Beet Root
CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:
BEET ROOT
Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review
Abstract
This narrative review explores the potential of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) as a functional food for cancer chemoprevention and managing chemotherapy side effects. It discusses beetroot's nutrient composition, focusing on polyphenols, flavonoids, and dietary nitrates, and examines current studies on its role in preventing cancer and alleviating cancer-related fatigue and cardiotoxicity. The review identifies research gaps and highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of beetroot, suggesting its potential benefits for cancer patients.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink databases, focusing on articles published between 2000 and 2021. Search terms included "beetroot," "cancer," "antioxidant," and related terms. Relevant articles were selected based on title, language, and abstract.
Results: The review highlights beetroot's rich phytochemical composition, including betalains, phenolics, flavonoids, and volatile compounds, as well as essential nutrients. Studies suggest that beetroot exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties, potentially protecting against cancer development and chemotherapy-induced side effects.
Conclusion: Beetroot shows promise as a functional food for cancer chemoprevention and managing chemotherapy side effects due to its bioactive compounds. However, more clinical studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate its efficacy in human cancer patients. Long-term safety assessments and translational studies are also necessary for its clinical application.
Source: Tan, M. L., & Sahul Hamid, S. B. (2021). Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review. Nutrients, 13(4), 1008.
Ergogenic Effect of Nitrate Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the ergogenic effects of dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation on exercise performance in young, healthy adults. The analysis included 80 randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled studies. Results showed that NO3− supplementation improved exercise performance compared to placebo (d = 0.174; P < 0.001). However, the ergogenic effect was not observed in studies with only women or in well-trained endurance athletes (≥65 mL·kg−1·min−1). The effect was also not modulated by the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). The study concludes that NO3− supplementation has a small ergogenic effect in recreationally active, young, healthy men, but limited utility in highly fit individuals.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database through August 2019. Inclusion criteria included studies with healthy participants aged 18-40 years, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled design, and reported data as mean ± SD or SE. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data were extracted independently by two authors, and disagreements were resolved by a third author.
Results: The meta-analysis of 80 studies showed a small but significant improvement in exercise performance with NO3− supplementation (d = 0.174; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the ergogenic effect was not observed in studies with only women or in well-trained endurance athletes. The optimal timing of NO3− supplementation was 2–3.5 hours before exercise, with a daily dose between 5.1 and ~25 mmol·d−1.
Conclusion: NO3− supplementation has a small ergogenic effect on exercise performance in recreationally active, young, healthy men. However, it has limited utility in highly fit individuals and was not observed in studies with only women. Additional research is needed to investigate the effects of NO3− supplementation in diverse populations and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Source: Senefeld, J. W., Wiggins, C. C., Regimbal, R. J., Dominelli, P. B., Baker, S. E., & Joyner, M. J. (2020). Ergogenic Effect of Nitrate Supplementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 52(10), 2250–2261.
The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease
Abstract
This review explores the potential of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) as a functional food for promoting health and preventing disease. Beetroot is a source of nitrate, which increases nitric oxide (NO) availability, and is being investigated for its potential to manage hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. Beetroot constituents, especially betalain pigments, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventive activity. The review evaluates evidence from studies on the effects of beetroot supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, cognition, and endothelial function.
Methods: The review summarizes and evaluates evidence from existing studies that investigated the effect of beetroot supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, cognition, and endothelial function.
Results: Beetroot ingestion has beneficial physiological effects that may translate to improved clinical outcomes for pathologies such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Beetroot contains phytochemical compounds, including ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and betalains, which have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Conclusion: Beetroot is a dietary source of health-promoting agents with potential as a therapeutic treatment for pathological disorders. Beetroot exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective effects. Future studies should focus on the long-term effects of beetroot supplementation, especially in clinical settings.
Source: Clifford, T., Howatson, G., West, D. J., & Stevenson, E. J. (2015). The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease. Nutrients, 7(4), 2801–2822.
The effect of beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the role of beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. The analysis included 27 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results showed that beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation significantly decreased arterial stiffness and increased endothelial function, but did not change other parameters. The study suggests that beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation might have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and gray literature databases, up to November 2020. The search included studies on the effect of beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure.
Results: The meta-analysis of 27 studies showed that beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation significantly decreased arterial stiffness and increased endothelial function but did not significantly change other cardiovascular parameters.
Conclusion: Beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors. Further high-quality investigations are needed to provide sufficient evidence.
Source: Bahrami, L. S., Arabi, S. M., Feizy, Z., & Rezvani, R. (2021). The effect of beetroot inorganic nitrate supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Nitric Oxide, 115, 8–22.
