Beetroot Extract — Supplements
Dietary nitrate source that enhances nitric oxide production for cardiovascular and exercise performance benefits.
Overview
Beetroot extract provides concentrated dietary nitrates that are converted to nitric oxide (NO) via the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. This pathway is independent of NOS enzymes and particularly effective under hypoxic conditions. Multiple meta-analyses demonstrate improvements in exercise economy, time-to-exhaustion, and blood pressure reduction. The ergogenic effects are most pronounced in recreational athletes and in high-intensity intermittent exercise.
Indications
- Exercise performance enhancement
- Blood pressure reduction
- Endothelial function support
- Cardiovascular health
Mechanism of Action
Dietary nitrate is absorbed and concentrated in saliva by salivary glands
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetroot Extract | 500 mg | Once daily | Standardized to nitrate content; 2-3 hours pre-exercise for ergogenic use |
| Beetroot Juice | 70 mL concentrate (~6.4 mmol NO3-) | Pre-exercise | Equivalent to ~500 mg extract in nitrate content |
Safety & Contraindications
- Beeturia (red urine/stool) is harmless and common
- Avoid concurrent use of PDE5 inhibitors (additive hypotension risk)
- May interact with blood pressure medications
- High oxalate content may be a concern for individuals prone to kidney stones