Effects of beetroot juice on exercise performance in patients with lung disease

The Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT04299945

This study is testing if drinking beetroot juice can help people with lung disease exercise better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations2 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04299945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice on exercise performance in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). Participants will consume either concentrated beetroot juice or a placebo with trace amounts of nitrate, and their submaximal cycle exercise endurance will be measured. The goal is to determine if dietary nitrate supplementation can enhance exercise capacity and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from ILD. The study aims to fill a gap in understanding optimal exercise training methods for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or unclassifiable ILD who are clinically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or neurological diseases that contraindicate exercise testing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise performance and quality of life for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of beetroot juice on exercise performance have been studied in other populations, this specific application in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A multidisciplinary diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or unclassifiable ILD with a differential diagnosis that consists of the above diagnoses
* Fibrosis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT): honeycombing, reticulation, or traction bronchiectasis
* Oxygen saturation ≥92% by pulse oximetry at rest while breathing room air
* Clinically stable for the preceding 6 weeks
* Can fluently read and write in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to exercise testing (e.g. significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological disease) (see Table 4 from ERS/ATS consensus statement)
* Other significant pulmonary or extra-pulmonary disease that, based on clinical assessment, could impair exercise capacity and/or oxygenation
* FVC \<50% or DLCO \<25%
* Use of prednisone \>10 mg/day for \>2 weeks within 3 months of the first study visit
* Cardiac pacemaker or any metal or electronics inside of the body

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia and 1 other locations

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 Interstitial Lung DiseaseILDNitratesexerciseinterstitial lung 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.