Broccoli boosts battle against type 2 diabetes

The University of Queensland is seeking participants for clinical trials that will investigate the effects broccoli sprout powder has on type 2 diabetic patients.

Ann Nie Kong, a scholarship student from UQ’s School of Human Movement Studies, is studying the relationship between broccoli sprout powder and stress levels in type 2 diabetic patients.

“Sulforaphane is an ingredient derived from broccoli sprouts that has many health benefits, one of which is the reduction of oxidative stress levels,” Ms Nie Kong said.

“Oxidative stress is believed to cause a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes.”

Ms Kong and UQ researchers PhD student Christine Houghton, scientific officer Gary Wilson and supervisors Professor Jeff Coombes and Professor Robert Fassett will conduct clinical trials with the aim of developing an intervention for the disease.

“I hope the results will show a significant decrease in signs of type 2 diabetes in patients using the supplement intervention,” Ms Nie Kong said

Other studies have shown sulforaphane may reduce diabetes complications, however this will be the first time a characterised broccoli product will be used in a clinical trial to investigate the effects of an encapsulated broccoli sprout product in type 2 Diabetes patients.

Two clinical trials will start early July 2013. The first trial will last for seven days and will include 10 participants, and the second trial will run for four months with 80 participants.

People interested in participating should contact Professor Jeff Coombes on +61 7 3365 6767 or jcoombes@uq.edu.au.
Media: Janelle Hocking, Marketing and Communications, UQ School of Human Movement Studies, +61 7 3365 6764 or j.hocking1@uq.edu.au