Beetroot Juice Supplementation Research Articles

Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on oxygen delivery/consumption and critical impulse during maximal effort forearm exercise in males: a randomized crossover trial.

Beetroot juice supplementation (BRJ) increases nitric oxide bioavailability under conditions of hypoxia and acidosis, characteristics of maximal effort exercise, which is required to identify forearm critical impulse. We hypothesized BRJ would improve oxygen delivery:demand matching and forearm critical impulse performance. Healthy males (20.8±2.4 years) participated in a randomized crossover trial between October 2017-May 2018 (Queen's University, Kingston, ON). Participants completed 10-minutes of rhythmic maximal effort forearm handgrip exercise 2.5 hours post placebo (PL) vs. BRJ (9 completed PL/BRJ vs. 4 completed BRJ/PL) within a 2 week period. Data are presented as mean±SD. There was a main effect of drink (PL > BRJ) for oxygen extraction (P=0.033,ηp2=0.351) and oxygen consumption/force (P=0.017,ηp2=0.417). There was a drink x time interaction (PL > BRJ) for oxygen consumption/force (P=0.035,ηp2=0.216) between 75-360s (1.25-6 min) from exercise onset. BRJ did not influence oxygen delivery (P=0.953,ηp2=0.000), oxygen consumption (P=0.064,ηp2=0.278), metabolites [[lactate] (P=0.196,ηp2=0.135), pH (P=0.759,ηp2=0.008)] or power-duration performance parameters [critical impulse (P=0.379,d=0.253), W' (P=0.733,d=0.097)]. BRJ during all-out handgrip exercise does not influence oxygen delivery or exercise performance. Oxygen cost of contraction with BRJ is reduced as contraction impulse is declining during maximal effort exercise resulting in less oxygen extraction. https://osf.io/pga37/registrations.

