Evaluation of 12-Week Standardized Beetroot Extract Supplementation in Older Participants: A Preliminary Study of Human Health Safety

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of beetroot-based dietary supplements, driven by their rich nitrate composition. Several types of beetroot-based dietary supplements can be found in markets worldwide; however, ensuring the safety of dietary supplements is a crucial consideration, as there is limited evidence on their safety, especially for older populations. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a nitrate-rich beetroot extract in older participants taking supplements over 12 weeks. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 20 g daily of beetroot extract or a matching placebo. The safety and tolerability of the supplementation were evaluated as the occurrence of adverse events and anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameters were measured. No serious adverse events were reported in any group. Anthropometric, biochemical, and hemodynamic parameter changes between the baseline and the end of the study were not statistically significant in either group. However, interestingly, the group receiving beetroot extract supplementation exhibited a notable increase in plasma nitrate levels (p = 0.076, f = 0.50) and showed a decrease in insulin levels (p = 0.026, f = 0.59). In conclusion, we found that 20 g of beetroot extract supplementation for 12 weeks was safe and well tolerated in older participants.