Beetroot Juice: a Natural Aid for Boosting the Health Benefits of Exercise in Post-menopausal Women?

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Post-menopause

In brief

Menopause and ageing bring several changes to women's health, partly due to a decline in the hormone estrogen. This reduction affects multiple systems in the body, including muscles and bones, and also influences the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a key role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. An reduced ability to produce nitric oxide is associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Many women also experience lower levels of physical activity and changes in body composition during midlife, such as increased body fat and reduced muscle mass and strength, which may further decrease exercise capacity. This PhD project investigates whether a simple, natural strategy, combining exercise with beetroot juice, can help postmenopausal women achieve greater benefits from exercise. Beetroot juice is naturally rich in nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide, thereby enhancing blood flow. Exercise itself also stimulates nitric oxide production, and together these approaches may have additive or even synergistic effects. The study examines whether consuming beetroot juice before exercise can enhance training adaptations and health outcomes in postmenopausal women. Key outcomes include cardiovascular function, body composition, musculoskeletal function, and aerobic capacity. Some evidence suggests that beetroot juice may amplify the body's response to exercise, which could be particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, who often face greater barriers to physical activity. By exploring this combined approach, the project aims to evaluate a safe, non-pharmacological strategy to improve physical function and overall health in women after menopause.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07572877
Run by: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
People needed: 60
Starts: 2026-02-11
Expected to finish: 2033-01-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-05-13

Who can join

Age: 50 and older, up to 70. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Self-reported biological female and postmenopausal (≥12 months of amenorrhea)
Aged 50-70 years
Body mass index (BMI) 25-39.9 kg/m²
No contraindications to exercise
Physically inactive (<150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity)
Able to walk on a treadmill and ambulate without limitations
Adequate proficiency in Norwegian to complete questionnaires
Willingness and ability to comply with the study schedule and visits

You may not qualify if…

Known allergy to nitrates or beetroot juice
Current smoker or use of nicotine/tobacco products
Resting blood pressure <90/60 mmHg
Hypertension greater than stage II (≥160/100 mmHg, ESH criteria)
Use of prescription medications affecting heart rate (e.g., systemic β-adrenergic blockers) or nitrate availability (e.g., nitrates, proton pump inhibitors)
History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, valvular disease, or aortic aneurysm)
Symptoms suggestive of heart disease (e.g., chest pain or dyspnea)
Major metabolic disease (e.g., type 1 or type 2 diabetes) or thyroid disorders
Recent cancer diagnosis or treatment (within the past 5 years)
Significant orthopedic limitations or other contraindications to exercise
Diagnosed cognitive impairment
Planned travel or elective surgery that would interfere with adherence to the intervention
Psychological or social factors that may interfere with study participation
Residing beyond a reasonable distance from the study site (logistical constraints)

Where it is running

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences — Bergen, Norway (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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