out if a supplement, similar to natural compounds found in broccoli, can increase levels of glutathione in middle-aged adults. Glutathione is a substance already in your body that acts like a protector for your cells. Researchers hope that boosting these levels might help keep your cells healthy. Healthy adults aged 40 to 65 who don't smoke, drink too much, or take other antioxidant supplements, and don't have major health problems, are invited to take part. Participants will take either the supplement or a dummy pill for 30 days. Blood tests will be done before and after to check glutathione levels. Neither you nor the study team will know who gets which pill until the end.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You've probably heard that broccoli is good for you! This study is exploring a natural supplement that comes from elements found in broccoli, called glucoraphanin and myrosinase. The main goal is to see if taking this supplement can increase the amount of a very important chemical in your body called glutathione.
Glutathione is like a superhero that lives inside your cells. Its job is to protect them from damage and help keep your whole body healthy. As we get older, our glutathione levels can sometimes drop. Researchers are interested to see if this natural supplement could give these levels a helpful boost. This could potentially help your body's natural defences.
This study is hoping to understand how this supplement works in healthy adults who are in the middle stages of life (between 40 and 65 years old). The findings could provide valuable information about how natural supplements might support your body's long-term health and cell protection.
Key takeaways
- A study investigating a natural supplement from broccoli parts.
- Aims to increase glutathione, a cell-protecting chemical, in middle-aged adults.
- Participants will take a daily pill for 30 days.
- Blood tests before and after to check glutathione levels.
- The study is 'double-blind' – neither participants nor researchers know who gets the real supplement.
- Possible mild tummy upset, but otherwise low risks.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy adults between the ages of 40 and 65.
To join, you shouldn't be a smoker or drink more than a small amount of alcohol each week. You also shouldn't be taking other antioxidant supplements like vitamin C or E, or other supplements similar to the one being tested. It's important that you don't have certain health conditions that affect your body's natural chemical levels, such as diabetes or liver disease. We also can't include people who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Basically, the study is looking for generally healthy middle-aged adults who aren't on other supplements or medications that might interfere with the results, and who are not dealing with major ongoing health issues. This helps ensure the study can clearly see the effect (or lack of effect) of the supplement being tested.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 40 and 65 years old?
- Do you currently smoke, or drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you have a health condition like diabetes or liver disease that might affect your body's chemical levels?
- Do you currently take other antioxidant supplements (like vitamin C, E, or other glutathione boosters)?
- Do you have any known allergies to vegetables like broccoli or similar foods?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be involved for a total of 30 days. Here's what you can expect:
* **Initial Visit:** You'll have an initial appointment where we'll go through everything, answer your questions, and take your first blood sample. This blood sample will measure your glutathione levels before you start taking anything. * **Taking the Supplement:** For 30 days, you will take either the study supplement or a dummy pill (placebo) every day. You won't know which one you're taking, and neither will the study team. This helps keep the study fair and unbiased. * **Final Visit:** After 30 days, you'll come back for a second appointment where we'll take another blood sample. This will allow us to see if your glutathione levels have changed.
The study involves two main visits (for blood tests) and taking a daily pill for a month. You'll be asked to avoid certain things like smoking and excessive alcohol during this time, and not to take other antioxidant supplements.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- DoNotAge.org Research CentreUnverifiedUnited Kingdom
Common questions
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a natural substance in your body that helps protect your cells from damage, acting like an internal bodyguard for your body.
What exactly am I taking in the study?
You'll either take a supplement made from compounds found in broccoli (glucoraphanin and myrosinase) or a harmless dummy pill (placebo). No one will know which you are taking until the study ends.
How long will I be in the study?
The study itself lasts for about 30 days, during which you'll take a daily pill. You'll have two blood tests: one at the start and one at the end.
Are there any side effects?
The supplement is naturally derived, and risks are thought to be low. Some people might experience mild digestive issues, like an upset stomach.
Where is the study taking place and when?
The study is run by DoNotAge.org in the UK and is expected to start in February 2025 and run until October 2025.
How to find out more
DoNot Age
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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