A compound found in broccoli sprouts may help fight behavioral problems in some people with autism , according to a new study.
Although it is not large-scale and does not show improvements in the higher percentage of participants, its results are promising, says the lead author.
44 boys and men with autism are taking part . They are between 13 and 27 years old. Some of them receive sulforaphane - a compound found in broccoli and other vegetables. Previous studies have proven the health benefits of the compound. The other part received a placebo.
The compound was chosen because it can help activate the so-called "heat shock" response - a series of biological processes that protect cells from stress during high temperatures .
In some people with autism, there is an improvement in recurrent fever . About 80% of participants experienced the "high temperature effect," the researchers said.
Within four weeks of the start of the study, which lasted a total of 18 weeks, there was an improvement in patients' communication , hyperactivity and irritability. Similar changes are observed among all participants.
By the end of the study, nearly half of those who took sulforaphane had better social interactions, and four weeks after the end of the study, the improvements began to fade.
The head of medical research at Autism Speaks , Dr. Paul Wang, explains that the present is interesting and important, but very little to be able to determine definitively whether the compound can help treat autism.
The survey data is published in CBS .