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Effects of beetroot juice on blood pressure in hypertension according to European Society of Hypertension Guidelines: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Random-effects meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (349 hypertensive adults, clinic BP ≥140/≥90 mmHg): beetroot juice (200–800 mg/day nitrate) reduced clinical systolic BP versus control (MD −5.31 mmHg, low-certainty GRADE) without a significant pooled effect on clinical diastolic or 24-hour BP in this model.

Design

  • Meta-analysis of RCTs; databases through 13 Apr 2024
  • Population: hypertension per ESH office criteria (≥140/≥90 mmHg)
  • Intervention: nitrate-rich beetroot juice vs placebo, water, or no intake

Pooled outcomes (abstract)

  • 11 trials, 349 patients
  • Clinical SBP: MD −5.31 mmHg (95% CI −7.46 to −3.16; I² = 64%; GRADE low)
  • Clinical DBP and 24 h BP: no significant pooled effects in this synthesis (heterogeneity moderate–high)

Authors' practice framing

  • 200–800 mg/day dietary nitrate from BRJ may lower office SBP without described tolerance over trial horizons—still low-certainty evidence.

Publication

Grönroos R, Eggertsen R, Bernhardsson S, et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2024 Oct;34(10):2187–2200. PMID 39069465.

Outcomes

  • Systolic Blood Pressure
    -5.31
    mmHg (Millimetres of Mercury)
  • Abstract: no significant pooled effect on clinical diastolic BP or 24-hour BP outcomes; interpret alongside other nitrate meta-analyses with different trial mixes.
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