Beetroot (Beta Vulgaris L.) Extract Acutely Improves Heart Rate Variability Recovery Following Strength Exercise: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial-Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective

We assessed the acute effect of beetroot extract intake on cardiovascular and autonomic recovery subsequent to strength exercise.

Methods

This is a crossover, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. We assessed 16 subjects but only 12 healthy male adults completed the two protocols in two randomized days: Beetroot extract (600 mg in capsule) and placebo (600 mg starch in capsule). Beetroot extract or placebo was ingested, the subjects endured 120 minutes seated at rest, followed by a 75% 1RM strength exercise and then remained seated for 60 minutes at rest. Cardiorespiratory parameters, heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) (SDNN, rMSSD, pNN50, SD1, SD2 HF [ms²]) were estimated before, during exercise and during recovery from exercise.

Results

ingestion of beetroot extract before exercise: accelerates the recovery of SBP following physical effort; improves HR recovery to baseline resting levels (beetroot protocol: change in ∼62% vs. placebo protocol: change in ∼80%), and intensifies the return of vagal HR control during recovery after exercise.

Conclusions

Beetroot extract acutely improved cardiovascular and autonomic recovery after exercise.

Keywords:

• Beta vulgaris L
• dietary supplements
• exercise
• autonomic nervous system
• cardiovascular system

Acknowledgements

We thank the Pernambuco State Foundation for Science and Technology (FACEPE/Brazil) for the scientific initiation scholarship of Cicero Jonas R. Benjamim which provided dedication to this work (Process number: 0404-4.09/19). Dr. Vitor E. Valenti receives financial support from Foundation of Support to Research from Sao Paulo State (FAPESP, process number: 2016/02994-1) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, an entity linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications from Brazil (Process number 302197/2018-4).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare absence of financial and non-financial interests.

Author contributions

Cicero Jonas R. Benjamim performed conduction of experiments, performed statistical analysis, wrote introduction, methods, results and discussion sections.

Francisco Wellington S. Júnior, Maria Íris L. S. de Figueirêdo, Cicera Josilânia R. Benjamim, Taisy C. Ferro Cavalcante, Amanda A. Marcelino da Silva, Larissa Raylane L. Monteiro and Milana Drumond R. Santana collected data, performed conduction of experiments, wrote introduction and methods sections.

David M. Garner draft the manuscript and improved interpretation analysis and reviewed English Grammar and Spelling.

Vitor E. Valenti supervised the study, draft the manuscript, performed statistical analysis and gave final approval for the version submitted for publication.

Additional information

Funding

Cicero Jonas R. Benjamim receives financial support from Pernambuco State Foundation for Science and Technology (FACEPE, process number: 0404-4.09/19). Vitor E. Valenti receives financial support from Foundation of Support to Research from Sao Paulo State (FAPESP, process number: 2016/02994-1) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, an entity linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications from Brazil (Process number: 302197/2018-4).