A new study has found that a supplementation with a nitrate-rich beetroot extract can reduce cartoid arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women.
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology, found that a standardised beetroot extract rich in nitrates can support cardiovascular health without impacting blood pressure.
This suggests that dietary supplements high in nitrates can significantly benefit post-menopausal women, who are currently in need of efficacious natural interventions for healthy ageing and overall wellness.
Menopause and reduced NO availability
Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule produced by the body, which is responsible for vasodilation — otherwise known as the relaxing of the blood vessels.
By having this effect on the body, NO is able to promote the efficient flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body, meaning the vital organs will always be in good supply.
However, the menopause is often associated with a reduction in NO bioavailability, which can lead to arterial stiffness and — in turn — cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, Sabinsa theorised that boosting dietary nitrate may benefit post-menopausal women by facilitating the production of NO.
To test this hypothesis, the company teamed up with researchers at the Food and Nutrition Institute at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro — conducting a two week study on 20 post-menopausal women aged between 60 and 85.
During the trial period, participants were given either a nitrate-rich or nitrate-depleted form of Sabinsa's beetroot-based nutraceutical, Sabeet.
Sabeet reduces arterial stiffness
During the study period, researchers found that those consuming the nitrate-rich beetroot extract experienced notable improvements in parameters of cartoid arterial stiffness, including:
- Pulse wave velocity (a measure of arterial stiffness attained via blood pressure and pulse measurements)
- β-stiffness (a measure of the elasticity of the cartoid artery's wall)
- Elastic modulus (the cartoid artery's overall elasticity)
- Augmentation index (a quantifiable measure of overall arterial stiffness that indicates how hard the heart needs to work to counteract arterial stiffness)
Interestingly, supplementation with Sabeet also enhanced arterial compliance within 12 weeks, suggesting the ingredient promotes vascular health and elasticity.
Blood samples also revealed that Sabeet increased serum nitraite and nitrite concentrations, confirming that NO bioavailability was enhanced, with no discernible changes in blood pressure noted.
"This study is the first of its kind to examine the effects of long-term dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot extract on vascular health in this population," noted principal investigator, Dr Thiago Alvares.
"The results we've attained are promising, as they suggest that dietary nitrate supplementation could become an effective, non-pharmacological intervention to combat arterial stiffening in post-menopausal women."
“With no significant change in blood pressure, beetroot extract provides a safe and natural way to improve vascular health,” he added.
“Given the increase in cardiovascular disease risks among postmenopausal women, this study opens the door to dietary interventions, with beetroot extract potentially becoming a recommended strategy for improving vascular function and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks,” said Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO and Managing Director, Sami-Sabinsa.