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.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106 |
Pages (from-to) | Article 106 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nutrition Journal |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Beetroot
- Blood pressure
- Hypertension
- Inorganic nitrate