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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if beetroot juice can prevent the common cold by boosting nitric oxide, a natural defense in the airways. Young adults will drink beetroot juice, with some receiving real juice and others a placebo, to assess its effect on reducing respiratory infections during stressful periods. College students who do not smoke and do not have asthma or other specific health issues may be suitable candidates for this study. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the effectiveness of beetroot juice in an initial, smaller group, providing participants an opportunity to contribute to important findings.

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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that beetroot juice is generally safe for most people, even when consumed in larger amounts for a short time. Previous studies found that beetroot juice may boost the immune system and reduce cold symptoms, especially during stressful times like exams. Some minor side effects include pink or red urine or stools, which are harmless but might be unexpected. Overall, beetroot juice is well-tolerated with minimal risk of serious side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Researchers are excited about using beetroot juice for the common cold because it offers a natural and potentially effective alternative to typical over-the-counter remedies like decongestants and antihistamines. Beetroot juice is packed with nitrates, which can boost nitric oxide levels in the body, enhancing blood flow and possibly improving immune function. Unlike standard treatments, which mainly address symptoms, beetroot juice might support the body's natural defenses, offering a different approach to managing colds. This unique mechanism of action could mean faster relief and added health benefits, making it an intriguing option for those looking for more holistic remedies.

What evidence suggests that beetroot juice might be an effective treatment for the common cold?

Research has shown that beetroot juice might help reduce cold symptoms, especially during stressful times like finals. Studies have found that it can boost nitric oxide levels in the body, aiding in infection defense. Drinking beetroot juice has been linked to fewer cold symptoms and may benefit those with asthma. It also improves blood flow and reduces inflammation. This trial will compare different dosing regimens of beetroot juice, including two active doses, one active and one placebo dose, and two placebo doses, to evaluate its effectiveness in protecting against respiratory infections. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Thomas Ritz, PhD

Principal Investigator

Southern Methodist University

Annie Ginty, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Baylor University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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 (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]

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938418308175

Beetroot juice supplementation for the prevention of cold ... Beetroot juice was associated with reduced symptoms of cold and sickness during and following finals. Those with asthma showed the greatest benefits.

2. ods.od.nih.gov ods.od.nih.gov/funding/abstract.aspx?g=5R33AT012022-02

Beetroot Juice Supplement for Boosting Mucosal Immunity ... Our pilot data suggests that beetroot juice elevates the fraction of exhaled NO (FENO) and attenuates cold symptoms during stressful final exams.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-2-respiratory-tract-infections-3-2024-66f4a

Beetroot Juice for Common Cold (NCS Trial) 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 ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6879832/

“Beet” the cold: beetroot juice supplementation improves ... Beetroot juice supplementation improves peripheral blood flow, endothelial function, and anti-inflammatory status in individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon.

5. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0191030

Acute ingestion of beetroot juice increases exhaled nitric ... Our findings of sustained FENO50 increases after beetroot juice, in all likelihood through an alternative pathway of dietary nitrate conversion, justify further ...

6. webmd.com webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-306/beet

Beet - Uses, Side Effects, and More Beet and beetroot juice are possibly safe for most people when taken in larger amounts, short-term. Beet can make urine or stools appear pink or red. But this ...

7. port.ac.uk port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/beetroot-fails-to-warm-up-those-sensitive-to-cold

Beetroot fails to warm up those sensitive to cold Beetroot juice doesn't appear to help re-warm the body after exposure for people at higher risk of feeling the cold, according to research. Read more today.