Betalain-rich red beet concentrate improves reduced knee discomfort and joint function: a double blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical study

Figures & data

Figure 1 Total WOMAC score change over baseline at day 10 of treatment.

Notes: The total WOMAC score did not show significant differences between the groups before treatment (P=0.60). The change over baseline or ratio was calculated based on the day 0. WOMAC score did not show a significant reduction of the score after 10 days (11% reduction) when compared with day 0. After 10 days of treatment, the BRC group showed a 26% significant reduction in the score (P<0.01). Values are presented as mean % ± standard error (n=20 in each group).
Abbreviations: BRC, betalain-rich red beet concentrate; WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index.

Figure 2 McGill Pain Questionnaire score after 5 and 10 days of treatment.

Notes: Data collected on day 0 did not show significant differences between the groups (P=0.08). The McGill Pain Questionnaire score showed significant improvement in the BRC-treated group at day 5 (P=0.019) and day 10 (P=0.003). Values are presented as mean percent change over baseline ± standard error (n=20 per group).
Abbreviation: BRC, betalain-rich red beet concentrate.

Figure 3 Average VAS energy score after 5 and 10 days of BRC or placebo treatment.

Notes: Higher scores correspond to better subjective self-report on a 100-point scale. There was no difference between VAS scores prior to treatment between groups. VAS energy scores were improved on the BRC group at day 5 (P=0.002) and day 10 (P=0.012) when compared to placebo. Values were determined with a metric scale, from 0 to 100. Values are presented as mean ± standard error (n=20 per group).
Abbreviations: BRC, betalain-rich red beet concentrate; VAS, visual analog scale.