Jed Fahey
Dr. Jed Fahey is a researcher specializing in chemoprotection and phytochemical science. His published work focuses primarily on the bioavailability, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of sulforaphane, glucoraphanin, and other isothiocyanates. His clinical studies evaluate the effects of these plant-derived compounds across various conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, prediabetes, skin disorders, and cancer.
45 claims checked on air: 3 context 1 contradicted 39 supported 2 unverified 1 flagged
What they said on air - flagged
12 citing their own research
Cooking methods such as microwaving do not synthesize or increase the baseline quantity of glucoraphanin or sulforaphane in broccoli.
"You do not increase the levels of either sulforaphane or glucoraphanin by a cooking method whatsoever. You may enhance it, you may its destruction, you may its loss or limit its loss." (said at 1:10:14)
The claim that cooking methods cannot increase the levels or yield of sulforaphane in broccoli is contradicted by food science literature. In raw broccoli, the heat-sensitive epithiospecifier protein (ESP) preferentially directs glucoraphanin hydrolysis toward an inactive byproduct (sulforaphane nitrile) rather than sulforaphane. Controlled thermal processing—such as mild steaming (1–3 minutes) or mild microwave heating (50–60°C)—selectively inactivates ESP while preserving myrosinase activity, which significantly increases sulforaphane formation and yield compared to raw, untreated broccoli. Additionally, mild microwave heating has been shown to increase measurable glucoraphanin and sulforaphane yields compared to raw controls.
- contradicts: Impact of thermal processing on sulforaphane yield from broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. ss… (Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2012) · cited 72x in the literature
"A myrosinase cofactor directs hydrolysis away from the formation of bioactive sulforaphane and toward an inactive product, sulforaphane nitrile. The cofactor is more heat sensitive than myrosinase, presenting an opportunity to preferentially direct hydrolysis toward sulforaphane formation through regulation of thermal processing... Boiling and microwave heating caused an initial loss of nitrile, with a concomitant increase in sulforaphane, followed by loss of sulforaphane, all within 1 min. In contrast, steaming enhanced sulforaphane yield between 1.0 and 3.0 min in all but Brigadier." (abstract, results, passage verified)
pubmedfull study (doi) - contradicts: Microwave cooking increases sulforaphane level in broccoli. (Food science & nutrition 2020) · cited 27x in the literature
"Both microwaving and mild heating increased the GLR and SFR levels in broccoli compared to the raw samples (without any treatment). In particular, SFR level was significantly low under 40°C and dramatically increased from 40 to 60°C, but nothing was detected at 70°C. Compared with conventional heating, microwave heating increased the GLR and SFR yield by about 80% at 50 and 60°C." (abstract, results, passage verified)
pubmedfull study (doi)
Fact-checked episodes
Publications
- Exogenous myrosinase from mustard seed increases bioavailability of sulforaphane from a glucoraphanin-rich broccoli seed extract in a randomized clinical study.Scientific reports 2026 · CEBM Level 2
- Sulforaphane in Cutaneous Disorders and Skin Injury: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Clinical Perspectives.Nutrients 2026 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane Synergies with Phytochemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Implications for Healthspan.Medicines (Basel, Switzerland) 2026 · CEBM Level 5
- Astrocyte redox imbalance underlies prelimbic neuronal hypoactivity and maladaptive affective behaviors in epilepsy.Science advances 2026 · CEBM Level 5
- Cold plasma technology: does it have a place in food processing?Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2025 · CEBM Level 5
- Effect of broccoli sprout extract and baseline gut microbiota on fasting blood glucose in prediabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Nature microbiology 2025 · CEBM Level 2
- Editorial: Sulforaphane and isothiocyanates in health.Frontiers in nutrition 2025 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane and Brain Health: From Pathways of Action to Effects on Specific Disorders.Nutrients 2025 · CEBM Level 5
- Oral Glucoraphanin and Curcumin Supplements Modulate Key Cytoprotective Enzymes in the Skin of Healthy Human Subjects: A Randomized Trial.Metabolites 2025 · CEBM Level 2
- Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Multi-center Trial.Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2024 · CEBM Level 2
- The role of isothiocyanate-rich plants and supplements in neuropsychiatric disorders: a review and update.Frontiers in nutrition 2024 · CEBM Level 5
- The Anti-AGEing and RAGEing Potential of Isothiocyanates.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 · CEBM Level 5