Tumor Oxygenation in an Orthotopic Model of Breast Cancer: Impact of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC), the predominant non-melanoma cancer among women, is projected to escalate to more than 3 million new cases and ~1 million fatalities globally by 2040. Chronic and fluctuating low oxygen (O2) conditions within tumors favor malignant growth, decreased responsiveness to therapeutic interventions, and reduced patient survivability. Treatment strategies to combat tumor hypoxia are desperately needed. Dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice (BRJ), which increases nitric oxide (NO) production through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, has been demonstrated to increase skeletal muscle blood flow, improve mitochondrial effciency, and reduce metabolic demands. Specifically, BRJ improves interstitial oxygen pressures (PO2 is) in acidic, low oxygen environments such as that found in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, we hypothesized that BRJ supplementation would increase PO2 is in BC tumors. Methods: Female Fischer 344 retired breeder rats (6-8 months old) were used in this investigation. Adenocarcinoma cells (MAT B III at 6 x 103) were injected into the mammary duct and tumor growth was monitored over 2 weeks. Once tumors reached ~5 mm in diameter, rats were randomly assigned to consume BRJ (1 mmol/kg/day; BRJ, n=3) or water (CON; n=3) for 5 days. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, tumor PO2 is measurements were obtained using phosphorescence quenching. Results: Tumor growth rate was decreased in BRJ compared to CON rats (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 mm/day; p<0.05). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were not different between groups (P>0.05). Blood lactate was significantly decreased in BRJ compared to CON rats (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L, p<0.05). There was an increase in mean tumor PO2 is in BRJ vs. control rats (6.9 ± 1.3 vs. 3.7 ± 0.47; p<0.05). Conclusions: This study offers promising preliminary insights into the potential of dietary nitrate supplementation as an adjunctive approach to BC treatment to increase tumor PO2 is and reduce tumor growth rate. Future and ongoing studies will increase the sample size, use fluorescent microspheres to measure tumor blood flow, and explore the potential for BRJ and other NO agonists to combat tumor hypoxia and the skeletal muscle dysfunction associated with cancer progression. This research was funded by the following sources: the Johnson Cancer Research Center Innovative Research Award and Sustained Momentum for Investigators with Laboratories Established (SMILE) Grants at Kansas State University, the National Institute on Aging (Grant 1R15AG078060), and Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (Grants 1F31HL167618-01 and 1F31HL170643-01). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation in midlife and older adults with renal dysfunction increases vascular endothelial function and changes the circulating milieu to improve endothelial cell nitric oxide production and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND: Midlife and older (ML/O) adults with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction (MRD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A key antecedent to CVD in ML/O adults with MRD is vascular endothelial dysfunction, mediated by declines in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability due to excess reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related oxidative stress. We have shown that targeting the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway with sodium nitrite in heathy ML/O adults improves endothelial function and changes the circulating milieu to lower endothelial cell (EC) ROS bioactivity. However, if nitrate-rich beetroot juice (N-BRJ) is effective for improving endothelial function in ML/O men and women with MRD is unknown. HYPOTHESES: We tested the hypotheses that chronic N-BRJ in ML/O men and women with MRD would: 1) improve endothelial function and 2) induce changes to the circulating milieu to increase EC NO production and lower EC ROS bioactivity. We also assessed possible sex differences in the effcacy of N-BRJ for improving endothelial function. METHODS: Twenty-six ML/O men and women with MRD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR; CKD-EPI]: 40-89 mL/min/1.73m2) underwent three months of supplementation with N-BRJ (70 mL with 6.45 mmol nitrate/day) (n=13, 7 women; age: 65±2 years; eGFR: 69.2±3.3 mL/min/1.73m2) or nitrate-depleted BRJ (placebo, PBO) (n=13, 7 women; age: 68±2 years; eGFR: 79.8±3.1 mL/min/1.73m2) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design clinical trial. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMDBA). Smooth muscle sensitivity to NO was assessed by brachial artery dilation to sublingual nitroglycerin. Human aortic ECs (HAECs) in culture were exposed to 10% subject serum (n=10[6-7 women]/group) collected before and after N-BRJ and PBO supplementation. Acetylcholine-stimulated NO production (DAR-4M-AM) and whole-cell ROS bioactivity (CellROX) were assessed in HAECs using immunofluorescence. Results: N-BRJ supplementation increased FMDBA by 28% (pre: 4.6±0.7%, post: 5.9±0.8%; p=0.03). FMDBA did not change with PBO (pre: 4.6±0.9%, post: 4.7±0.8%; p>0.05). Traditional CVD risk factors (i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol) and smooth muscle sensitivity to NO were unchanged in both groups (p>0.05). Preliminary assessments suggest greater improvements in endothelial function with N-BRJ in women (Δ=post-pre intervention; ΔFMDBA=1.6±0.4) compared to men (ΔFMDBA=0.9±1.0). Compared to pre-intervention, NO production was (trending) 7% higher (p=0.05) and ROS bioactivity was 25% lower (p=0.02) in HAECs exposed to serum collected post N-BRJ. Serum from PBO had no effects (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: N-BRJ supplementation in ML/O adults with MRD holds promise for improving endothelial function, in part by inducing changes to the circulating milieu that increase NO production and decrease oxidative stress in ECs. The effects on endothelial function may be greater in women compared to men. Targeting the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway with N-BRJ may be an effective strategy for improving endothelial function in ML/O adults with renal dysfunction to possibly reduce CVD risk. K01DK115524 (MJR); R01AG013038 (DRS); F32HL167552 (KOM); NIH/NCATS CTSA UL1TR002535. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Beetroot juice supplementation and exercise performance: is there more to the story than just nitrate?

