Effects of acute beetroot juice supplementation on exercise-induced hematological responses
Original article - e245664 - Published 2026, Jun 8
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33233/rbfex.v25i1.5664Keywords:
nitrate, erythrocytes, platelets, running, athleteAbstract
Introduction: Beetroot juice (BRJ), a source of inorganic nitrate, is recognized for its ergogenic action; however, little is known about its effects on hematological variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BRJ on erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet responses to intense exercise. Methods: A crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used in which 15 participants (5 women; 22 ± 2 years; 10.3% body fat; VO2max 58.7 ± 3.5 mLO2.kg-1.min-1) were randomly assigned to receive 100 mL of BRJ (10 g BT400, Dobro) or 100 mL of placebo (PLA) two hours before an interval running test (5x600 m, 30 s interval). Venous blood was collected before, immediately after, and 24 h after the run (BC-6200, Mindray). Differences were tested using a paired t-test and a 2x3 ANOVA with repeated measures, Tukey's post-hoc test, α = 0.05. Results: No significant effects were observed in the total time to complete the running protocol (PLA: 674.7 ± 49.5 s; BRJ: 677.8 ± 50.2 s). Significant changes in heart rate responses and red blood cell and platelet counts were observed, but no differences were observed between conditions. The exercise caused significant leukocytosis, with no interaction between conditions and a return to baseline values 24 h post-exercise (PLA: pre 5.4 ± 0.9; post 7.4 ± 1.0; 24h-post 5.9 ± 1.0; BRJ: pre 5.8 ± 1.1; post 7.3 ± 1.5; 24h-post 6.4 ± 1.3 thousands/µL); however, differences were observed in white blood cell subpopulations. Conclusion: Acute supplementation with beetroot juice does not affect performance in high-intensity interval running, but it appears to exert some immunomodulatory effect on exercise responses.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Claudia de Mello Meirelles, Gabriela Cunha Rodrigues, Matheus Lehmann Lourenci, Marcio Antonio de Barros Sena, Cristiane Matsuura
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