Brussel Sprout

Botanical

What is it

Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera) are small cabbage-like cruciferous vegetables. As a supplement, they appear as freeze-dried powder included in greens blends for vitamins K and C, fiber, and glucosinolates.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Phytonutrient and fiber intake

Good Evidence

Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables in higher dietary intake are associated with reduced cardiovascular and cancer risk in cohort studies.

How it works

Brussels sprouts deliver vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and glucosinolates (notably sinigrin and glucobrassicin), which are metabolized to indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates. These compounds modulate phase-II detoxification enzymes and have been studied for cancer prevention, though most supportive evidence is observational and in vitro rather than clinical.

Dosage

No RDA. Supplement powders typically supply 0.5-3 g per serving (equivalent to a small portion of fresh sprouts). Whole-food intake is more impactful.

When and how to take it

No timing baseline established.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Freeze-dried powder

Common in greens blends.

Retains most vitamins and glucosinolates.

Safety

Safe in food amounts. Very high glucosinolate intake can theoretically affect thyroid function in iodine-deficient individuals; this is not a practical concern in iodine-sufficient diets.

Who should be cautious

Warfarin users should keep intake consistent. People with hypothyroidism: large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables theoretically may interfere with thyroid function; cooking reduces this concern.

Interactions

High vitamin K content is relevant for people on warfarin; consistent intake matters more than avoidance.

Food sources

Cooked Brussels sprouts, 1 cup

Amount
~219 mcg vitamin K, 75 mg vitamin C, 4 g fiber
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are Brussels sprouts supplements as good as the real thing?⌄

Whole vegetables provide more volume, fiber, and satiety. Powders are a convenience product, not a substitute.

Can I eat too many?⌄

Practically no. Be consistent with intake if on warfarin.

References

Brussel Sprout on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Brussel Sprout (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Brussel Sprout with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.