Beetroot Juice: a Natural Aid for Boosting the Health Benefits of Exercise in Post-menopausal Women?

Menopause and ageing bring several changes to women's health, partly due to a decline in the hormone estrogen. This reduction affects multiple systems in the body, including muscles and bones, and also influences the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a key role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. An reduced ability to produce nitric oxide is associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Many women also experience lower levels of physical activity and changes in body composition during midlife, such as increased body fat and reduced muscle mass and strength, which may further decrease exercise capacity.

This PhD project investigates whether a simple, natural strategy, combining exercise with beetroot juice, can help postmenopausal women achieve greater benefits from exercise. Beetroot juice is naturally rich in nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide, thereby enhancing blood flow. Exercise itself also stimulates nitric oxide production, and together these approaches may have additive or even synergistic effects.

The study examines whether consuming beetroot juice before exercise can enhance training adaptations and health outcomes in postmenopausal women. Key outcomes include cardiovascular function, body composition, musculoskeletal function, and aerobic capacity.

Some evidence suggests that beetroot juice may amplify the body's response to exercise, which could be particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women, who often face greater barriers to physical activity. By exploring this combined approach, the project aims to evaluate a safe, non-pharmacological strategy to improve physical function and overall health in women after menopause.