Investigating how beetroot juice affects blood vessel function in patients with chronic kidney disease

Circulating factors as a mechanism of improvements in vascular endothelial function with inorganic nitrate in patients with chronic kidney disease

NIH-funded research University of Colorado · NIH-11145721

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 typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11145721 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients with acute kidney injury or those not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boulder, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.