Investigating how beetroot juice affects blood vessel function in patients with chronic kidney disease
Official title: Circulating factors as a mechanism of improvements in vascular endothelial function with inorganic nitrate in patients with chronic kidney disease
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11145721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice can help improve blood vessel health in people with chronic kidney disease, and participants will either get the juice or a placebo for three months to see how it affects them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DK140289-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145721 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute kidney injury or those not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving blood vessel function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by using nitrate-rich beetroot juice. The study aims to enhance the availability of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps keep blood vessels healthy, while reducing harmful oxidative stress. Patients will participate in a randomized clinical trial where they will receive either beetroot juice or a placebo for three months, allowing researchers to assess the effects on their vascular health. The approach is based on previous findings that showed benefits in older adults without CKD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that improve cardiovascular health in patients with chronic kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway can improve endothelial function in older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach in CKD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rossman, Matthew J — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Rossman, Matthew J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.