Beetroot Juice Resistance Training Older Adults

Effect of Beetroot Juice on Body Composition, Physical Function, Muscle Strength, and Peak Oxygen Consumption in Resistance Trained Older Adults Consuming a Protein Supplement

The present study compared the effects of a nitrate containing beetroot juice supplement (BRJ+Nitrate) vs. a placebo (Control) on total and regional fat free mass, quadriceps muscle strength, lower body mobility, and VO2peak in healthy, older adults undergoing a 10-week long progressive resistance training program with protein supplementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to provide own transportation to study testing visits and intervention
• Able to read and write in English
• Nondiabetic, i.e. fasting glucose < 126 mg/dl
• Sedentary (less than 60 minutes of moderate intensity structured physical activity each week and occurs in no more than 10 minute blocks and not participating in a resistance exercise training program)
• Willingness to provide informed consent and participate in intervention. Participants with diagnosed depression were permitted to participate provided that they have been medically stable without medication change for at least 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking or use of chewing tobacco
• Involved in another intervention research study
• Diabetic (type 1 or 2)
• Atrophic gastritis
• Hypo- or hyperthyroidism
• Gout or history of kidney stones
• History of hypotension
• Premenopausal (women)
• Aversion to study-related testing procedures
• Allergy/sensitivity/aversion to beetroot beverages or protein supplement
• Medical conditions with contraindications for engaging in resistance training program or taking the protein supplement
• Systemic, uncontrolled diseases (diabetes, recent (last 6 months) or current treatment of cancer, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, COPD, or inflammatory bowel diseases)
• Use of any of the following medications: phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, nitroglycerin or nitrate preparations, proton pump inhibitors, or medications for hypothyroidism
• Potential inability to complete the tasks required for the protocol as well as conditions that may interfere with interpretation of results including: inability to ambulate, severe congestive heart failure or severe cardiovascular disease, neoplasm for practical and neurophysiologic reasons
• Individuals with contraindications for performing a graded exercise test or have medical contraindications for participating in a scheduled exercise training program
• Individuals more than 300 pounds or less than 125 pounds due to DEXA weight limits and possibility of exceeding recommended daily nitrate dose of 7 mg/kg body weight, respectively.