BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have reduced expression of erythroid nuclear factor-related factor 2 (NRF2) and increased nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). "Food as Medicine" has been proposed as an adjuvant therapeutic alternative in modulating these factors. No studies have investigated the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) in cruciferous vegetables on the expression of these genes in patients with CKD. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of SFN on the expression of NRF2 and NF-κB in patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was performed on 30 patients on regular HD. Fourteen patients were randomly allocated to the intervention group (1 sachet/day of 2.5g containing 1% sulforaphane extract with 0.5% myrosinase) and 16 patients to the placebo group (1 sachet/day of 2.5g containing corn starch coloured with chlorophyll) for two months. After a washout period of 2 months, the groups were switched. NRF2 and NF-κB mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and TNF-α and IL-6 levels were quantified by ELISA. Malondialdehyde was evaluated as a marker of lipid peroxidation. RESULTS: 25 patients (17 women, 55 (IQR=19) years and 55 (IQR=74) months on HD) completed the study. There was no significant difference concerning the expression of mRNA NRF2 (p=0.915) and mRNA NF-κB (p= 0.806) after supplementation with SFN. There was no difference in pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. CONCLUSION: 150 μmol of sulforaphane for 2 months had no antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in CKD patients on HD.