- A Presurgical-Window Intervention Trial of Isothiocyanate-Rich Broccoli Sprout Extract in Patients with Breast Cancer.Molecular nutrition & food research 2022 · CEBM Level 2
- Sulforaphane Effects on Cognition and Symptoms in First and Early Episode Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.Schizophrenia bulletin open 2022 · CEBM Level 2
- Mitigating potential public health problems associated with edible cannabis products through adequate regulation: A landscape analysis.Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2021 · CEBM Level 5
- Randomized controlled trial of an adjunctive sulforaphane nutraceutical in schizophrenia.Schizophrenia research 2021 · CEBM Level 2
- The Challenges of Designing and Implementing Clinical Trials With Broccoli Sprouts… and Turning Evidence Into Public Health Action.Frontiers in nutrition 2021 · CEBM Level 5
- Randomized controlled trial of sulforaphane and metabolite discovery in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Molecular autism 2021 · CEBM Level 2
- Correction to: Randomized controlled trial of sulforaphane and metabolite discovery in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Molecular autism 2021 · CEBM Level 5
- Phytochemicals: Do They Belong on our Plate for Sustaining Healthspan?Food frontiers 2021 · CEBM Level 5
- Maternal Dyslipidemia, Plasma Branched-Chain Amino Acids, and the Risk of Child Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence of Sex Difference.Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2020 · CEBM Level 3
- Biomarker Exploration in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells for Monitoring Sulforaphane Treatment Responses in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Scientific reports 2020 · CEBM Level 4
- Investigation into the use of histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275 as a topical agent for the prevention and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in an SKH-1 hairless mouse model.PloS one 2019 · CEBM Level 5
- Bioavailability of Sulforaphane Following Ingestion of Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli Sprout and Seed Extracts with Active Myrosinase: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration.Nutrients 2019 · CEBM Level 3
- Dose-dependent detoxication of the airborne pollutant benzene in a randomized trial of broccoli sprout beverage in Qidong, China.The American journal of clinical nutrition 2019 · CEBM Level 2
- A Strategy to Deliver Precise Oral Doses of the Glucosinolates or Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera Leaves for Use in Clinical Studies.Nutrients 2019 · CEBM Level 5
- Maternal Obesity/Diabetes, Plasma Branched-Chain Amino Acids, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk in Urban Low-Income Children: Evidence of Sex Difference.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research 2019 · CEBM Level 3
- Compartmentalization of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory gene expression in current and former smokers with COPD.Respiratory research 2019 · CEBM Level 2
- Broccoli or Sulforaphane: Is It the Source or Dose That Matters?Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2019 · CEBM Level 5
- Isothiocyanates: Translating the Power of Plants to People.Molecular nutrition & food research 2018 · CEBM Level 5
- Evaluation of Biodistribution of Sulforaphane after Administration of Oral Broccoli Sprout Extract in Melanoma Patients with Multiple Atypical Nevi.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2018 · CEBM Level 2
- Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, a Dual Activator of Transcription Factors NRF2 and HSF1.Molecular nutrition & food research 2018 · CEBM Level 5
- The Diversity of Chemoprotective Glucosinolates in Moringaceae (Moringa spp.).Scientific reports 2018 · CEBM Level 5
- Wild and domesticated Moringa oleifera differ in taste, glucosinolate composition, and antioxidant potential, but not myrosinase activity or protein content.Scientific reports 2018 · CEBM Level 5
- Identification of urinary metabolites that correlate with clinical improvements in children with autism treated with sulforaphane from broccoli.Molecular autism 2018 · CEBM Level 4
- Sulforaphane Augments Glutathione and Influences Brain Metabolites in Human Subjects: A Clinical Pilot Study.Molecular neuropsychiatry 2018 · CEBM Level 4
- Crucifers and related vegetables and supplements for neurologic disorders: what is the evidence?Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care 2018 · CEBM Level 5
- Randomized, split-body, single-blinded clinical trial of topical broccoli sprout extract: Assessing the feasibility of its use in keratin-based disorders.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2017 · CEBM Level 2
- Stabilized sulforaphane for clinical use: Phytochemical delivery efficiency.Molecular nutrition & food research 2017 · CEBM Level 4
- Correction: Lack of Effect of Oral Sulforaphane Administration on Nrf2 Expression in COPD: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial.PloS one 2017 · CEBM Level 2
- Sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of bladder cancer: molecular mechanism targeted approach.Oncotarget 2017 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.Science translational medicine 2017 · CEBM Level 2
- Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism: A Follow-up Case Series from a Randomized Double-blind Study.Global advances in health and medicine 2017 · CEBM Level 4
- KEAP1 and Done? Targeting the NRF2 Pathway with Sulforaphane.Trends in food science & technology 2017 · CEBM Level 5
- An inflammation-independent contraction mechanophenotype of airway smooth muscle in asthma.The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 2016 · CEBM Level 5
- Biomarker-Guided Strategy for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).CNS & neurological disorders drug targets 2016 · CEBM Level 5
- Loss of Nrf2 abrogates the protective effect of Keap1 downregulation in a preclinical model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.Scientific reports 2016 · CEBM Level 5
- Prevention of Carcinogen-Induced Oral Cancer by Sulforaphane.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2016 · CEBM Level 4
- Leaf Protein and Mineral Concentrations across the "Miracle Tree" Genus Moringa.PloS one 2016 · CEBM Level 5
- Lack of Effect of Oral Sulforaphane Administration on Nrf2 Expression in COPD: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial.PloS one 2016 · CEBM Level 2
- Purification of active myrosinase from plants by aqueous two-phase counter-current chromatography.Phytochemical analysis : PCA 2015 · CEBM Level 5
- Dietary amelioration of Helicobacter infection.Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) 2015 · CEBM Level 5
- Nrf2 Activation Protects against Solar-Simulated Ultraviolet Radiation in Mice and Humans.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2015 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane improves the bronchoprotective response in asthmatics through Nrf2-mediated gene pathways.Respiratory research 2015 · CEBM Level 4
- Sulforaphane Bioavailability from Glucoraphanin-Rich Broccoli: Control by Active Endogenous Myrosinase.PloS one 2015 · CEBM Level 4
- Rapid and sustainable detoxication of airborne pollutants by broccoli sprout beverage: results of a randomized clinical trial in China.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2014 · CEBM Level 2
- Sulforaphane treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2014 · CEBM Level 2
- Keap1-nrf2 signaling: a target for cancer prevention by sulforaphane.Topics in current chemistry 2013 · CEBM Level 5
- Health span extension through green chemoprevention.The virtual mentor : VM 2013 · CEBM Level 5
- Urease from Helicobacter pylori is inactivated by sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates.Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2013 · CEBM Level 5
- Structure-activity analysis of flavonoids: direct and indirect antioxidant, and antiinflammatory potencies and toxicities.Nutrition and cancer 2013 · CEBM Level 5
- Modulation of the metabolism of airborne pollutants by glucoraphanin-rich and sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout beverages in Qidong, China.Carcinogenesis 2012 · CEBM Level 2
- Notes from the field: "green" chemoprevention as frugal medicine.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2012 · CEBM Level 5
- Protection of humans by plant glucosinolates: efficiency of conversion of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates by the gastrointestinal microflora.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2012 · CEBM Level 3
- Black cohosh: coming full circle?Journal of ethnopharmacology 2012 · CEBM Level 5
- Stimulation of phagocytosis by sulforaphane.Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2011 · CEBM Level 5
- Broccoli ( Brassica oleracea var. italica) sprouts and extracts rich in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates affect cholesterol metabolism and genes involved in lipid homeostasis in hamsters.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2011 · CEBM Level 5
- Bioavailability of Sulforaphane from two broccoli sprout beverages: results of a short-term, cross-over clinical trial in Qidong, China.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2011 · CEBM Level 2
- Dietary glucoraphanin-rich broccoli sprout extracts protect against UV radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice.Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology 2010 · CEBM Level 5
- Allyl isothiocyanate-rich mustard seed powder inhibits bladder cancer growth and muscle invasion.Carcinogenesis 2010 · CEBM Level 5
- Precise determination of the erythema response of human skin to ultraviolet radiation and quantification of effects of protectors.Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine 2009 · CEBM Level 4
- Induction of chemoprotective phase 2 enzymes by ginseng and its components.Planta medica 2009 · CEBM Level 5
- Dietary sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts reduce colonization and attenuate gastritis in Helicobacter pylori-infected mice and humans.Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.) 2009 · CEBM Level 2