This mini-review summarizes the comparative effects of different sources of dietary nitrate (NO3-), beetroot juice (BRJ) and nitrate salts (NIT), on physiological function and exercise capacity. Our objectives were to determine whether BRJ is superior to NIT in enhancing exercise-related outcomes, and to explore the potential contribution of other putatively beneficial compounds in BRJ beyond NO3-. We conducted a comparative analysis of recent studies focused on the impact of BRJ versus NIT on submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2), endurance performance, adaptations to training, and recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. While both NO3- sources provide benefits, there is some evidence that BRJ may offer additional advantages, specifically in reducing VO2 during high-intensity exercise, magnifying performance improvements with training, and improving recovery post-exercise. These reported differences could be due to the hypothesized antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties of BRJ resulting from the rich spectrum of phytonutrients it contains. However, significant limitations to published studies directly comparing BRJ and NIT make it quite challenging to draw any firm conclusions. We provide recommendations to help guide further research into the important question of whether there is more to the story of BRJ than just NO3-.

Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on oxygen delivery/consumption and limit of tolerance during progressive forearm exercise in men: a randomized crossover trial.

Beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation increases nitric oxide bioavailability with hypoxia and acidosis, characteristics of high-intensity exercise. We investigated whether BRJ improved forearm oxygen delivery:demand matching in an intensity-dependent manner. Healthy men (21±2.5 years) participated in a randomized crossover trial between October 2017 and May 2018 (Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada). Participants completed a forearm incremental exercise test to limit of tolerance (IET-LOT) 2.5 h post placebo (PL) versus BRJ (2 completed PL/BRJ vs. 9 completed BRJ/PL) within a 2-week period. Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. There was a significant main effect of drink (PL<BRJ; P=0.042, ηp2=0.385) and drink × intensity interaction for arteriovenous oxygen difference (PL<BRJ; P=0.03; ηp2= 0.197; 20%-50% and 90% LOT). BRJ did not influence oxygen delivery (P=0.893, ηp2=0.002), forearm blood flow (P=0.589, ηp2=0.03) (forearm vascular conductance (P=0.262, ηp2=0.124), mean arterial pressure (P=0.254,ηp2=0.128)), oxygen consumption (P=0.194, ηp2=0.179) or LOT (P=0.432, d=0.247). In healthy men, BRJ did not improve forearm oxygen delivery (vasodilatory or pressor response) during IET-LOT. Increased arteriovenous oxygen difference at submaximal intensities did not significantly influence oxygen consumption or performance across the entire range of forearm exercise intensities. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that BRJ does not influence small muscle mass blood flow in humans regardless of exercise intensity.

Acute effects of a chewable beetroot-based supplement on cognitive performance: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial

BackgroundDietary nitrate (NO3−) has been shown to be useful as an ergogenic aid with potential applications in health and disease (e.g., blood pressure control). However, there is no consensus about the effects of dietary NO3− or beetroot (BR) juice supplementation on cognitive function.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single dose of a chewable BR-based supplement on cognitive performance.MethodsA double-blind randomized placebo-controlled two-period crossover clinical trial was carried out based on the extension of the CONSORT guidelines for randomized crossover trials. A total of 44 participants (24 F; 20 M; 32.7 [12.5] years; 66.3 [9.0] kg; 170 [9.2] cm; 22.8 [1.4] kg/m2) were randomly allocated to receive first either four BR-based chewable tablets (BR-CT) containing 3 g of a Beta vulgaris extract (RedNite®) or four tablets of a placebo (maltodextrin). A 4-day washout period was used before crossover. Ninety minutes after ingestion of the treatments, a neuropsychological testing battery was administered in each period. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT05509075.ResultsSignificant improvements with moderate effect size were found on memory consolidation at the short and long term only after BR-CT supplementation via the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate (+ 20.69%) and delayed (+ 12.34%) recalls. Likewise, enhancement on both frontal lobe functions (+ 2.57%) and cognitive flexibility (+ 11.16%) were detected after BR-CT. There was no significant change (p < 0.05) on verbal memory of short-term digits, working memory and information processing speed. Mixed results were found on mood and anxiety through the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2); however, sequence and period effects were seen on STAI-Y2.ConclusionsThe acute administration of a chewable BR-based supplement improves certain aspects of cognitive function in healthy females and males, particularly memory capacity and frontal skills.

