Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9600
ISSN: 2155-9600
Luke A Stanaway
Massey University, New Zealand
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci
Statement of the Problem: Supplementation with nitrate-rich (NO3-) beetroot juice has been shown to improve exercise performance and cardiovascular (CV) responses, due to increased nitric oxide (NO) availability. However, it is unclear whether these benefits are greater in older adults who have an age-related decrease in NO and higher risk of disease.
Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: This systematic review examines 12 randomised, crossover, control trials investigating food-based NO3- supplementation (from beetroot) in older adults and its potential benefits on CV, cerebrovascular and metabolic health and physiological and cognitive performance.
Findings: Five studies reported improvements in CV health (blood pressure and blood flow), while five found no improvement. Four studies found improvements in physiological performance (time to exhaustion) following nitrate-rich beetroot supplementation in older adults. One study showed improvements in cerebrovascular health. Two studies investigate metabolic health (glucose and insulin control) and found no significant benefits.
Conclusion & Significance: The current literature indicates benefits of nitrate-rich beetroot supplementation in older adults on physiological performance, with mild evidence indicating benefits on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Effects on cognitive performance were mixed and studies on metabolic health suggest no benefit. However, there is limited research on the effects of nitrate-rich beetroot supplementation in older adults, thus further study utilising a randomised, double-blind, control trial design is required.
Luke A Stanaway is currently completing his PhD in Exercise and Sport Science at Massey University, New Zealand. He obtained his first journal publication in the first year of his PhD, with a systematic review in Nutrients and currently has a primary research article under review. He is the founding director of the sport and wellness app Zenforce sports and was the sport scientist for the New Zealand football under 17’s team in the last world cup cycle. His PhD centres around the effects of acute and chronic supplementation of nitrate-rich beetroot juice on cardiovascular function, cognition and mood in younger and older adults. He also has interests in all areas of nutrition and exercise as a personal trainer and nutritionist.
E-mail: l.stanaway@massey.ac.nz