- Adoption of Moringa oleifera to combat under-nutrition viewed through the lens of the "Diffusion of innovations" theory.Ecology of food and nutrition 2009 · CEBM Level 5
- Cultivar effect on Moringa oleifera glucosinolate content and taste: a pilot study.Ecology of food and nutrition 2009 · CEBM Level 5
- A dicyanotriterpenoid induces cytoprotective enzymes and reduces multiplicity of skin tumors in UV-irradiated mice.Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2008 · CEBM Level 5
- Inhibition of urinary bladder carcinogenesis by broccoli sprouts.Cancer research 2008 · CEBM Level 5
- Diet as a factor in unexpectedly low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2008 · CEBM Level 5
- Rapid body weight gain increases the risk of UV radiation-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice.Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) 2008 · CEBM Level 5
- (3R, 9R, 10R)-Panaxytriol: A molecular-based nutraceutical with possible application to cancer prevention and treatment.Tetrahedron letters 2008 · CEBM Level 5
- Preclinical and clinical evaluation of sulforaphane for chemoprevention in the breast.Carcinogenesis 2007 · CEBM Level 4
- Role of dietary supplements/nutraceuticals in chemoprevention through induction of cytoprotective enzymes.Chemical research in toxicology 2007 · CEBM Level 5
- Induction of the phase 2 response in mouse and human skin by sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout extracts.Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology 2007 · CEBM Level 4
- Improved hydrophilic interaction chromatography method for the identification and quantification of glucosinolates.Journal of chromatography. A 2007 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane mobilizes cellular defenses that protect skin against damage by UV radiation.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2007 · CEBM Level 4
- Protection against UV-light-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 high-risk mice by sulforaphane-containing broccoli sprout extracts.Cancer letters 2006 · CEBM Level 5
- Pathogen detection, testing, and control in fresh broccoli sprouts.Nutrition journal 2006 · CEBM Level 4
- Potent activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and arrest in S and M phases of cancer cells by a broccoli sprout extract.Molecular cancer therapeutics 2006 · CEBM Level 5
- Evaluation of isothiocyanates as potent inducers of carcinogen-detoxifying enzymes in the urinary bladder: critical nature of in vivo bioassay.Nutrition and cancer 2006 · CEBM Level 5
- Safety, tolerance, and metabolism of broccoli sprout glucosinolates and isothiocyanates: a clinical phase I study.Nutrition and cancer 2006 · CEBM Level 2
- Induction of GST and NQO1 in cultured bladder cells and in the urinary bladders of rats by an extract of broccoli (Brassica oleracea italica) sprouts.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2006 · CEBM Level 5
- Chlorophyll, chlorophyllin and related tetrapyrroles are significant inducers of mammalian phase 2 cytoprotective genes.Carcinogenesis 2005 · CEBM Level 5
- Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of several isothiocyanates on Helicobacter pylori.Planta medica 2005 · CEBM Level 5
- Effects of glucosinolate-rich broccoli sprouts on urinary levels of aflatoxin-DNA adducts and phenanthrene tetraols in a randomized clinical trial in He Zuo township, Qidong, People's Republic of China.Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology 2005 · CEBM Level 2
- The "Prochaska" microtiter plate bioassay for inducers of NQO1.Methods in enzymology 2004 · CEBM Level 5
- Chemical structures of inducers of nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1).Methods in enzymology 2004 · CEBM Level 5
- Dietary amelioration of Helicobacter pylori infection: design criteria for a clinical trial.Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology 2004 · CEBM Level 3
- Separation and purification of glucosinolates from crude plant homogenates by high-speed counter-current chromatography.Journal of chromatography. A 2003 · CEBM Level 5
- Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzo[a]pyrene-induced stomach tumors.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2002 · CEBM Level 5
- Influence of temperature and ontogeny on the levels of glucosinolates in broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. italica) sprouts and their effect on the induction of mammalian phase 2 enzymes.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2002 · CEBM Level 5
- Pinostrobin from honey and Thai ginger (Boesenbergia pandurata): a potent flavonoid inducer of mammalian phase 2 chemoprotective and antioxidant enzymes.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2002 · CEBM Level 5
- Urinary excretion of dithiocarbamates and self-reported Cruciferous vegetable intake: application of the 'method of triads' to a food-specific biomarker.Public health nutrition 2002 · CEBM Level 3