Indian-origin researcher finds that broccoli may help curb the symptoms of autism

Broccoli is usually a vegetable that most people don't like, but a new study led by an Indian-origin researcher, has found evidence that daily treatment with sulphoraphane - a molecule found in foods

By: Editorial Team | | Published: October 14, 2014 7:47 pm

Broccoli is usually a vegetable that most people don’t like, but a new study led by an Indian-origin researcher, has found evidence that daily treatment with sulphoraphane – a molecule found in foods such as broccoli – may improve some symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Participants receiving a daily dose of sulforaphane showed improvement in both behavioural and communication assessments in as little as four weeks. Two thirds of the participants were less irritable, lethargic, better motivated, able to communicate and had less repetitive movements. (Read: Alternative approaches to autism in children)

‘The average scores for each of the assessments were significantly better for the 26 participants receiving sulforaphane than for the 14 who received a placebo,’ said lead author, Kanwaljit Singh from the MassGeneral Hospital. The study enrolled young men, aged 13 to 27, who had been diagnosed with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to a daily dose of either sulforaphane – extracted from broccoli sprouts – or a placebo, with neither investigators, participants nor their care givers knowing who was receiving the study drug. Overall, 17 of the 26 participants, who received sulforaphane were judged by their care givers to have improvements in behaviour, social interaction and calmness while on active treatment. (Read: Treating autism – therapies and treatments)

After 18 weeks of treatment, the average scores on two assessments – the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) – of those who received sulforaphane had decreased 34 and 17 percent respectively. ‘The improvements seen on the SRS were particularly remarkable’ said co-corresponding author Andrew Zimmerman, a professor at the University of Massachusetts in the US. ‘I have been told this is the first time that any statistically significant improvement on the SRS has been seen for a drug study in autism spectrum disorder,’ Zimmerman noted. The findings appeared online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition. (Read: 7 reasons you need to put broccoli on your plate)

Here are 6 tips for parents to deal with autistic children

Limit use of audio visual devices: If you know that your baby has autism it is even more necessary to limit usage of all the electronic devices like the smart phones, iPhones, iPads or even television viewing. ‘These devices are known to hamper mental development in a child. These devices are passive medium of entertainment and don’t help in cognitive development of a baby. Instead invest in toys that are interactive like push button toys that have lights, music, rhymes for specific ones. These interactive ones can help in stimulating the brain,’ says Dr Gadgil.

Keep off processed foods: Don’t allow or overload your baby’s plate with junk or processed foods. ‘The chemicals present in the processed and can foods can have an effect on the neurological development of the babies suffering from autism,’ informs Dr Gadgil.

Encourage conversations: Talk to your baby and do that often. ‘Human interaction is more necessary in children suffering from autism. Tell stories, rhymes or just talk to your baby. This provides a lot of stimulation to the baby and helps to encourage social behaviour,’ informs Dr Gadgil. Though you cannot expect a total change in behaviour and better communication skills in your baby soon even with your best attempts, but don’t give up. These actions will do her a great deal of good to help her brain take in the command albeit slowly. Read more about 6 tips for parents to deal with autistic children

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

Published : October 14, 2014 7:47 pm

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