Which supplements are reliable sources of sulforaphane? | Jed Fahey

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Fahey shares his expertise on reliable sulforaphane supplements, emphasizing quality control and the challenges of stabilizing sulforaphane. He highlights trusted brands like Thorne’s Crucera-SGS, Xymogen’s OncoPLEX, and Nutramax’s Avmacol, based on rigorous testing and clinical studies. Dr. Fahey also explains the importance of myrosinase in enhancing glucoraphanin conversion and cautions against low-quality supplements. While products like Prostaphane offer stabilized sulforaphane, availability is limited. Overall, Dr. Fahey stresses the need for effective supplementation to ensure users gain the full benefits of these plant-based compounds.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reliable sulforaphane supplements include Thorne's Crucera-SGS, Xymogen's OncoPLEX, Nutramax's Avmacol, Swanson's Vision Defense, Ortho Molecular's MitoCORE, and Max International's Max N-Fuze.
• 😀 Some supplements, like Avmacol, contain both glucoraphanin and myrosinase, which can improve the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane.
• 😀 Products like Avmacol and Crucera-SGS are tested and have been shown to contain at least the amount of glucoraphanin they claim.
• 😀 Some supplements on the market do not contain the amounts they advertise, making it essential to choose reliable brands with quality control.
• 😀 Prostaphane is the only product reliably containing stabilized sulforaphane, though it is a European product and difficult to find in the U.S.
• 😀 Stabilized sulforaphane is challenging to produce due to the molecule's inherent instability, making it difficult to deliver in supplement form.
• 😀 Myrosinase is an important enzyme in converting glucoraphanin into sulforaphane. Supplements with myrosinase may require lower levels of glucoraphanin for effective results.
• 😀 Supplements without myrosinase may require higher doses of glucoraphanin for proper conversion in the digestive system.
• 😀 The supplement industry, while growing, has room for improvement in stabilizing sulforaphane and ensuring quality in products.
• 😀 Dr. Fahey recommends focusing on glucoraphanin and myrosinase combinations for better bioavailability, rather than relying solely on stabilized sulforaphane products.

Q & A

What is the primary ingredient in the sulforaphane supplements mentioned by Dr. Fahey?

The primary ingredient in the sulforaphane supplements discussed is glucoraphanin, which is a precursor to sulforaphane. Some supplements also include myrosinase, an enzyme that helps convert glucoraphanin into sulforaphane.

Which supplement brands does Dr. Fahey trust for sulforaphane supplementation?

Dr. Fahey mentions several reliable brands, including Crucera-SGS by Thorne, OncoPLEX by Xymogen, Avmacol by Nutramax, Vision Defense by Swanson, and MitoCORE by Ortho Molecular. He also references Max N-Fuze by Max International.

Does Dr. Fahey endorse any of the mentioned supplements?

While Dr. Fahey does not formally endorse these supplements, he shares his positive experiences and confidence in their quality, based on clinical trials and his involvement with the companies.

What is the potential downside of taking poor-quality supplements, according to Dr. Fahey?

Dr. Fahey warns that low-quality supplements may not contain the active ingredients they claim to have, leading to wasted money and ineffective results, which he refers to as 'expensive urine'.

What is the role of myrosinase in sulforaphane supplementation?

Myrosinase is an enzyme that helps convert glucoraphanin into sulforaphane in the body. Supplements containing myrosinase can reduce the amount of glucoraphanin needed, as the enzyme assists in the conversion process.

How does Avmacol differ from other sulforaphane supplements?

Avmacol contains both glucoraphanin and myrosinase, making it a more effective option for those looking to increase sulforaphane levels. However, it does not contain stabilized sulforaphane itself.

Is stabilized sulforaphane available in supplements?

Stabilized sulforaphane is not widely available in supplements due to the inherent instability of the molecule. Dr. Fahey mentions Prostaphane as the only product he knows of that reliably contains stabilized sulforaphane.

What challenges exist with stabilized sulforaphane supplements?

The primary challenge is that sulforaphane is an unstable molecule, which makes it difficult to stabilize for effective use in supplements. This instability is part of why the body benefits from it, but it also complicates its supplementation.

What alternative approach does Dr. Fahey recommend for sulforaphane supplementation?

Dr. Fahey recommends taking supplements containing glucoraphanin and myrosinase, as this combination supports the body's natural conversion process to produce sulforaphane.

Why is Prostaphane difficult to obtain in the United States?

Prostaphane is a European product, and because it falls outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. FDA, it is challenging to find and purchase legally within the U.S. market.