High or low volume beetroot juice supplementation might positively affect physical capacity and isokinetic muscle function in power athletes

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice is an ergogenic aid containing high levels of nitrate and is known to have many physiological benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effects of beetroot juice supplementation on the physical capacity and isokinetic muscle function of power athletes. METHODS: Thirteen power athletes were orally administered three different volumes of beetroot juice: placebo (70 ml), low-volume beetroot juice (70 ml), and high-volume beetroot juice (140 ml). The Harvard step test, 20 m sprint, side-step, reaction time, Wingate test, blood lactate analysis, and isokinetic knee and trunk tests were performed to confirm their physical capacity and isokinetic muscle function. Significant differences between the drink groups were determined using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the Harvard step, side step, whole-body reaction time, anaerobic power, blood lactate concentration, and isokinetic muscular strength in the knee and trunk for all groups. However, the 20 m sprint and isokinetic muscular endurance of the knee extensor were significantly higher with beetroot juice intake. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that &gt; 70 ml of beetroot juice supplement before performance may be useful as an ergogenic supplement to improve performance-related physical fitness, including speed and muscular endurance, in power athletes.

The effects of inorganic nitrate supplementation on exercise economy and endurance capacity across the menstrual cycle.

Oral inorganic nitrate (NO3-) supplementation has been shown to increase bioavailable NO and provide potential ergogenic benefits in males; however, data in females is scarce. Estrogen is known to increase endogenous NO bioavailability and to fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle (MC), being lowest in the early follicular (EF) phase and highest during the late follicular (LF) phase. This study examined the effects of oral NO3- supplementation on exercise economy, endurance capacity, and vascular health in young females across the MC. Ten normally menstruating females' MCs were tested in a double-blinded, randomized design during both the EF and LF phases of the MC. Participants consumed ∼13 mmol NO3-, in the form of 140 mL beetroot juice (BRJ) or an identical NO3--depleted placebo (PL) for ∼3 days before lab visits and 2 h before testing on lab visits. Plasma nitrate, nitrite, and estradiol were assessed, as was blood pressure and pulse wave velocity. Moderate-intensity exercise economy and severe intensity time to exhaustion (TTE) were tested on a cycle ergometer. As expected, plasma estradiol was elevated in the LF phase, and plasma nitrite and nitrate were elevated in the BRJ condition. Exercise economy was unaltered by BRJ or the MC, however TTE was significantly worsened by 48 s (∼10%) after BRJ supplementation (P = 0.04), but was not different across the MC with no interaction effects. In conclusion, NO3- supplementation did not affect exercise economy or vascular health and worsened aerobic endurance capacity (TTE), suggesting healthy females should proceed with caution when considering supplementation with BRJ.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although inorganic nitrate (NO3-) supplementation has increased in popularity as a means of improving exercise performance, data in females at different phases of the menstrual cycle are lacking despite known interactions of estrogen with NO. This study revealed neither NO3- supplementation nor the menstrual cycle influenced exercise economy or vascular health in healthy young naturally menstruating females, while NO3- supplementation significantly worsened endurance capacity (10%) independent of the menstrual cycle phase.

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players.

Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds suggested to be effective in improving athlete recovery. However, the number of studies evaluating the effects of BRJ on recovery and muscle soreness (MS) indicators in female athletes is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of BRJ consumption on the performance recovery indicators and MS after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in female volleyball players. Twelve young female volleyball players were evaluated in this study. We utilized a randomized, cross-over, and double-blind design during two phases with a 30-day interval (wash-out). During each phase, EIMD was performed first, followed by BRJ or placebo (PLA) supplementation for two days (eight servings of 50 mL). Recovery monitoring of performance indicators and MS was performed after EIMD. The results of wall-sit, V sit and reach (VSFT), vertical jump height (VJH), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and thigh swelling (Sw-T) tests were recorded 48 h after EIMD. Also, the Perceived Muscle Soreness was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS) 12 (MS-12 h), 24 (MS-24 h), and 48 (MS-48 h) hours after EIMD. The data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures of ANOVA at p < 0.05. Compared to PLA, BRJ supplementation improves wall-sit performance after EIMD (p < 0.05), while reducing Sw-T and perceived muscle soreness (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between PLA and BRJ in VJH and VSFT performance after EIMD (p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that the consumption of BRJ in female volleyball players can be useful for improving some recovery indicators, such as muscle endurance, perceived muscle soreness, and tissue edema, after EIMD.

