Beet juice effects on heart and breathing muscles in older adults

Effect of Beet Juice Supplementation on Vascular and Inspiratory Muscle Function

Not applicable Interventional University of Florida · NCT04920799

This study tests whether drinking beet juice can help older adults with heart disease improve their heart and breathing muscle function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Florida Academic / other
Locations1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
Trial IDNCT04920799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how beet juice supplementation affects vascular and inspiratory muscle function in older adults suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD). Participants aged 60 to 85 with stable CAD will receive either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or nitrate-depleted beetroot juice to assess improvements in their cardiovascular and respiratory health. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of dietary nitrates for enhancing muscle function in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 to 85 with stable coronary artery disease and a history of significant coronary artery blockage or myocardial infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions, recent heart events, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary interventions that improve heart and lung function in older adults with coronary artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific effects of beet juice on inspiratory muscle function are less explored, other studies have shown positive outcomes of dietary nitrates on cardiovascular health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) based on an angiogram \>50% stenosis in any major epicardial vessel or history of myocardial infarction or history of coronary revascularization.
* Considered to have stable CAD on optimal medical therapy
* 60 to 85 years of age
* Men and women (women must be postmenopausal either natural or surgical)
* Able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Ejection fraction \<50%, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction within 6 months
* Coronary revascularization, including percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft or thoracic surgery within 6 months.
* Stroke, obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatitis B, C, HIV, seizures, or other relevant on-going or recurrent illness
* Individuals that have participated in respiratory training within the last 12 months or cardiac rehabilitation within the last 6 months
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Use of tobacco products including smoking traditional or e-cigarettes
* Use of hormone replacement therapy in women or men (e.g., estrogen, progesterone or testosterone)
* Regular aerobic exercise training
* Unwilling to stop using mouthwash at least 1 week before the start of the study and during study participation
* Unwilling to remain weight stable during study participation

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.