Effects of Beetroot Supplementation on Recovery After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review
Abstract
This systematic review evaluates the effects of beetroot supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). The review included 9 studies and found that beetroot supplementation may accelerate the recovery of functional measures and muscle soreness, but improvements in markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress were not consistently reported. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal supplementation period.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to October 2020. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, including human participants, original peer-reviewed articles, beetroot supplementation intervention on muscle damage and recovery, and a control/placebo group.
Results: The review of 9 studies indicated that short-term beetroot supplementation may accelerate the recovery of functional measures and muscle soreness after EIMD. However, improvements in markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress were not consistently reported across the included studies.
Conclusion: Short-term beetroot supplementation may have the potential to accelerate recovery of functional measures and muscle soreness after EIMD. However, further research is needed to clarify if a longer supplementation period could also promote recovery of markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Source: Rojano-Ortega, D., Peña Amaro, J., et al. (2021). Effects of Beetroot Supplementation on Recovery After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 14(4).
Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris L.) Extract Acutely Improves Heart Rate Variability Recovery Following Strength Exercise: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial-Pilot Study
Abstract
This study assessed the acute effect of beetroot extract intake on cardiovascular and autonomic recovery following strength exercise. The results showed that ingestion of beetroot extract before exercise accelerates the recovery of systolic blood pressure (SBP), improves heart rate (HR) recovery to baseline resting levels, and intensifies the return of vagal HR control during recovery after exercise. The conclusion is that beetroot extract acutely improved cardiovascular and autonomic recovery after exercise.
Methods: A crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 12 healthy male adults. Participants ingested either beetroot extract (600 mg in capsule) or a placebo (600 mg starch in capsule). They then underwent 120 minutes of seated rest, followed by a 75% 1RM strength exercise, and then remained seated for 60 minutes at rest. Cardiorespiratory parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) were estimated before, during exercise, and during recovery.
Results: Ingestion of beetroot extract before exercise: accelerates the recovery of SBP following physical effort; improves HR recovery to baseline resting levels (beetroot protocol: change in ∼62% vs. placebo protocol: change in ∼80%), and intensifies the return of vagal HR control during recovery after exercise.
Conclusion: Beetroot extract acutely improved cardiovascular and autonomic recovery after exercise.
Source: Benjamim, C.J.R., Júnior, F.W.S., de Figueirêdo, M.Í.L.S., Benjamim, C.J.R., Cavalcante, T.C.F., da Silva, A.A.M., et al. (2020). Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris L.) Extract Acutely Improves Heart Rate Variability Recovery Following Strength Exercise: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial-Pilot Study. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(4), 307–316.
Dietary nitrate – An unrecognized nutrient?
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of supplementing a normal diet with high and low nitrate vegetables on plasma [nitrate], [nitrite], and blood pressure (BP). Fifteen physically active males were recruited and received either high or low nitrate vegetables for 2-week periods. The results indicated significant main and interaction effects of dietary nitrate intake on plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite]. Supplementation with high nitrate vegetables significantly increased plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite].
Methods: Fifteen non-smoking, physically active males, 18-40 years old, were recruited. Participants received either high or low nitrate vegetables for 2-week periods, with a 2-week ‘wash out’ in between. Plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite], and blood pressure (BP) were assessed in a randomized, crossover trial.
Results: Supplementation with high nitrate vegetables significantly increased plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite]. Mean systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure were reduced by 3 mmHg, (statistically non-significant), after consumption of high nitrate vegetables. There were significant correlations between changes in plasma [nitrate], [nitrite] and BP, indicating that as plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite] increased, systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure were reduced.
Conclusion: Supplementation with high nitrate vegetables increased plasma [nitrate] and [nitrite], which correlated significantly with changes in BP. These findings challenge existing dogma and support the need for research to establish dietary nitrate as a future nutrient in clinical nutrition, both in therapeutics and prevention of disease.
Source: Ashworth, A., Bailey, S.J., Hayward, G.M., DiMenna, F., Vanhatalo, A., Jones, A.M. (2015). Dietary nitrate – An unrecognized nutrient? Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 10(5)
Assessment of dietary nitrate intake in humans: a systematic review
Abstract
This systematic review assesses dietary assessment methods and provides estimates of daily nitrate intake in humans. A systematic search of electronic databases identified relevant observational studies in adult populations reporting dietary assessment methods and daily nitrate intake. The results showed that the median daily nitrate intakes in healthy and patient populations were similar. A significant inverse correlation of nitrate intake with GDP and KOF index was found. The conclusion is that there is considerable heterogeneity in the application of food-composition tables, which may have implications for the accuracy of estimated daily nitrate intake.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted of 3 electronic databases from inception to February 2018. Observational studies conducted in adult populations and reporting information on dietary assessment methods and daily nitrate intake were included. Ecological analyses were conducted to explore the association of nitrate intake with indexes of economic development (GDP and KOF Index of Globalization).
