Effects of beetroot juice on heart health in postmenopausal women
Beetroot Juice: A Natural Boost for Cardiovascular Health in Postmenopausal Women?
This study is testing if drinking beetroot juice can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen) |
| Trial ID | NCT06598488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of short-term beetroot juice supplementation on cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women. It aims to determine if beetroot juice, which is high in nitrates that enhance nitric oxide production, can lower blood pressure and improve oxygen uptake during exercise. The study employs a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, where participants will alternate between consuming beetroot juice and a placebo over a series of days. Blood pressure and oxygen uptake will be measured at rest and during exercise to assess the effects of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are post-menopausal women under 65 years old with a BMI under 30 who can engage in physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with existing cardiovascular diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or those on hormone replacement therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural, non-pharmacological method to improve cardiovascular health in post-menopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using dietary nitrates for cardiovascular health is gaining interest, this specific study is novel in its focus on post-menopausal women.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Females under the age of 65 * Self-reported absence of menstrual cycle for \&gt;1 year * BMI \<30 kg/m2. * Able to walk on a treadmill and cycle on a stationary bike without problems. * Proficient in Norwegian and able to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria: * Current or recent (last 5 years) regular smoker or user of nicotine products * Addictions to alcohol or illegal drugs * Allergy or intolerance (s) to nitrate or BRJ supplement. * Diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (e.g., previous acute myocardial infarction or stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure), renal, or respiratory (e.g., asthma, sleep apnea). * Regular usage of nitrate supplements, including beetroot juice * Hormone replacement therapy. * Uncontrolled high blood pressure (e.g., resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure \&gt;160/110 mmHg) * Problems with very low blood pressure (e.g., severe dizziness upon standing) * Diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2). * Using blood pressure or glucose-lowering medications * Close family (parents, siblings, children) history of sudden cardiac death at an early age (\&lt;55 for men, \&lt;65 for women) * Judgment by a medical provider that exercise poses an undue burden or risk. * Cognitive or psychiatric impairment * Lack of proficiency in Norwegian language oral or writing skills that will hamper the ability to participate in the interventions and fill out questionnaires.
Where this trial is running
Bergen
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences — Bergen, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ann-Katrin Grotle, PhD
- Email: ann-katrin.grotle@hvl.no
- Phone: 90960580
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.