A groundbreaking study published in March 2025 has shown that a 12-week supplementation of nitrate-rich beetroot extract significantly improves carotid artery stiffness in postmenopausal females, a group at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study, which investigated the effects of beetroot extract on nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, found that beetroot extract not only enhances vascular health but does so without affecting blood pressure.

The study, “Effect of 12-week dietary nitrate supplementation on carotid arterial stiffness in postmenopausal females” by Vivian dos Santos Pinheiro, David N. Proctor, Rogerio Nogueira Soares, Thiago Silveira Alvare was published in Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 328: H937–H944, 2025. First published March 11, 2025; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00065.2025. The study may be accessed at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40066813/

Menopause is associated with reduced NO bioavailability, which can lead to arterial stiffness, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to determine if long-term dietary nitrate supplementation could mitigate this problem. The research was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 20 postmenopausal females, ages 60 to 85, who were assigned to receive either nitrate-rich beetroot extract (NR-BEETx) or a nitrate-depleted placebo (ND-BEETx) over a 12-week period.

Results showed that participants who consumed nitrate-rich beetroot extract experienced significant improvements in carotid artery stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity, β-stiffness, elastic modulus, and the augmentation index. Additionally, arterial compliance increased by week 12. Serum nitrate and nitrite concentrations were significantly elevated in the NR-BEETx group, confirming the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). These effects were observed without any changes in blood pressure, which remained stable across both groups.

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 postmenopausal females. Researchers believe that the findings provide strong evidence for the use of beetroot extract as a nutritional strategy to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality in this population.

“The results are promising, as they suggest that dietary nitrate supplementation could become an effective, non-pharmacological intervention to combat arterial stiffening in postmenopausal women,” said Dr. Thiago Alvares, the principal investigator of the study. “With no significant change in blood pressure, beetroot extract provides a safe and natural way to improve vascular health.”

Beetroot extract, particularly the standardized version known as Sabeet^® from Sabinsa Corporation used in this study, is rich in inorganic nitrate, which is converted into nitrite and NO in the body. NO is a known vasodilator, and previous research has established its role in lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health.

“Given the increase in cardiovascular disease risks among postmenopausal women, this study opens the door to innovative 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.