Acute beetroot juice supplementation did not enhance intermittent running performance in trained rugby players

ABSTRACT Purpose: Since the effect of dietary nitrate (NO3 -) supplementation on rugby performance is unclear, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of acute NO3 - supplementation, on the modified Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (IR1) performance test in trained male rugby players. Methods: In a randomised, counterbalanced, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 12 trained rugby union players performed two experimental trials three hours after supplementation of either 140 mL NO3 --rich (BRJ; ∼12.8 mmol NO3 -) or NO3 --depleted (PLA) BRJ. After blood sampling, players performed the modified Yo-Yo IR1 test. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) were also measured before (pre-CMJ) and after (post-CMJ) the prone Yo-Yo IR1 test. Results: Plasma NO3 - (BRJ: 570 ± 146 µM vs. PLA: 72 ± 23 µM) and nitrite (NO2 -) concentrations (BRJ: 320 ± 123 nM vs. PLA: 103 ± 57 nM) were increased after BRJ compared to PLA supplementation (both P < 0.001). Performance in the modified Yo-Yo IR1 test did not differ between BRJ (542 ± 209 m) and PLA (498 ± 185 m, P = 0.3). The jump height in pre-CMJ and in post-CMJ were similar between trials (both P > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute BRJ supplementation increased plasma NO3 - and NO2 - concentrations but had no benefit on an intermittent running test that reflects the demands of rugby performance, and CMJ performances. The findings do not support acute high-dose NO3 - supplementation as an ergogenic aid to enhance physical performance in trained male rugby players.

Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on vascular functional and structural changes in aged mice.

This study investigated whether beetroot juice (BRJ) ingestion ameliorates aging-induced functional and structural changes in vasculature. Aged mice (98-100 weeks old) were supplemented with BRJ (nitrate: 3.5 mmol/L) or drinking water for 4 weeks and compared with young mice (12-15 weeks old). The vasorelaxant response of isolated aortas to acetylcholine was markedly weaker in aged mice than in young mice, but the attenuated relaxation was significantly improved in BRJ-supplemented aged mice. The acetylcholine-induced relaxation was completely abolished by Nω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in all groups. Additionally, the response to sodium nitroprusside was comparable among the three groups. The aortic medial thickness was significantly greater in aged mice than in young mice, and BRJ supplementation did not suppress this thickening. Plasma nitrate levels were significantly higher in BRJ-supplemented aged mice than in non-supplemented aged mice. Conversely, non-supplemented aged mice had high plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, but the levels were suppressed in BRJ-supplemented aged mice. These findings suggest that BRJ ingestion improves vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with aging, at least in part, by enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, beetroot ingestion may be a highly useful self-medication option to prevent vascular aging.

Short-term beetroot juice supplementation improves muscle speed and power but does not reduce blood pressure or oxidative stress in 65–79 y old men and women

