Heart rate variability correlates with the effect of sulforaphane on calorie-induced inflammation in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled study

•Caloric overload induces changes in autonomic regulation young healthy subjects.•HRV is a sensitive tool to follow the activity of inflammatory response.•An state accompanied by vagal withdrawal and sympathetic dominance.•HRV investigate effects phytonutrients, as sulforaphane. Background & AimsThe role nutrition modulating response increasingly recognized. The phytonutrient sulforaphane shows promise for clinical use due its effect on pathways, favorable pharmacokinetic profile, high bioavailability. status has been linked activity, which can be assessed study heart rate variability (HRV). However, monitoring HRV assessment inflammation humans hardly used. We investigated potential non-invasive monitor induced caloric load load-induced participants.MethodsIn this double-blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial twelve participants (26.9 (3.6) years) were administered 25 mg sulforaphane, or placebo followed over 90 min standardized high-calorie drink PhenFlex given induce an response. Levels high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) interleukin (IL)-6 measured plasma before two hours after challenge. Changes function four timepoints.ResultsThe challenge triggered significant increase total power (TP) (P = 0.028) very low frequency (VLF) component 0.013) 30 administration. Those reduction TP (LF) 0.005), suggesting marked decrease load. When was prior challenge, decreased parasympathetic observed via RMSSD 0.007), pNN50 HF 0.047). In addition, elicited pro-inflammatory change hs-CRP with exposure (sulforaphane 2.7 (4.2) vs. -1.8 (3.1) ng/mL, P 0.048). associated dominance suggested correlations between (rs -0.68, 0.029) well LF/HF 0.56, 0.093) components challenge.ConclusionsMonitoring might various conditions. individuals. Administration caused dominance.Trial registration numberNCT05146804 at www.clinicaltrials.gov. participants. timepoints. Monitoring dominance.