Broccoli Sprout Extract for Glycemic Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective: Glucoraphanin, a precursor of sulforaphane (SFN), is found in high concentrations in broccoli sprout extract (BSE) and has been shown to have antioxidant effects and to improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate whether BSE could improve glucose control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and T2D. Design and methods: This multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial included adult patients with T2D and CKD stages 3b-4. Participants were randomized to receive an incremental dose of BSE (maximum 150 μmol/day BSE (750 μmol SFN)) or placebo. The use BSE or placebo lasted 12 weeks (week 1 to 13) plus 8 weeks (week 14 to 21) with no intervention. The main outcome was improvement in glycemic control. Results: 99 patients were included, and 91 completed the study. The mean age was 74±7 years, 69% were men, and mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 28±7 mL/min/1.73 m2. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. In an intention-to-treat analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in fasting glucose, insulin, or HbA1c levels after 13 weeks or at 21 weeks of follow up (end of study). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed between both groups in these variables in a per protocol analysis. Conclusion: In patients with T2D and moderate CKD, 12 weeks of treatment with BSE with progressing dose (50 to 150 μmol/day BSE) did not result in statistically significant changes in measures related with glycemic control.