We have previously demonstrated that acute ingestion of inorganic nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot juice (BRJ), a source of nitric oxide (NO) via the NO3− → nitrite (NO2−) → NO pathway, can improve muscle speed and power in older individuals. It is not known, however, whether this effect is maintained or perhaps even enhanced with repeated ingestion, or if tolerance develops as with organic nitrates, e.g., nitroglycerin. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we therefore studied 16 community-dwelling older (age 71 ± 5 y) individuals after both acute and short-term (i.e., daily for 2 wk) BRJ supplementation. Blood samples were drawn and blood pressure was measured periodically during each ∼3 h experiment, with muscle function determined using isokinetic dynamometry. Acute ingestion of BRJ containing 18.2 ± 6.2 mmol of NO3− increased plasma NO3− and NO2− concentrations 23 ± 11 and 2.7 ± 2.1-fold over placebo, respectively. This was accompanied by 5 ± 11% and 7 ± 13% increases in maximal knee extensor speed (Vmax) and power (Pmax), respectively. After daily supplementation for 2 wk, BRJ ingestion elevated NO3− and NO2− levels 24 ± 12 and 3.3 ± 4.0-fold, respectively, whereas Vmax and Pmax were 7 ± 9% and 9 ± 11% higher than baseline. No changes were observed in blood pressure or in plasma markers of oxidative stress with either acute or short-term NO3− supplementation. We conclude that both acute and short-term dietary NO3− supplementation result in similar improvements in muscle function in older individuals. The magnitudes of these improvements are sufficient to offset the decline resulting from a decade or more of aging and are therefore likely to be clinically significant.

Acute beetroot juice reduces blood pressure in young Black and White males but not females

A complex interplay of social, lifestyle, and physiological factors contribute to Black Americans having the highest blood pressure (BP) in America. One potential contributor to Black adult's higher BP may be reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Therefore, we sought to determine whether augmenting NO bioavailability with acute beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation would reduce resting BP and cardiovascular reactivity in Black and White adults, but to a greater extent in Black adults. A total of 18 Black and 20 White (∼equal split by biological sex) young adults completed this randomized, placebo-controlled (nitrate (NO3−)-depleted BRJ), crossover design study. We measured heart rate, brachial and central BP, and arterial stiffness (via pulse wave velocity) at rest, during handgrip exercise, and during post-exercise circulatory occlusion. Compared with White adults, Black adults exhibited higher pre-supplementation resting brachial and central BP (Ps ≤0.035; e.g., brachial systolic BP: 116(11) vs. 121(7) mmHg, P = 0.023). Compared with placebo, BRJ (∼12.8 mmol NO3−) reduced resting brachial systolic BP similarly in Black (Δ-4±10 mmHg) and White (Δ-4±7 mmHg) adults (P = 0.029). However, BRJ supplementation reduced BP in males (Ps ≤ 0.020) but not females (Ps ≥ 0.299). Irrespective of race or sex, increases in plasma NO3− were associated with reduced brachial systolic BP (ρ = −0.237, P = 0.042). No other treatment effects were observed for BP or arterial stiffness at rest or during physical stress (i.e., reactivity); Ps ≥ 0.075. Despite young Black adults having higher resting BP, acute BRJ supplementation reduced systolic BP in young Black and White adults by a similar magnitude, an effect that was driven by males.

Dietary Nitrate Ingestion Does Not Improve Neuromuscular Performance in Male Sport Climbers.

Beetroot juice (BJ) is commonly used as an ergogenic aid in endurance and team sports, however, the effect of this supplement on climbing performance is barely studied. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of acute BJ ingestion on neuromuscular and biochemical variables in amateur male sport climbers. Ten physically active sport climbers (28.8 ± 3.7 years) underwent a battery of neuromuscular tests consisting of the half crimp test, the pull-up to failure test, the isometric handgrip strength test, the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the squat jump (SJ). Participants performed the neuromuscular test battery twice in a cross-over design separated by 10 days, 150 min after having consumed either 70-mL of BJ (6.4 mmol NO3-) or a 70-mL placebo (0.0034 mmol NO3-). In addition, nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) saliva concentrations were analysed, and a side effect questionnaire related to ingestion was administrated. No differences were reported in particular neuromuscular variables measured such as the CMJ (p = 0.960; ES = 0.03), the SJ (p = 0.581; ES = -0.25), isometric handgrip strength (dominant/non dominant) (p = 0.459-0.447; ES = 0.34-0.35), the pull-up failure test (p = 0.272; ES = 0.51) or the maximal isometric half crimp test (p = 0.521-0.824; ES = 0.10-0.28). Salivary NO3- and NO2- increased significantly post BJ supplementation compared to the placebo (p < 0.001), while no side effects associated to ingestion were reported (p = 0.330-1.000) between conditions (BJ/placebo ingestion). Acute dietary nitrate supplementation (70-mL) did not produce any statistically significant improvement in neuromuscular performance or side effects in amateur sport climbers.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Performance, Blood-biochemistry of Kadaknath Chicken Raised Under Farm Conditions

