Impact of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Physiological Variables of Individuals Exposed to High Altitude

Background and Objective: High altitude (HA) environment is challenging for lowlanders ascending to mountains for diverse reasons and poses multiple physiological and metabolic changes to acclimatize. There are several different strategies that can be employed for effective HA acclimatization such as gradual ascent, nutritional approach, medicines, or supplemental oxygen. Beetroot is a rich source of dietary nitrate, antioxidants, minerals and emerged as a potential ergogenic aid to improve oxygen delivery and vascular function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on individuals exposed to the HA environment. Methods: In this study total of 92 individuals were accessed, which were grouped as Control (n=40) and BRJ supplemented (n=52). Anthropometric and physiological measurements were recorded, and blood samples were collected at sea level (SL, 122m) and HA (3300m). Key measures included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), hemoglobin (Hb). Results: BRJ supplementation significantly (p > 0.05) improved SBP, DBP, HR, and SpO2 at HA as compared to the Control group. Additionally, BRJ was associated with an increase in Hb (p<0.5) levels, indicating enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity. Conclusion: BRJ supplementation demonstrated a positive impact on key physiological variables, such as blood pressure regulation, heart rate stabilization, and oxygen saturation at HA. The observed improvements in Hb levels suggest that BRJ may facilitate better oxygen utilization and improved acclimatization at HA, positioning it as a promising nutritional intervention for individuals exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Keywords: Beetroot, High altitude, Hypoxia, Acute mountain sickness, Blood pressure