With the rising prevalence of hypertension globally, innovative approaches to manage this condition are crucial. A recent meta-analysis has highlighted the potential of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) in reducing blood pressure (BP) among adults diagnosed with hypertension. The findings suggest that daily consumption of BRJ could serve as a beneficial adjunct to conventional hypertension treatments.
A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of BRJ on blood pressure in hypertensive adults, as defined by the European Society of Hypertension Guidelines. Researchers meticulously reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing BRJ intake with placebo, water, or no intake. This robust analysis included eleven trials with a total of 349 participants.
Methodology and Data Synthesis
The study utilized databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Medline Ovid, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify relevant RCTs up to April 13, 2024. A standardized appraisal instrument from the Swedish Agency for Health Technology and Assessment of Social Services was employed to gauge the risk of bias. The pooled effect size on BP was calculated using random effects models and meta-regression, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the data.
The results indicated a significant reduction in clinical systolic BP with BRJ intake compared to placebo, with a mean difference (MD) of -5.31 mmHg. Notably, there was no significant impact observed on clinical diastolic BP or 24-hour BP outcomes. The study’s heterogeneity was moderate to high, revealing variations in the trial results.
Potential for Market Access
From a market access perspective, the findings present an opportunity for BRJ to be developed as a complementary treatment for hypertension. The significant reduction in systolic BP positions BRJ as a viable product for hypertensive patients, potentially supporting its inclusion in treatment guidelines and expanding its market reach.
However, the certainty of evidence was classified as low, urging cautious interpretation of the results. The moderate to high heterogeneity among the included trials suggests that further research is necessary to validate these findings and assess the long-term effects and tolerability of BRJ consumption.
The study underscores the need for additional high-quality RCTs to confirm the efficacy and safety of BRJ in managing hypertension. This would enhance the reliability of the evidence, potentially facilitating regulatory approval and wider market acceptance.
Valuable Inferences
Key Findings and Implications:
• Daily intake of 200-800 mg nitrate from BRJ significantly reduces clinical systolic BP.
• No significant effect was observed on diastolic BP or 24-hour BP outcomes.
• The study supports BRJ as a potential adjunct to hypertension drug treatment.
• High heterogeneity suggests a need for further research to confirm findings.
In conclusion, the meta-analysis reveals that nitrate-rich beetroot juice can potentially lower systolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults. Despite the promising results, the low certainty of evidence and moderate to high trial heterogeneity necessitate cautious interpretation and further investigation to solidify BRJ’s role in hypertension management.
Original Article:
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2024 Jun 26:S0939-4753(24)00236-9. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2024.06.009. Online ahead of print.
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