The Effect of Beetroot Powder (BETA-NO●-BOOST), a Natural Source of Nitrate and Nitrite Ions, on Serum Lipids and Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Markers: A Pilot Study

Aim — Beetroot is a natural source of nitrate and nitrite ions and is known to provide various benefits in healthy volunteers. The present pilot clinical study was aimed to evaluate the effects of beetroot powder (BETA-NO●-BOOST) on serum lipids and inflammatory and metabolic markers in patients with early-stage arterial hypertension to assess feasibility of a subsequent expanded randomized crossover-controlled trial. Materials and Methods — The present study enrolled 22 male patients with early-stage AH treated for 7 days with an oral daily dose of 20 g BETA-NO●-BOOST equivalent to 650-700 mg of nitrate and nitrite ions (NOx). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at endpoint and used to assay serum levels of lipids and inflammatory and metabolic markers. Results — Total levels of cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase were decreased by 10% and 18.5% (p<0.05), respectively, in all patients after 7-day use of beetroot powder. Hemoglobin concentration was decreased by 3.2% in 71% of the participants (p=0.001). The levels of C-reactive protein were decreased by 1.7-fold and leukocyte counts were decreased by 1.2x10⁹/L in 57% and 62% of the participants, respectively (p<0.05). Levels of blood glucose, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and platelets were decreased in more than 50% of the participants. Conclusion — The results support feasibility of an expanded randomized crossover controlled study of BETA-NO●-BOOST, suggesting that consumption of dietary nitrate from natural plant sources may be associated with nitric oxide production to account for potential beneficial use of BETA-NO●-BOOST in various inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.