Effect of beetroot juice on lowering blood pressure in free-living, disease-free adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Nutr J. 2012 Dec 11:11:106. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-11-106.

Abstract

Background: The consumption of beetroot juice on a low nitrate diet may lower blood pressure (BP) and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, it is unknown if its inclusion as part of a normal diet has a similar effect on BP. The aim of the study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial with free-living adults to investigate if consuming beetroot juice in addition to a normal diet produces a measureable reduction in BP.

Method: Fifteen women and fifteen men participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Volunteers were randomized to receive 500 g of beetroot and apple juice (BJ) or a placebo juice (PL). Volunteers had BP measured at baseline and at least hourly for 24-h following juice consumption using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). Volunteers remained at the clinic for 1-h before resuming normal non-strenuous daily activities. The identical procedure was repeated 2-wk later with the drink (BJ or PL) not consumed on the first visit.

Results: Overall, there was a trend (P=0.064) to lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 6-h after drinking BJ relative to PL. Analysis in men only (n=13) after adjustment for baseline differences demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) reduction in SBP of 4 - 5 mmHg at 6-h after drinking BJ.

Conclusions: Beetroot juice will lower BP in men when consumed as part of a normal diet in free-living healthy adults.

Trial registration: anzctr.org.au ACTRN12612000445875.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Beta vulgaris*
  • Beverages*
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory / methods
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Malus
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Roots*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Plant Extracts