The Effects of Consuming 6 Weeks of Beetroot Juice (Beta vulgaris L.) on Hematological Parameters in Female Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of consuming 6 weeks of beetroot juice (Beta vulgaris L.) on hematological parameters in female soccer players. Methods: Twenty female soccer players were selected randomly and assigned into two groups: Experimental (beetroot juice, n = 10) and control (placebo, n = 10). Subjects trained for six weeks (three 90-min sessions per week) by consuming 200 mL of juice 2 hours prior to training. Blood samples were collected and investigated (Hb, Hct, RBC, Iron, MCV, Ferritin and TIBC) in pre-and posttest. Paired Sample t-test and Independent Sample t-test were used for comparision within and between groups, respectively. Statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05. Results: Results showed that the experimental group had significant increases in the Hb, Hct, RBC, iron, and ferritin levels (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in MCV levels (t =-1.10, P = 0.29) and there was a significant decrease in the TIBC (t = 4.99, P = 0.001). In the control group, there were significant differences in (Hct, iron, ferritin and TIBC) (P < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in (Hb, Hct, RBC, iron, ferritin and TIBC) levels between experimental and control subjects (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in MCV (t = 1.11, P = 0.28). Conclusions: Since beetroot juice consumption has significant effects on the levels of some hematological parameters in female soccer players, it can be used to prevent and improve anemia among these athletes.

Beetroot Juice and Red Spinach Juice to Increase Hemoglobin Levels in Anemic Adolescent Girls

“…This study also follows a similar study from Al-Aboud (2018), which found an increase in Hb levels in women after consuming beetroot for 20 days [15]. Likewise, girl soccer players who were given beetroot juice for 6 weeks showed a significant increase in Hb, Hematocrit, Fe, and ferritin levels (p < 0.05) [16]. The study of Chauhan et al (2017) also revealed a significant increase in Hb levels after consuming beets for 30 days (p < 0.001) [17].…”

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of Beetroot-Based Dietary Supplements

“…These beneficial effects are mainly associated with betalains (plant pigments that have a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect) and nitrates(V), which converted in the body to nitric oxide, cause a vasodilatory effect [14]. Although the beetroot contains only 0.76 mg of iron in 100 g [15], it may exert a mild hematopoietic effect [16,17]. Iron is characterized by a relatively low degree of absorption (2-10%), which results from its nonheme form and the reduction in absorption caused by fiber and oxalic acid.…”

Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment

“…Consumption of 8 g of beets for 20 days induced an increase in Hb, ferritin, and serum iron levels, as well as a decrease in transferrin and total iron-binding capacity levels in seven women aged 22–24 years [ 57 ]. Consumption of beetroot in the form of juice (100–200 mL) increased the level of Hb [ 58 , 59 ]. Moreover, administration of 200 mL of beet juice for six weeks induced the increase of HTC, RBC, iron, and ferritin levels [ 58 ].…”

“…Consumption of beetroot in the form of juice (100–200 mL) increased the level of Hb [ 58 , 59 ]. Moreover, administration of 200 mL of beet juice for six weeks induced the increase of HTC, RBC, iron, and ferritin levels [ 58 ]. The administration of beetroot in the form of powder and iron-based supplements for 14 days in women with anemia led to increased levels of Hb, HTC, and erythrocyte counts [ 60 ].…”