Beetroot Juice for Common Cold

(NCS Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Danielle Young, Ph.D.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Southern Methodist University

Disqualifiers: Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Heart disease, others

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 week

150 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Beetroot Juice for the common cold?

Research suggests that beetroot juice may help protect against cold symptoms during periods of stress by increasing nitric oxide, which is part of the body's defense against germs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is beetroot juice safe for humans?

Research on beetroot juice, often used by athletes, suggests it is generally safe for human consumption, as no significant safety concerns have been reported in studies involving its use for muscle recovery and performance. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

How does beetroot juice differ from other treatments for the common cold?

Beetroot juice is unique because it increases nitric oxide (NO) availability, which is part of the body's first line of defense against pathogens, potentially helping to prevent cold symptoms, especially during periods of stress. This is different from typical cold treatments that often focus on symptom relief rather than prevention. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based prevention strategies for respiratory infection and management of these conditions can be costly to the public. Airway nitric oxide provides a first line of defense against pathogens, and beetroot juice, a source of dietary nitrate, has been shown to elevate nitric oxide. The main objective of this project is to demonstrate that one week of supplementation with beetroot juice elevates airway nitric oxide during stressful periods in young adults and thereby can protect against respiratory viral infections.

Research Team

Thomas Ritz, PhD

Principal Investigator

Southern Methodist University

Annie Ginty, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Baylor University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young adults who are generally healthy and looking to prevent respiratory infections like the common cold. Participants should be interested in trying a dietary supplement, beetroot juice, which may boost their airway defense against viruses.

Inclusion Criteria

SMU or Baylor University students

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently developing a kidney stone.

I have a serious heart condition.

Smoking cannabis or vape

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessments including viral PCR, FENO, salivary cortisol, and exhaled breath condensate are conducted during a low stress period

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive daily doses of beetroot juice or placebo during the final exam period to assess effects on nitric oxide levels and cold symptoms

1 week

Daily adherence monitoring via video upload

Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up online questionnaire to assess burdensomeness and other outcomes after the final examinations

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Beetroot Juice

Trial Overview The study is testing whether drinking beetroot juice for one week can increase nitric oxide levels in the airways and help fend off respiratory infections during stressful times.

Participant Groups

Group I: Two active doses of beetroot juice Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

2 active (nitrate containing) doses of Beet-it Pro 400

Group II: One active dose of beetroot juice and one placebo dose of beetroot juice Active Control 1 Intervention

1 active (nitrate containing) dose of Beet-it Pro 400 and one placebo (nitrate-depleted) dose of beetroot juice

Group III: Two placebo doses of beetroot juice Placebo Group 1 Intervention

2 placebo (nitrate-depleted) doses of beetroot juice

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Southern Methodist University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

37

Recruited

6,000+

Baylor University

Collaborator

Trials

65

Recruited

67,600+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 14 semi-professional female rugby players, acute ingestion of beetroot juice (BRJ) significantly improved performance in the countermovement jump (CMJ) test by 7.7%, suggesting its potential as an ergogenic aid for female athletes.

However, BRJ did not show significant effects on other performance measures such as sprinting, agility, or endurance, indicating that its benefits may be specific to certain types of neuromuscular activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Neuromuscular Performance on Semi-Professional Female Rugby Players: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. López-Samanes, Á., Ramos-Álvarez, JJ., Miguel-Tobal, F., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 12 well-trained male triathletes, acute supplementation with beetroot juice did not lead to significant improvements in cardioventilatory responses, exercise efficiency, or time trial performance during endurance tests.

The results suggest that higher doses of beetroot juice may be necessary to observe any performance benefits in well-trained athletes, as no significant effects were found at the tested dosage.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a single dose of beetroot juice on cycling time trial performance at ventilatory thresholds intensity in male triathletes. Garnacho-Castaño, MV., Palau-Salvà, G., Cuenca, E., et al.[2018]

In a study involving 12 young female volleyball players, beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation significantly improved muscle endurance (measured by wall-sit performance) and reduced perceived muscle soreness and thigh swelling after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).

While BRJ showed benefits in certain recovery indicators, it did not significantly affect vertical jump height or flexibility compared to a placebo, suggesting its effects may be more pronounced in endurance and soreness rather than overall performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players. Hemmatinafar, M., Zaremoayedi, L., Koushkie Jahromi, M., et al.[2023]

In a study of 76 students during their final exams, those who consumed beetroot juice experienced fewer cold symptoms compared to those who did not, suggesting that beetroot juice may help protect against illness during stressful periods.

Participants with asthma benefited the most from beetroot juice, and higher levels of exhaled nitric oxide were linked to fewer cold symptoms, indicating a potential mechanism for how beetroot juice may enhance respiratory health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beetroot juice supplementation for the prevention of cold symptoms associated with stress: A proof-of-concept study. Ritz, T., Werchan, CA., Kroll, JL., et al.[2020]

Beetroot juice (BTJ) significantly improved recovery of countermovement jumps (CMJ) and reactive strength index (RI) in male team-sport players after repeated sprint tests, showing increases of 7.6% and 13.8% respectively compared to placebo at 72 hours post-exercise.

While BTJ enhanced recovery markers, it did not affect sprint performance or levels of oxidative stress, indicating its benefits are more related to recovery rather than direct improvements in sprinting ability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Beetroot Juice on Recovery of Muscle Function and Performance between Bouts of Repeated Sprint Exercise. Clifford, T., Berntzen, B., Davison, GW., et al.[2018]

Beetroot juice (BRJ) significantly improves explosive force, as evidenced by higher jump heights in countermovement jumps, and enhances muscular endurance in physically active women, based on a study involving 14 participants.

After consuming BRJ, participants showed increased velocity and power during back squat tests, indicating that taking BRJ before resistance training can enhance performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Lower-Body Strength in Female Athletes: Double-Blind Crossover Randomized Trial. Jurado-Castro, JM., Campos-Perez, J., Ranchal-Sanchez, A., et al.[2023]

Beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation significantly enhances both mean and peak power output during concentric and eccentric muscle contractions in a half-squat exercise, based on a study involving 18 adult males.

The study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, showing that BJ can improve muscle performance, which may benefit athletes in sports requiring high power output.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beetroot juice supplementation increases concentric and eccentric muscle power output. Original investigation. Rodríguez-Fernández, A., Castillo, D., Raya-González, J., et al.[2021]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Neuromuscular Performance on Semi-Professional Female Rugby Players: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a single dose of beetroot juice on cycling time trial performance at ventilatory thresholds intensity in male triathletes. [2018]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beetroot juice supplementation for the prevention of cold symptoms associated with stress: A proof-of-concept study. [2020]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Beetroot Juice on Recovery of Muscle Function and Performance between Bouts of Repeated Sprint Exercise. [2018]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplements on Lower-Body Strength in Female Athletes: Double-Blind Crossover Randomized Trial. [2023]

7. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Beetroot juice supplementation increases concentric and eccentric muscle power output. Original investigation. [2021]