Based on PubMed | Is it true that eating broccoli at night interferes with naproxen absorption or increases its side effects?

Eating broccoli at night does not appear to interfere with naproxen absorption or specifically increase naproxen’s side effects. Naproxen is generally well absorbed, and while food can slow the rate at which some NSAIDs enter the bloodstream, the total amount absorbed (bioavailability) typically remains the same. ^[1] Standard guidance focuses more on taking naproxen with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, rather than avoiding specific vegetables like broccoli. ^[2]

What we know about naproxen and food

• Naproxen is essentially completely absorbed, and its overall bioavailability is not meaningfully reduced by common co‑administrations like sucralfate, though absorption may be modestly slower. ^{[3] [1]}
• For NSAIDs, taking a dose with food can delay the peak level in blood (you may feel effects a little later), but the total absorbed amount remains similar; this has been demonstrated with related NSAIDs. ^[1]
• Over‑the‑counter naproxen labeling advises taking it with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, highlighting tolerability rather than specific food restrictions. ^[2]

Broccoli and cruciferous vegetables: metabolism insights

• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables can increase the activity of certain liver enzymes (CYP1A2), which helps the body process some drugs and chemicals. ^[4] These enzyme changes are part of normal diet–drug interactions research, but naproxen is primarily cleared by different pathways (renal excretion of the parent drug and simple metabolites) and is not known to rely on CYP1A2 in a clinically important way. ^[3]
• Animal and human studies show cruciferous vegetables can induce certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, but there is no evidence that this induction meaningfully alters naproxen’s effectiveness or safety in routine diets. ^{[4] [5]}

Practical guidance for taking naproxen

• If your stomach is sensitive, it’s reasonable to take naproxen with food (including dinner) to reduce irritation; this should not significantly reduce the overall amount your body absorbs. ^{[1] [2]}
• Be cautious with other medications that raise bleeding risk (for example, aspirin or SSRIs/SNRIs), as these have known interactions that can increase side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. ^{[6] [7]}
• Watch for typical NSAID side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, or signs of bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), and stop the drug and seek medical advice if these appear. ^[2]

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Summary table: Broccoli, food, and naproxen

Topic	Evidence	Practical takeaway
Broccoli interfering with naproxen absorption	No clinical evidence of reduced naproxen bioavailability due to cruciferous vegetables. [3] [1]	Eating broccoli at night is unlikely to reduce naproxen’s overall absorption.
Food effects on NSAIDs	Food can slow absorption rate; bioavailability often unchanged for naproxen and some NSAIDs. [1]	Taking naproxen with food may slightly delay onset but not reduce total effect.
Cruciferous vegetables and enzymes (CYP1A2)	Broccoli can induce CYP1A2 activity in humans. [4]	Naproxen does not rely on CYP1A2 in a clinically important way, so effects are unlikely.
Label recommendations	OTC naproxen suggests taking with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. [2]	No recommendation to avoid broccoli; focus on comfort and side‑effect monitoring.

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Bottom line

• There is no reliable evidence that broccoli at night interferes with naproxen absorption or specifically increases naproxen side effects. ^{[3] [1]}
• It’s generally acceptable to take naproxen with meals that include broccoli, and doing so may help reduce stomach irritation without lowering the total amount of drug absorbed. ^{[1] [2]}
• Side effects and interactions are more strongly influenced by other medications (like aspirin, SSRIs/SNRIs) and individual risk factors (e.g., history of ulcers), not by cruciferous vegetables. ^{[6] [7]}