Beetroot Juice for Common Cold

(NCS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen by Thomas Ritz, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Recruiting

Sponsor: Southern Methodist University

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

Prior Safety Data

Trial Summary

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.

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}

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

I am between 18 and 30 years old.

SMU or Baylor University students

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently developing a kidney stone.

I have a serious heart condition.

Smoking cannabis or vape

Trial 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 (Dietary Supplement)

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

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX

Baylor University Waco, TX

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Southern Methodist University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

37

Patients Recruited

6,000+

Baylor University

Collaborator

Trials

65

Patients Recruited

67,600+

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] Beetroot juice (BRJ) is considered an ergogenic aid with good to strong evidence for improving human performance in sport modalities with similar demands to rugby. However, most of the studies were realized in male athletes with limited evidence in female athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the acute ingestion of BRJ in female rugby players.

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] Beetroot juice (BJ) is classified as a high-level supplement for improving sports performance. There is some controversy over the benefits of BJ supplementation for endurance exercise performance, especially when referring to well-trained athletes. This study examines the effects of acute BJ supplementation on cardioventilatory responses, exercise economy/efficiency, slow component of oxygen uptake, time trial performance, blood lactate, energy consumption, and carbohydrate and fat oxidation.

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] Beetroot juice (BRJ) contains various bioactive compounds suggested to be effective in improving athlete recovery. However, the number of studies evaluating the effects of BRJ on recovery and muscle soreness (MS) indicators in female athletes is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effects of BRJ consumption on the performance recovery indicators and MS after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in female volleyball players.

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] Psychological stress has been linked to common cold symptoms. Nitric oxide (NO) is part of the first line of epithelial defense against pathogens, and beetroot juice is a source of dietary nitrate that increases NO availability. We therefore tested whether beetroot juice protects against cold symptoms in a period of sustained acute stress.

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] This study examined the effects of beetroot juice (BTJ) on recovery between two repeated-sprint tests. In an independent groups design, 20 male, team-sports players were randomized to receive either BTJ or a placebo (PLA) (2 × 250 mL) for 3 days after an initial repeated sprint test (20 × 30 m; RST1) and after a second repeated sprint test (RST2), performed 72 h later. Maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVC), countermovement jumps (CMJ), reactive strength index (RI), pressure-pain threshold (PPT), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), protein carbonyls (PC), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and the ascorbyl free radical (A(•-)) were measured before, after, and at set times between RST1 and RST2. CMJ and RI recovered quicker in BTJ compared to PLA after RST1: at 72 h post, CMJ and RI were 7.6% and 13.8% higher in BTJ vs. PLA, respectively (p 0.05). BTJ reduced the decrement in CMJ and RI following and RST but had no effect on sprint performance or oxidative stress.

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] Beetroot juice (BRJ) is used as an ergogenic aid, but no previous study has analyzed the effect this supplement has on the production of explosive force and muscular endurance in physically active women.

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

Beetroot juice supplementation increases concentric and eccentric muscle power output. Original investigation. [2021] Beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation has been reported to enhance skeletal muscle contractile function; however, it is currently unclear whether BJ supplementation elicits comparable improvements in power output during different types of skeletal muscle contractions. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of BJ supplementation on power output during concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) muscle contractions during a half-squat.