Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Timing of Broccoli Sprout Intake to Improve Exercise Performance

30 participantsStarted 2026-03-31

Plain-language summary

This study examines how the timing of intake of a broccoli sprout-based drink (a natural source of isothiocyanates, ITCs) affects physiological responses, recovery, and performance after a standardized endurance cycling session. Healthy, endurance-trained adults (18-64 years) will complete four laboratory visits at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH): one screening/physiology test visit and three intervention visits in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design. On intervention visits, participants will ingest either an active broccoli sprout drink (50 g sprouts) or a placebo drink based on alfalfa sprouts (50 g sprouts) according to randomization. The drink will be consumed either approximately 16 hours before exercise (the evening before) or approximately 3 hours before exercise (the morning of the test), enabling comparison of timing in relation to a standardized \~2-hour cycling protocol (individualized intensity) followed by a 10 km cycling time trial. Outcomes include measures of performance, heart rate, perceived exertion and recovery, blood glucose and lactate, and metabolic responses. Venous blood samples are collected at multiple time points before and after exercise and during the subsequent laboratory recovery period, and muscle biopsies are obtained at defined time points to assess muscle metabolism and recovery-related markers. Participants return \~24 hours after exercise for follow-up sampling after an overnight fast, including a glucose tolerance test

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 50 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy, endurance-trained adults aged 18-64 years. Regular endurance training (e.g., cycling/running) and ability to complete a standardized 2-hour high-intensity cycling session on an ergometer. Approved health declaration and screening assessment by study staff (including that ergometer testing can be performed safely). Willing and able to follow the study protocol (diet/fasting instructions, standardized training before visits, attendance at all four laboratory visits). No known allergy/hypersensitivity to ingredients in the broccoli sprout drink or placebo drink. Exclusion Criteria: Does not meet inclusion criteria at screening (e.g., abnormal health declaration or medical findings making intense endurance exercise or muscle biopsy inappropriate). Known allergy/hypersensitivity to ingredients in the intervention or placebo drink (broccoli/cruciferous vegetables or alfalfa) or other relevant food allergy. Ongoing illness, fever, or infection at any test occasion, or other acute medical event judged to affect safety or data quality. Ongoing treatment with medications/supplements judged to affect primary outcomes or increase risk (e.g., anti-inflammatory medication close to test days per study instructions). Pregnancy (if women are included) or breastfeeding. Inability to comply with the study protocol (e.g., failure to standardize diet/fasting, deviating training/alcohol intake despite instructions, or repeated missed visits). Participant w…

What they're measuring

Lactate

Timeframe: During exercise and across the 0 to 8 hours recovery period (hourly venous samples), and at the follow-up, approximately 24 hours post-exercise.

Glucose

Timeframe: During exercise and across the 0 to 8 hours recovery period (hourly venous samples), and at the follow-up, approximately 24 hours post-exercise.

Glycogen

Timeframe: Before exercise, immediately post-exercise, 8 hours post-exercise, and 24 hours post-exercise

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07461194

SponsorThe Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-15

Contact for this trial

Filip J Larsen, PhD

08-120 53 700 filip.larsen@gih.se

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Physical Performance trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 50 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Lactate

Timeframe: During exercise and across the 0 to 8 hours recovery period (hourly venous samples), and at the follow-up, approximately 24 hours post-exercise.

Glucose

Timeframe: During exercise and across the 0 to 8 hours recovery period (hourly venous samples), and at the follow-up, approximately 24 hours post-exercise.

Glycogen

Timeframe: Before exercise, immediately post-exercise, 8 hours post-exercise, and 24 hours post-exercise