Based on PubMed | Does eating broccoli affect the absorption or effectiveness of ibuprofen?

Short answer

Eating broccoli does not meaningfully reduce how much ibuprofen your body absorbs or its overall effectiveness. ^[1] When ibuprofen is taken with food, the peak level in the blood may arrive later and be a bit lower, but the total amount absorbed is essentially unchanged. ^{[1] [2]}

---

What food does to ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen can be taken with or without food. With a meal, the rate of absorption is slower, but the extent (total amount) of absorption is not appreciably reduced. ^[1] This means pain relief may start a little later, yet the overall effect over time remains comparable. ^[1]
• Systematic analyses of common pain relievers show that food typically delays time to peak (tmax) and reduces the peak level (Cmax) for immediate‑release ibuprofen, while leaving overall exposure (AUC) largely unchanged. ^[2] In practical terms, this can slightly delay onset but not the total effect. ^[2]

---

Does broccoli specifically change ibuprofen’s effect?

• There is no human evidence that broccoli itself uniquely interferes with ibuprofen absorption beyond the general “food effect” described above. Guidance for ibuprofen consistently notes minimal change in bioavailability with meals. ^[1]
• Broccoli contains compounds called isothiocyanates (notably sulforaphane) that can influence drug‑metabolizing enzymes and transporters in laboratory and theoretical reviews, but clinical data linking ordinary broccoli intake to altered ibuprofen levels or efficacy are lacking. ^{[3] [4]}
• Reviews of cruciferous vegetables’ safety highlight issues like warfarin resistance and allergies, not ibuprofen interaction, when consumed as part of a normal diet. ^[5]

---

Practical takeaways

• If you prefer taking ibuprofen with food to reduce stomach upset, that is reasonable; expect a potentially slower onset, but not a loss of total effect. ^{[1] [2]}
• If fast pain relief is your priority, taking ibuprofen on an empty stomach can yield a quicker peak, though some people experience more stomach discomfort. ^[2]
• Ordinary servings of broccoli are not known to diminish ibuprofen’s overall effectiveness. No special restrictions on broccoli are needed when using ibuprofen. ^{[1] [2]}

---

Special situations to consider

• Ibuprofen can increase bleeding risk and has important interactions with anticoagulants like warfarin; this concern is independent of broccoli intake. Using ibuprofen with warfarin requires caution due to additive gastrointestinal bleeding risk. ^[6]
• Sustained‑release ibuprofen products show minimal changes in overall exposure with food, similar to immediate‑release findings. ^[7]

---

Bottom line

Broccoli does not specifically interfere with ibuprofen absorption or its overall effectiveness; food may slow the rate at which ibuprofen reaches peak levels, but the total amount absorbed remains essentially the same. ^{[1] [2]}