Broccoli Juice: The Latest Performance Enhancer in Elite Sports

As athletes continually seek marginal gains, a surprising modern trend has emerged in the world of elite sports: broccoli juice. From cross-country skiing to cycling and long-distance running, athletes are turning to this unconventional supplement to potentially boost performance and recovery.

The Science Behind the Green Boost

The premise may be unappetizing to some, but a concentrated shot of broccoli juice is believed to lower blood lactate levels during intense exercise. Swedish company Nomio has been at the forefront of this trend, developing a product containing compounds that target lactate buildup. Lactate accumulation is a key limiting factor in endurance performance, causing the familiar “burn” athletes experience as their bodies switch from aerobic to anaerobic energy systems.

Years of Research Yield Results

The use of broccoli juice is rooted in eight years of research conducted by scientists at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Science and Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute. The optimal dosage has been determined to be approximately six pounds of broccoli per liquid shot, with a slight amount of lemon and sugar added for palatability. “We sell it because it works, not because it tastes good,” says Emil Sjölander, co-founder of Nomio, describing the flavor as “a combination of wood and Dijon mustard.”

Elite Athletes Embrace the Trend

Several high-profile athletes have already incorporated broccoli juice into their training regimens. Cyclist Mads Pedersen, and runners Cole Hocker and Andres Almgren have reported positive effects. Pedersen attributes the juice to breakthrough performances, stating he achieved a 90-minute all-time best at 400W even as using Nomio, and experienced quicker recovery after climbs. Norwegian Olympic cross-country skier Einar Hedegart, a two-time gold medalist at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, also credits the supplement with contributing to his success. His teammate, Emil Iversen, highlighted its impact on recovery during races.

Is it a Placebo Effect?

While anecdotal evidence is growing, some remain skeptical, suggesting the benefits may be attributable to a placebo effect. However, performance coach and author Steve Magness notes, “There’s bio-plausibility, meaning there’s been enough research where this is now a legitimate hypothesis. The problem is, there’s only been a handful of studies.”

A New Addition to the Endurance Athlete’s Toolkit

Broccoli juice joins a growing list of legal supplements used by endurance athletes, including sodium bicarbonate, beetroot juice, and caffeine. While further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy, the early results suggest that this unconventional supplement may offer a competitive edge.