Results: A total of 55 articles were included. The median daily nitrate intakes in healthy and patient populations were 108 and 110 mg/d, respectively. We found a significant inverse correlation of nitrate intake with GDP (r = −0.46, P < 0.001) and KOF index (r = −0.31, P = 0.002).
Conclusion: The median estimated daily nitrate intakes by healthy and patient populations were similar, and these values were below the safe upper intake of daily intake. There is considerable heterogeneity in the application of food-composition tables, which may have implications for the accuracy of estimated daily nitrate intake. The association between nitrate intake and risk of cardiometabolic diseases needs further investigation.
Source: Babateen, A. M., Fornelli, G., Donini, L. M., Mathers, J. C., & Siervo, M. (2018). Assessment of dietary nitrate intake in humans: a systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(5), 1003-1017.
Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity
Abstract
This review examines the biological activities of beetroot, particularly betalains and nitrates. Betalains have been shown to eliminate oxidative and nitrative stress and exert antitumor activity. Nitrate is a key component for lowering blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, and enhancing athletic performance. The review aims to provide evidence for the health benefits of beetroot in biooxidation, neoplastic diseases, chronic diseases, and energy supplementation.
Methods: A review of the latest research on the biological activities of nutritional composition in beetroot including antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, chronic metabolomics activity, and other functions.
Results: Beetroot has demonstrated antioxidant properties, including scavenging DPPH, preventing DNA damage, and reducing LDL. It also exhibits antitumor activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Nitrate in beetroot can lower blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, and enhance athletic performance.
Conclusion: Beetroot has the potential to prevent/treat the following illnesses, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. Further research may also show that beetroot is effective for lowing blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, and enhancing athletic performance.
Source: Chen, L., Zhu, Y., Hu, Z., Wu, S., & Jin, C. (2021). Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity. Food Science & Nutrition, 9, 6406–6420.
Effects of Beetroot Juice on Physical Performance in Professional Athletes and Healthy Individuals: An Umbrella Review
Abstract
This umbrella review investigates the effects of beetroot juice on physical performance, compares its effects between professional athletes and non-athletes (healthy individuals), and determines the optimal supplementation strategy. The results indicate that beetroot juice significantly improved muscle strength and aerobic endurance in healthy adults, but the effect size was negligible. Also, beetroot juice improved TTE and YO-YOIR1 performance in healthy adults, but the effect size was small. Acute (2–3 h pre-exercise) and chronic (≥3 days) supplementation with beetroot juice to achieve nitrate levels of 8.3–16.4 mmol (515–1017 mg/d) are recommended to enhance physical performance. The study also indicated that beetroot juice shows population-specific effects: proper beetroot juice supplementation improves muscular strength in professional athletes and aerobic endurance in non-athletes.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted on the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Reviewers conducted study screening and selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool.
Results: (1) Beetroot juice significantly improved muscle strength (SMD = 0.08, p < 0.001), but the effect size was negligible. (2) Aerobic Endurance: Beetroot juice significantly improved VO2max (SMD = 0.16, p = 0.033) in healthy adults; however, the effect size was negligible. (3) Lactate Tolerance: beetroot juice significantly improved TTE (SMD = 0.25, p = 0.034) and YO-YOIR1 (SMD = 0.27, p = 0.049) performance in healthy adults, but the effect size was small. (4) Nitrate supplementation, whether administered 2–3 h before exercise or over a prolonged period (≥3 days), produces a significant enhancement in physical performance (p < 0.01). (5) Professional athletes showed significant muscular strength benefits (SMD = 0.27, p = 0.007), whereas non-athletes had more pronounced aerobic endurance improvements (SMD = 0.26, p < 0.001), but the effect size was small.
Conclusion: Acute (2–3 h pre-exercise) and chronic (≥3 days) supplementation strategies with beetroot juice to achieve nitrate levels of 8.3–16.4 mmol (515–1017 mg/d) are recommended to enhance physical performance. Beetroot juice shows population-specific effects: proper beetroot juice supplementation improves muscular strength in professional athletes and aerobic endurance in non-athletes.
Source: Tian, C., Jiang, Q., Han, M., Guo, L., Huang, R., Zhao, L., & Mao, S. (2025). Effects of Beetroot Juice on Physical Performance in Professional Athletes and Healthy Individuals: An Umbrella Review. Nutrients, 17(12), 1958.
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8020175/#:~:text=Dietary%20nitrate%20found%20in%20green,function%20and%20enhances%20exercise%20performance
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- https://sci-hub.st/10.1016/j.niox.2021.06.002
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- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2020.1774441
- https://www.clinicalnutritionespen.com/article/S2405-4577%2815%2900070-4/fulltext
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- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8565237/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/12/1958