Assessment of maternal-fetal transfer of sulforaphane and metabolites

Broccoli sprouts contain a compound called glucoraphanin that converts in the body to sulforaphane — a natural substance that activates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Researchers are interested in whether sulforaphane could help protect babies from inflammation-related brain injury during pregnancy complications. Before larger trials can be run, it is important to know whether sulforaphane actually crosses the placenta to reach the baby. This study will give broccoli sprout extract to pregnant women who are having a planned caesarean section at term (37 weeks or later) and then measure sulforaphane levels in the mother's blood, the baby's cord blood, and expressed breast milk after delivery. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have a healthy singleton pregnancy, are planning an elective caesarean section after 37 weeks, and have had a normal mid-pregnancy ultrasound. You would not be eligible if you have had complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring insulin, fetal growth restriction, liver or kidney problems, or if you are already taking broccoli sprout supplements.