Beetroot Juice Supplementation: Effect on Cardiovascular and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand

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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death and disability globally, accounting for nearly one in three fatalities. Implementing lifestyle and dietary changes can help lower blood pressure (BP) and reduce the risk of CVD. Notably, hypertension and CVD risk are more prevalent in Asian populations, a trend expected to rise with aging and increasing wealth among these communities. Many older adults are seeking natural approaches to enhance their health and quality of life, leading to a growing interest in food-based supplements like inorganic dietary nitrate (NO₃⁻). Nitrate is abundantly found in green leafy and root vegetables, such as beetroot. It serves as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a bioactive molecule with various roles in the body, including the regulation of neurotransmission, blood flow, and oxygen consumption. Research indicates that NO₃⁻ supplementation may offer benefits for health, cognitive function, and physiological performance in older adults. This paper will explore research supporting beetroot juice supplementation for reducing blood pressure and enhancing cognitive function in older people, its potential mechanisms of action, and practical applications..