Circulating Nitrate and Antioxidants Are Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Older Adults Following Beetroot Extract Supplementation

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Aging is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and increased cardiometabolic risk. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether 12 weeks of beetroot extract supplementation affects circulating nitrate, nitrite, antioxidants, and cardiometabolic markers in older adults. Twenty participants (60–85 years) received either beetroot extract (20 g/day; 540 mg nitrate and 61 mg gallic acid equivalents of antioxidants) or a nitrate- and antioxidant-depleted beetroot control extract matched for color, taste, texture, and packaging. Blood samples and cardiometabolic assessments were obtained under overnight fasting conditions at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Beetroot supplementation increased circulating nitrate, nitrite, and antioxidant concentrations versus control ( p < 0.05) but did not significantly change blood pressure, glucose, insulin resistance, or lipid profile between groups. Circulating nitrate was inversely associated with systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-c, whereas antioxidant concentration was associated with lower glucose and higher HDL-c.