Broccoli and Ibuprofen: Is It Safe?

Yes you can eat broccoli while taking ibuprofen, and there is no known direct interaction between broccoli and ibuprofen. When ibuprofen is taken with food, the speed of absorption can be slightly reduced, but the total amount absorbed stays about the same, so effectiveness is generally not affected. ^{[1] [2]}

How Food Affects Ibuprofen

• Food may slow the rate of absorption if ibuprofen is taken right after a meal. ^[1]
• The overall absorption (bioavailability) remains essentially unchanged, so pain relief should not be significantly impacted. ^{[2] [3]}

These points mean typical meals, including broccoli, do not meaningfully change how ibuprofen works in your body. ^{[1] [4]}

Broccoli’s Vitamin K and Blood Thinners

Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, which is important if you’re on warfarin (a blood thinner): vitamin K can reduce warfarin’s effect if intake varies a lot. ^[5]
If you take warfarin, it’s best to keep your vitamin K intake consistent day-to-day, rather than avoiding broccoli entirely. ^{[6] [7]}

Ibuprofen itself does not contain vitamin K and does not directly interact with vitamin K, but combining ibuprofen and warfarin can raise bleeding risk, so medical teams usually use caution with this combination. ^{[8] [9]}

Practical Tips

• It’s fine to take ibuprofen with meals to reduce stomach upset; expect a slight delay in onset but similar overall effect. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you use warfarin, keep broccoli and other leafy greens consistent in your diet and discuss any changes with your clinician. ^{[6] [5]}

Key Takeaway

Broccoli is safe with ibuprofen, and typical meals do not meaningfully affect ibuprofen’s overall absorption. ^{[1] [2]}
Extra caution is only needed if you also take warfarin, where vitamin K consistency matters and ibuprofen may increase bleeding risk. ^{[6] [8] [5]}