A groundbreaking study published in March 2025 has shown that a 12-week supplementation of nitrate-rich beetroot extract significantly helps improve carotid artery stiffness in postmenopausal females, a group at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study, which investigated the effects of beetroot extract on nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, found that beetroot extract not only enhances vascular health but does so without affecting blood pressure.

The study, “Effect of 12-week dietary nitrate supplementation on carotid arterial stiffness in postmenopausal females” by Vivian dos Santos Pinheiro, David N. Proctor, Rogerio Nogueira Soares, Thiago Silveira Alvare was published in Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 328: H937–H944, 2025. First published March 11, 2025; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00065.2025. The study may be accessed at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40066813

Menopause is associated with reduced NO bioavailability, which can lead to arterial stiffness, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to determine if long-term dietary nitrate supplementation could mitigate this problem. The research was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 20 postmenopausal females, ages 60 to 85, who were assigned to receive either nitrate-rich beetroot extract (NR-BEETx) or a nitrate-depleted placebo (ND-BEETx) over a 12-week period.

Results showed that participants who consumed nitrate-rich beetroot extract experienced significant improvements in carotid artery stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity, β-stiffness, elastic modulus, and the augmentation index. Additionally, arterial elasticity showed improvement by week 12. Serum nitrate and nitrite levels were significantly higher in the NR-BEETx group, indicating effective nitric oxide (NO) availability and utilization. These changes occurred without affecting normal blood pressure, which remained within the healthy range across both the groups.

This study is the first of its kind to examine the effects of long-term dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot extract on vascular health in postmenopausal females. Researchers believe that the findings provide strong evidence supporting the use of beetroot extract as a nutritional strategy to promote cardiovascular health and support healthy circulation in this population.

“The results are promising, suggesting that dietary nitrate supplementation may serve as a beneficial nutritional approach to support vascular health and maintain arterial elasticity in postmenopausal women”, said Dr. Thiago Alvares, the principal investigator of the study. “With no significant change in blood pressure, beetroot extract provides a safe and natural way to improve vascular health.”

Beetroot extract, particularly the standardized version Sabeet® from Sabinsa Corporation used in this study, is naturally rich in inorganic nitrate, which is converted into nitrite and NO in the body. Nitric oxide is known to support healthy blood flow and vascular function, and previous researches have highlighted its role in promoting circulatory and cardiovascular health.

“Given the growing focus on cardiovascular wellness in postmenopausal women, this study highlights the potential of beetroot extract as a science-backed nutritional approach to support vascular function and promote long-term heart health”, said Shaheen Majeed, Sabinsa Global CEO & Managing Director.