Beetroot Juice: A Natural Boost for Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women?

Last updated: September 13, 2024
Sponsor: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Beetroot juice

Beetroot juice placebo

Clinical Study ID

NCT06598488
730456
730456
  • Ages < 65
  • Female

Study Summary

This study aims to explore the effects of short-term beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women. The primary focus is to determine whether BRJ, rich in nitrates that increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, can reduce blood pressure at rest and during exercise, as well as improve oxygen uptake during maximal exercise. Given the increased cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women due to the loss of estrogen's protective effects, this research seeks to provide a novel, non-pharmacological intervention to enhance cardiovascular function during exercise in this population.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion criteria:

  • Females under the age of 65

  • Self-reported absence of menstrual cycle for &amp;gt;1 year

  • BMI &lt;30 kg/m2.

  • Able to walk on a treadmill and cycle on a stationary bike without problems.

  • Proficient in Norwegian and able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion

Exclusion criteria:

  • Current or recent (last 5 years) regular smoker or user of nicotine products

  • Addictions to alcohol or illegal drugs

  • Allergy or intolerance (s) to nitrate or BRJ supplement.

  • Diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (e.g., previous acute myocardial infarction orstroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure), renal, or respiratory (e.g.,asthma, sleep apnea).

  • Regular usage of nitrate supplements, including beetroot juice

  • Hormone replacement therapy.

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (e.g., resting systolic and diastolic bloodpressure &amp;gt;160/110 mmHg)

  • Problems with very low blood pressure (e.g., severe dizziness upon standing)

  • Diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2).

  • Using blood pressure or glucose-lowering medications

  • Close family (parents, siblings, children) history of sudden cardiac death at anearly age (&amp;lt;55 for men, &amp;lt;65 for women)

  • Judgment by a medical provider that exercise poses an undue burden or risk.

  • Cognitive or psychiatric impairment

  • Lack of proficiency in Norwegian language oral or writing skills that will hamperthe ability to participate in the interventions and fill out questionnaires.

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Beetroot juice
Phase:
Study Start date:
September 02, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
January 01, 2028

Study Description

This study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on blood pressure and oxygen uptake during exercise in post-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the loss of estrogen, which plays a critical role in nitric oxide (NO) production, a key regulator of blood vessel function and blood pressure. BRJ, rich in dietary nitrates, is converted into NO in the body and may offer a natural means to improve cardiovascular health.

The primary objective is to investigate whether short-term BRJ supplementation can reduce resting and exercise blood pressure and enhance oxygen uptake during maximal exercise, compared to a placebo. The study will also explore the relationship between these cardiovascular responses and blood biomarkers, including nitrate/nitrite levels and inflammatory cytokines.

The study design is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Post-menopausal women will be randomized into either the BRJ or placebo group, consuming BRJ or nitrate-depleted juice for 4 days, followed by a 7-day washout period before switching to the alternate group. Participants will undergo testing to measure blood pressure and oxygen uptake at rest and during exercise at baseline and after each intervention.

This research is novel and clinically significant, as it explores a non-pharmacological approach to mitigate cardiovascular risks in post-menopausal women. By improving cardiovascular function, this study aims to offer a new strategy for addressing age- and menopause-related increases in blood pressure and declines in exercise capacity.

Connect with a study center

  • Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

    Bergen, 5063
    Norway

    Active - Recruiting

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