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Performance, Blood-biochemistry of Kadaknath Chicken Raised Under Farm Conditions

The effect of high intensity interval training with beetroot (Beta vulgaris) juice supplementation on serotonin and dopamine receptors expression, anxiety and depression in middle-aged diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of four weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) with beetroot juice supplementation (BJ) on serotonin and dopamine receptors in hippocampal tissue, as well as anxiety and depression in middle-aged diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 28 diabetic female rats (55 mg/kg, induced by streptozotocin) aged 12-14 months, weighing 280-320 g, were divided into (1) diabetic control (DC), (2) BJ, (3) HIIT, and (4) HIIT+BJ groups. Also, 7 healthy rats were included in the healthy control (HC) group to evaluate the effect of diabetes induction on the research variables. HIIT was performed for four weeks, 4 sessions per week (70-95% of maximum speed at high intensities; 50-60% of maximum speed at low intensities). Also, BJ was fed daily to rats at a dose of 10 ml/kg. Hippocampal expression of dopamine receptor-1 (Dop.R), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HT. R), open arm entry percentage (OAE%) and movement rate in the HIIT, BJ and HIIT+BJ groups were significantly higher than the DC group. In the HIIT+BJ group, open arm time percentage (OAT%) was higher than the DC group. Levels of Dop.R gene expression were more affected by HIIT, and levels of 5-HT. R were more affected by BJ supplementation; also, HIIT+BJ had a synergistic effect on reducing anxiety and depression. Although HIIT was more effective than BJ and HIIT+BJ on Dop.R and BJ supplementation on 5-HT.R and improved anxiety and depression, both of HIIT and BJ were complementary in improving dopamine and serotonin receptor-dependent anxiety and depression and enhanced each other's effects.

The effect of beetroot juice (Beta Vulgaris L.) supplementation on ṼO2max of youth soccer athletes.

Soccer athletes' performance is influenced by perfect ṼO2max. However, athletes often receive rigorous exercise without being supported by proper nutrition which can lead to oxidative stress. It is necessary to maintain performance by supplementing beetroot juice which contains betalains and inorganic nitrates so that oxidative stress can be controlled. This research is aimed to determine the effect of beetroot juice on the ṼO2max of soccer athletes. By using true experimental with randomized pre-test post-test control group design, 16 healthy males aged 16-19 years old were divided into two groups, treatment, and control. Data were analyzed by independent sample t-test and paired t-test. There is a significant difference in weight and body mass index (p<0.05). There is no significant difference in age, height, pre-body fat, post-body fat, Δbody fat, nutrition intake, school hours, sleep hours, and physical exercise as well as ṼO2max before and after intervention (p>0.05). There is a significant difference in ṼO2max change in both groups (p<0.05). Thus, both beetroot juice and placebo significantly affected the increase of ṼO2max levels in soccer athletes.

