Beetroot juice increase nitric oxide metabolites in both men and women regardless of body mass

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2016;67(1):40-6. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2015.1121469. Epub 2015 Dec 13.

Abstract

The nitrate (NO3(-)) present in beetroot juice (BJ) has been studied for its effect on the cardiovascular system by converting to nitric oxide (NO). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of BJ on the excretion of NO metabolites and its relationship with body mass in both men and women. NO metabolites - urinary NO3(-), nitrite (NO2(-)) and NOx were analyzed by using a high-performance liquid chromatography system. There were significant increases in urinary NO3(-), NO2(-) and NOx in BJ as compared to PLA (BJ without NO3(-)). No significant difference between men and women was observed in NO metabolites after BJ at any time point. There were no significant relationships between urinary NO3(-), NO2(-) and NOx and body mass in BJ intervention for both men and women. In conclusion, urinary NO metabolites after BJ consumption increases in similar manner between sexes regardless of body mass.

Keywords: Beetroot; functional food; gender effect; nitrate; nitrite.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Beta vulgaris / chemistry*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Weight*
  • Female
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nitrates / metabolism
  • Nitrates / pharmacology*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitrites / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Nitrates
  • Nitrites
  • Plant Extracts
  • Nitric Oxide