New research finds Sabinsa’s beetroot extract enhances postmenopause vascular health

Women’s health research has found that 12 weeks of supplementing with nitrate-rich beetroot extract significantly improves carotid artery stiffness in postmenopausal females, a group at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

The researchers say their findings strongly evidence the use of beetroot extract as a nutritional strategy to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality in this population.

The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology — Heart and Circulatory Physiology, investigated the effects of beetroot extract on nitric oxide bioavailability. It found that beetroot extract, provided by Sabinsa, not only enhances vascular health but does so without affecting blood pressure.

Nitric oxide is a known vasodilator, and previous research has established its role in lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Menopause is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, which can lead to arterial stiffness that accelerates cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to find out if long-term dietary nitrate supplementation could mitigate this problem.

“The results are promising, as they suggest that dietary nitrate supplementation could become an effective, non-pharmacological intervention to combat arterial stiffening in postmenopausal women,” says Dr. Thiago Alvares, the principal investigator of the study.

Menopause is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, which can lead to arterial stiffness that accelerates cardiovascular diseases.“With no significant change in blood pressure, beetroot extract provides a safe and natural way to improve vascular health.”

Improvements in carotid artery stiffness

Beetroot extract, particularly the standardized version known as Sabeet from Sabinsa used in this study, is rich in inorganic nitrate, which is converted into nitrite and nitric oxide in the body.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 20 postmenopausal females, ages 60 to 85, who received either nitrate-rich beetroot extract (“NR-BEETx”) or a nitrate-depleted placebo (“ND-BEETx”) over a 12-week period.

Results revealed 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 compliance increased by week 12. Serum nitrate and nitrite concentrations were significantly elevated in the NR-BEETx group, confirming the bioavailability of nitric oxide. These effects were observed without any changes in blood pressure, which remained stable across both 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.

“Given the increase in cardiovascular disease risks among postmenopausal women, this study opens the door to innovative dietary interventions, with beetroot extract potentially becoming a recommended strategy for improving vascular function and reducing long-term cardiovascular risks,” concludes Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director of Sami-Sabinsa.

Beetroot extract was previously spotlighted in research by Biolife for its brain health functions. The study found its acute administration can effectively support cognitive function, specifically memory capacity and frontal skills. This was also attributed to the plant’s nitrate content.