Ameliorative Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats

Beetroot is a nitrate-rich vegetable with cardiovascular benefits. This study examined whether ingestion of beetroot juice (BRJ) protects against pulmonary hypertension (PH). Rats were injected subcutaneously with 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT) and randomized to receive either drinking water, low-dose BRJ (BRJ-L, nitrate content: 1.4 mmol/L), or high-dose BRJ (BRJ-H, nitrate content: 3.5 mmol/L), which was started 1 week after MCT injection and continued until the end of the experiment. Four weeks after MCT injection, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) elevation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were observed. These PH symptoms were less severe in rats supplemented with BRJ-L (Fulton index, p = 0.07; RVSP, p = 0.09, pulmonary arterial medial thickening, p &lt; 0.05), and the beneficial effects were more pronounced than those of BRJ-H supplementation. Plasma and RV nitrite and nitrate levels did not change significantly, even when BRJ-L and BRJ-H were administered. There were no differences in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a biomarker of oxidative stress, among the groups. BRJ-L supplementation significantly decreased RV TBARS levels compared to MCT alone (p &lt; 0.05), whereas BRJ-H supplementation did not. These findings suggest that starting BRJ supplementation from an early stage of PH ameliorates disease severity, at least partly through the inhibition of local oxidative stress. Habitual ingestion of BRJ may be useful for the management of PH.

Effects of Acute Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Reactive Agility Performance

Beetroot juice (BRJ) is high in inorganic nitrate (NO3) which has been shown to enhance vascular function, cognition, and physical performance. Acute BRJ supplementation has been reported to enhance explosive resistance exercise performance and simple reaction time in diseased populations. However, it remains unknown if acute BRJ supplementation can enhance agility and reactive drills in healthy individuals, which are relevant to many sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute BRJ supplementation on simple reaction time and reactive agility performance. In a counterbalanced double-blinded manner, physically active males completed two trials each with a differing single-dose treatment: (1) Placebo (PL), (2) BRJ. Each treatment was consumed 2-hrs before experimental testing. Plasma Nitrate (NO3) and Nitrite (NO2) were measured via capillary blood sampling and colorimetric assay. Reaction time was assessed using a simple reaction time light test. Reactive agility was measured via a semi-circle drill and a get-up-and-go drill. All tests used FITLIGHT LED sensors to record response time. Each visit was separated by a 72-h washout period. Acute BRJ ingestion resulted in significantly greater plasma NO3 (p &lt; 0.001) and NO2 (p = 0.008) compared to PL. BRJ significantly improved response time during the semi-circle drill (p = 0.011) and get-up and go drill (p = 0.027) compared to PL. No differences between treatments were observed for simple reaction time (p = 0.279). Collectively, these findings suggest that acute BRJ ingestion may improve reactive agility performance likely mediated by systemic increases in NO3/NO2. Future research is needed to investigate how these findings translate to game-play and sports competition.

Influence of acute beetroot juice supplementation on cold-induced vasodilation and fingertip rewarming.

Vasoactive ingredients in beetroot (BR) such as nitrate are known to induce vasodilation in temperate conditions. This study investigated the effect of BR ingestion on cold induced vasodilation (CIVD) and rewarming of finger skin temperature (Tfing) during and after hand immersion in cold water. Twenty healthy males (mean ± SD; age 22.2 ± 0.7 years, height 172.6 ± 6.0cm, body mass 61.3 ± 11.7kg) repeated a hand cold water immersion test twice with prior BR or water beverage ingestion (randomised order). They rested for 2h in thermoneutral conditions (27°C, 40% relative humidity) after consuming the beverage, then immersed their non-dominant hand in 8°C water for 30min. They then rewarmed their hand in the ambient air for 20min. Skin temperature at seven body sites, Tfing, finger skin blood flow (SkBFfing), and blood pressure were measured. During hand immersion parameters of CIVD (Tfing and SkBFfing) were not different between BR and water conditions although skin temperature gradient from proximal to distal body sites was significantly smaller with BR (P < 0.05). During rewarming, SkBFfing and cutaneous vascular conductance were significantly higher with BR than with water (P < 0.05). The rewarming speed in Tfing and SkBFfing was significantly faster with BR at 15- (BR 1.24 ± 0.22 vs water 1.11 ± 0.26°C/min) and 20-min rewarming (P < 0.05). Additionally, individuals with slower rewarming speed with water demonstrated accelerated rewarming with BR supplementation. BR accelerated rewarming in Tfing and SkBFfing after local cold stimulus, whereas, CIVD response during hand cold immersion was not affected by BR ingestion.