The world’s elite swears by it. Scientists confirm its effect: A new miracle supplement could provide superpowers on the ski tracks.

First, it was beetroot juice and cherry juice. In recent years, baking soda—with its potential benefits and extensive side effects—has been trending among athletes. However, a new miracle product is now being discussed in the skiing community.

This time, it’s broccoli sprouts. Specifically consumed as shots before competitions and during heavy training periods. And unlike baking soda, which often causes major stomach issues, broccoli supplements are said to be almost free of side effects.

“Everyone on the national team has tried it, and it seems like many get a very positive effect from it. I really believe in it, otherwise I would never take it,” says Edvin Anger to Sweden Herald.

The 23-year-old Swede has made tremendous progress this winter. He won the U23 World Cup overall and finished second in the overall World Cup standings, just behind Johannes Høsflot Klæbo.

“I’ve had my best results when I’ve taken broccoli,” says Anger and adds:

“And I like that it’s just broccoli, nothing worse than that.”

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Backed by research

His teammate William Poromaa is also sold on broccoli shots. However, he relies on more than just a gut feeling when discussing the new trend.

“It doesn’t matter what I believe. I base my opinion on research evidence. And what you see is that (broccoli shots) can significantly reduce lactate levels,” says Poromaa.

The 24-year-old had his best season to date, reaching two significant milestones: in mid-January, he claimed his first World Cup victory, and he took silver in the 50km at the World Championships in Trondheim—his best placement in a major championship to date. He also took home bronze from the World Championship relay.

Read More: William Poromaa victory – “I’ve always been a lone wolf”

Researchers back up the athletes’ claims. They have complex data showing that broccoli supplements can improve performance.

In a study conducted at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, researchers compared two groups of athletes.

One group received a drink containing 150 grams of broccoli sprouts before hard interval sessions, while the other group got a placebo drink.

The results showed that those who consumed broccoli supplements had lower lactate levels, improved performance, and reduced oxidative stress in the muscles. The effect was reported to be significantly greater than that of caffeine and nitrate.

“When test subjects took broccoli sprouts, they tolerated the training significantly better. They were also able to cycle longer at maximum intensity. It’s an impressive effect compared with other common supplements like caffeine and nitrate,” says Filip Larsen, one of the researchers behind the study.

“This means that athletes handle hard training better,” Larsen adds.

Warning against overdose

The researcher also emphasizes that broccoli shots should not be used as a daily supplement.

“The sprouts should be used during periods of heavy training load when the body needs help, not over long periods. It can have the opposite effect and downregulate the body’s own defenses,” warns Larsen.

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Norwegian athletes are also on board

Norwegian elite athletes, both within and outside the national team, have also jumped on the trend. Long-distance skier Thomas Gifstad is one of them. He has great faith in the product and uses shots from the Swedish brand Nomio.

“I’ve used Nomio before competitions, both this winter and in roller ski races this summer, and in the races I’ve won, I’ve definitely had broccoli in my system,” Gifstad tells Langrenn.com.

“It gives an acute effect after two hours, while beta-alanine, which many also use to block lactic acid, you have to take for 3–4 weeks before the stores are full. So, I stick to Nomio, because I think it’s a lot of stress to take everything else,” he says.

Any downsides?

“It tastes very healthy. But I don’t think it’s that bad. It’s not exactly good, but I feel it works extra well when it tastes that way,” says Gifstad, adding:

“Most people pinch their nose to get it down.”

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Cautious optimism

Elite skier Eirik Mysen has also started taking broccoli shots. The 31-year-old began using them this winter, and the season turned out to be the best of his career so far. Still, he’s not entirely convinced.

“I believe in it. Even if it’s not extreme, everything helps. And if you flip it around—how much do you really have to lose by doing something like this?

“As I’ve understood it, (broccoli shots) allow you, for example, to do a threshold session at the same pace but with slightly lower lactate/less strain. That can be useful sometimes, but maybe not always.”

For Mysen, however, other measures have had a bigger impact.

“I take cod liver oil, but recovery measures like sleep, food, and exposure are what I focus on the most. That has worked really well and has been a game changer for me.”

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