Does eating broccoli interfere with metoprolol or reduce its effectiveness?

Eating broccoli does not meaningfully interfere with metoprolol or make it less effective for most people. Standard drug references indicate no specific food restrictions with metoprolol, and usual diets can be continued. ^[1] Metoprolol’s absorption and overall exposure are generally not affected by food, and no clinically relevant interaction with common vegetables like broccoli has been demonstrated. ^{[2] [1]}

How metoprolol is processed in the body

• Metoprolol is mainly broken down by a liver enzyme called CYP2D6. Some drugs that strongly inhibit CYP2D6 can raise metoprolol levels, but typical foods are not known to do this. ^[3]
• Differences in the CYP2D6 gene can cause higher or lower metoprolol levels and stronger or weaker effects, but this relates to genetics rather than diet. ^{[4] [5]}

What we know about food and metoprolol

• Authoritative patient guidance for metoprolol advises that, unless told otherwise by a clinician, people may continue their normal diet. This means there is no standard warning to avoid cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli). ^[1]
• Controlled studies show metoprolol absorption from certain formulations is not significantly altered by eating meals, supporting that typical food intake does not diminish its effectiveness. ^[2]

Broccoli and “detox” enzymes: does it matter here?

• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables can induce certain enzymes (for example, CYP1A2) that help process some drugs. Metoprolol, however, relies mainly on CYP2D6, not CYP1A2, so the enzyme changes linked to broccoli are unlikely to impact metoprolol in a meaningful way. ^[6]
• Reviews discussing fruit/vegetable–drug interactions highlight potential interactions in general, but they do not identify a clinically proven reduction of metoprolol’s effect from eating broccoli. ^{[7] [8]}

Practical guidance

• You can keep broccoli in your diet while taking metoprolol. There is no evidence that normal amounts of broccoli reduce metoprolol’s blood‑pressure or heart‑rate benefits. ^{[1] [2]}
• Focus on consistency: large, abrupt changes in overall diet (salt intake, alcohol, caffeine) can influence blood pressure readings more than specific vegetables. ^[9]

When to be cautious (not broccoli-specific)

• If you start or stop medications known to affect CYP2D6 (for example, some antidepressants or antianginal agents), metoprolol levels can change, which may alter heart rate or blood pressure. This is a drug–drug, not a food–drug, concern. ^[3]
• Watch for signs of too much beta‑blockade such as unusual fatigue, dizziness, or a resting heart rate that is lower than your usual especially after medication changes; these are not typically linked to broccoli intake. ^{[10] [11]}

Bottom line

• Eating broccoli is considered compatible with metoprolol and is not known to reduce its effectiveness. Maintain a balanced diet and monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as advised. ^{[1] [2]}