The objective of this study was to determine the chronic effects of beetroot juice supplementation on the acute (90-minute post nitrate consumption) efficacy of converting dietary nitrate to plasma nitrate and plasma nitrite in healthy middle-to-older aged adults. the investigators were also interested in determining the effect of this intervention on fasting levels of plasma nitrate and nitrite over time. Furthermore, the number of participants classified as "non-responders" was determined based on increases in plasma nitrite achieved using tolerable volumes of beetroot juice by other studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Middle and Older (40-80 year-old) men and women
• Body mass index between 18.5 - 30.0 kg/m2
• Able to provide own transportation to study testing visits
• Able to consume study beverages
• Able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Tobacco user (smoke or chew), including e-cigarettes
• Known conditions of: diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2), atrophic gastritis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, gout, history of kidney stones, history of hypotension, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, impaired liver or kidney function
• Current or recent (last 3 months) treatment for cancer
• Current use of the following medications: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, nitroglycerin or nitrate preparations, proton pump inhibitors, medication for hypothyroidism, antacid and heartburn medications

A third party not involved with the conduct of the study provided research staff with the beetroot juice in participant specific coded bottles. The research staff then distributed these coded bottles to the participant. At the end of the trial, the code was revealed for intervention assignment.