Beetroot juice to boost the benefits of exercise for postmenopausal women.
Official title: Beetroot Juice: a Natural Aid for Boosting the Health Benefits of Exercise in Post-menopausal Women?
Run by Western Norway University of Applied Sciences · NCT07572877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether taking a daily beetroot juice shot alongside supervised exercise helps postmenopausal women get larger improvements in heart and metabolic health, body composition, strength, and endurance than exercise with a placebo drink.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2033 |
| Registry record updated | May 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07572877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are self-identified biological females aged 50–70 who are at least 12 months postmenopausal, have a BMI of 25–39.9 kg/m², do less than 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, can safely exercise, and can complete study procedures in Norwegian.
✕Probably not a fit
Women who smoke, have significant cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, are taking nitrates or certain heart-rate–altering medications, are already highly active, or fall outside the age/BMI ranges are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This PhD project enrolls postmenopausal women aged 50–70 with overweight/obesity who are insufficiently active and medically able to exercise. Participants will undertake supervised combined strength and endurance training while receiving either a nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplement or a nitrate-depleted placebo beetroot juice. The study will compare changes in cardiometabolic markers, body composition, musculoskeletal function, and exercise tolerance before and after the intervention. The approach tests whether adding dietary nitrate from beetroot juice enhances exercise-induced nitric oxide availability and leads to greater physiological benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining beetroot juice with exercise could help postmenopausal women achieve greater improvements in blood pressure, exercise capacity, muscle strength, and metabolic health than exercise alone.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior short-term studies show beetroot juice can improve blood pressure and exercise performance, but long-term additive benefits combined with supervised training in postmenopausal women remain limited and relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-reported biological female and postmenopausal (≥12 months of amenorrhea) * Aged 50-70 years * Body mass index (BMI) 25-39.9 kg/m² * No contraindications to exercise * Physically inactive (\<150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity) * Able to walk on a treadmill and ambulate without limitations * Adequate proficiency in Norwegian to complete questionnaires * Willingness and ability to comply with the study schedule and visits Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to nitrates or beetroot juice * Current smoker or use of nicotine/tobacco products * Resting blood pressure \<90/60 mmHg * Hypertension greater than stage II (≥160/100 mmHg, ESH criteria) * Use of prescription medications affecting heart rate (e.g., systemic β-adrenergic blockers) or nitrate availability (e.g., nitrates, proton pump inhibitors) * History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, valvular disease, or aortic aneurysm) * Symptoms suggestive of heart disease (e.g., chest pain or dyspnea) * Major metabolic disease (e.g., type 1 or type 2 diabetes) or thyroid disorders * Recent cancer diagnosis or treatment (within the past 5 years) * Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to exercise * Diagnosed cognitive impairment * Planned travel or elective surgery that would interfere with adherence to the intervention * Psychological or social factors that may interfere with study participation * Residing beyond a reasonable distance from the study site (logistical constraints)
Where it's running
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Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Bergen, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ann-Katrin Grotle, PhD — Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ann-Katrin Grotle, PhD
- Email: ann-katrin.grotle@hvl.no
- Phone: +4790960580
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.