Beetroot juice may boost aging brain blood flow

NCT ID NCT03617302

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small, early study tested whether drinking beetroot juice (which is rich in natural nitrates) could improve artery stiffness and brain blood vessel function in adults aged 50 to 79. Sixteen participants were randomly given either nitrate-rich or nitrate-depleted beetroot juice. The goal was to see if this simple dietary supplement could help slow age-related changes in blood vessels and thinking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

inorganic nitrate (from beetroot juice)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple dietary supplement to support blood vessel health and thinking as we age.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase study with only 16 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be too small to matter in daily life.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases Cognitive Dysfunction hypertensive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Iowa

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States