The effect of acute beetroot supplementation on post exercise hypotension

Abstract

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to establish the health benefits of the acute ingestion of a nitrate (NO3-) rich beetroot juice supplementation effects on the hypotensive response to an acute bout of continuous moderate intensity exercise. The secondary aim was to identify a homeopathic supplement that the general population can have access to, allowing them to introduce the supplement into their lifestyle to aid their reduction in blood pressure (BP). Methods: 8 male normotensive recreationally active participants (age 20.25 ± 0.46 years, height 179.11 ± 5.44 cm, weight 79.04 ± 11.37 kg) were recruited from the Cardiff School of Sport (CSS) student population from Cardiff Metropolitan University, non-smokers, and normotensive, with no prior heart conditions. Participants completed 3 visits, first visit was to collects anthropometric measurements and to complete a VO2 max test, the second and third visits had the participants complete a 30-minute bout of moderate intensity continuous exercise at 60% VO2 max. At the end of visit 1, participants were issued with 2 supplements labelled A and B, participants were randomly assigned which one to take 2.5 hours’ prior each visit, the one not taken prior visit 2 was taken prior visit 3. Being a health study, the exercise element of the study was based on the ASCM (2015) and the NHS (2015) physical activity guidelines, 150 minutes (30 minutes per day, 5 days a week) of moderate exercise a week. BP measurements were taken 30 minutes’ prior exercise and for 90 minutes’ post exercise, measurements were taken every 5 minutes. Results: A two-way repeated measure ANOVA statistical test was used to analyse the variables collected. Test results showed the manipulation of supplement and the increase in time variable post-exercise both had a significant effect on BP. The results further identified that systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) all significantly (P<0.05) reduced below their base line following the ingestion of an acute dose of beetroot juice 2.5 hours’ prior exercise and after the acute bout of moderate intensity exercise, compared to when the placebo was taken. Conclusion: The ingestion of an acute dose of NO3- rich supplementation prior an acute bout of moderate intensity continuous exercise increases the magnitude of post-exercise hypotension experienced.