The potential benefits of red beetroot supplementation in health and disease

Unlocking the potential of fermented beetroot ketchup: Enhancing polyphenol recovery and gut microbiota interactions

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of digestion and gut microbiota interactions on beetroot ketchup formulations, focusing on the release of polyphenols, bioaccessibility, and microbial interactions on gut microbiota with polyphenols. Tested ketchup samples were evaluated using the TNO Gastro-Intestinal Model 1 (TIM-1) simulated upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and the TNO Gastro-Intestinal Model 2 (TIM-2) simulated colon system. The results showed that fermentation of ketchup with Lactobacillus johnsonii K4, increased the release of bioactive compounds during digestion, with higher polyphenol recoveries observed in fermented samples. In particular, a fermented sample has higher recovery percentages for most of the phenolic acids, flavonoids, and betalains. However, some polyphenolic compounds were degraded during fermentation, suggesting a dynamic process of polyphenol metabolism in the gut environment. The study highlights the potential of fermented foods, such as beetroot ketchup, enriched with polyphenols and beneficial bacteria, to promote gut health and overall well-being.

Laxative and purgative actions of phytoactive compounds from beetroot juice against loperamide-induced constipation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats

BACKGROUND

Chronic constipation is a gastrointestinal functional disorder which affects patient quality of life. Therefore, many studies were oriented to search herbal laxative agents. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition of beetroot juice (BJ) and its laxative potential in an experimental model of constipation and colonic dysmotility induced by loperamide (LOP) in Wistar rats.

METHODS

Animals were concurrently pretreated with LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) and BJ (5 and 10 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.), or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.), during 1 week. The laxative activity was determined based on the weight, frequency, and water content of the feces matter. The gastric-emptying test and intestinal transit were determined. Colon histology was examined, and oxidative status was evaluated using biochemical-colorimetric methods.

KEY RESULTS

The in vivo study revealed that LOP induced a significant inhibition of gastrointestinal motility, negative consequences on defecation parameters, oxidative stress, and colonic mucosa lesions. Conversely, administration of BJ reestablished these parameters and restored colonic oxidative balance. Importantly, BJ treatment protected against LOP-induced inflammatory markers (pro-inflammatory cytokines and WBC) and the increase in intracellular mediators such as hydrogen peroxide, free iron, and calcium levels.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

This study demonstrated that the bioactive compounds in BJ provided an anti-constipation effect by modulating intestinal motility and regulating oxidative stress and inflammation induced by LOP intoxication.

Smart polymers and smartphones for Betalain measurement in cooked beetroots

Betalains in beetroots offer notable colouring properties and health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antitumorous activities. However, they degrade due to processing and storage conditions like temperature, pH, oxygen, and light-exposure. Traditional betalain determination methods are resource-intensive solid-liquid extractions. This study proposes a novel approach using a smart polymer to rapidly quantify betalains in processed beetroots. The polymer, containing N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, selectively interacts with compounds like betalains. Characterization shows thermal stability over 250 °C and suitable mechanical properties. The film changes to colour upon interaction with betalains, allowing quantification via smartphone. The sensory polymer's efficacy was validated across 27 beetroot samples, showing no significant differences compared to traditional methods. Combining the smart polymer with a colour analysis app, "Colorimetric Titration," provides a robust and efficient means of quantifying total betalains in beetroot puree, reducing the quantification time from 180 to 90 min, promising implications for routine food industry quality assessments.

Protective Effects of the Food Supplement Flexovital in a Model of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in Mice

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is increasing rapidly, and cardiovascular complications pose significant risks in individuals with kidney disease and metabolic dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms of CKM disorders is crucial, as is the discovery of novel preventive treatments. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of a specially formulated nitric oxide-enhancing food additive in a mouse model of CKM syndrome induced by unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) in combination with chronic Western diet (WD) feeding. Methods: C57BL/6J mice underwent UNX and were fed a WD high in salt, sugar, and fat for 12 weeks, compared to sham-operated mice on standard chow. One group of UNX+WD mice received Flexovital (FLX), a food additive containing extracts of Rhodiola rosea and beetroot, and the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. CKM parameters were assessed both in vivo and ex vivo alongside histological and biochemical analyses. Results: The UNX+WD mice showed an increase in body fat mass, the fat/lean mass ratio, and adipocyte area, of which most were significantly reduced by FLX. Elevated fasting glucose levels were also reduced by FLX, which tended towards improving glucose clearance. Elevated arterial blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction in UNX+WD mice were significantly reduced by FLX. FLX improved GFR and reduced glomerular and tubular injuries in UNX+WD mice. Additionally, FLX increased the P/O ratios of oxidative phosphorylation in the isolated renal mitochondria of UNX+WD mice. Conclusions: In this model of CKM syndrome, FLX effectively prevented the onset and progression of CKM dysfunctions induced by UNX+WD, as well as the associated organ injuries. These promising results highlight the need for validation in upcoming human trials.

The Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation on Soccer Performance and Recovery: A Critical Review of the Available Evidence

Background Soccer is linked to an acute inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidant supplements have shown promising effects in reducing muscle damage and oxidative stress and enhancing the recovery process after eccentric exercise. This critical review highlights the influence of antioxidant supplements on performance and recovery following soccer-related activity, training, or competition. Methods: English-language publications from the main databases that examine how antioxidant-based nutrition and supplements affect the recovery process before, during, and after soccer practice or competition were used. Results:Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), astaxanthin (Asx), red orange juice (ROJS), L-carnitine (LC), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beetroot (BET), turmeric root, and tangeretin reduce muscle damage (creatine kinase, myoglobin, cortisol, lactate dehudrogenase, muscle soreness). Tangeretin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), turmeric root, and aronia melanocarpa restrict inflammation (leukocytes, prostalagdin E2, C-reactive protein, IL-6 and 10). Q10, DHA, Asx, tangeretin, lippia citriodora, quercetin, allopurinol, turmeric root, ROJS, aronia melanocarpa, vitamins C-E, green tea (GTE), and sour tea (STE) reduce oxidative stress (malondialdehude, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutases, protein carbonyls, ascorbate, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase 1). BET and NAC reinforce performance (endurance, jump, speed, strength). Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the main mechanism and the acute and long-term impacts of antioxidant supplements in soccer.

The Impact of Red Beetroot Products on Glycemic Profiles: A Systematic Review of Human Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Low-glycemic diets are crucial, particularly for individuals with diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Therefore, observing the impact of multiple forms of red beetroot-based products on the glycemic profiles of humans under various health conditions has arguably become significant due to beetroot's high fiber content, antioxidants, inorganic nitrates, etc., which this review aims to summarize.

RECENT FINDINGS

The relevant articles published between 2000 and 2022 were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect by following the PRISMA-P 2020 statement. This systematic review included 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one non-randomized clinical trial (non-RCT), and one quasi-experimental (QE) study, and they covered different health conditions, e.g., type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, hypertension, etc. The studies produced conflicting results, likely due to differences in the study design, dosage, duration, and population. The risk of bias in most of the RCTs and QE studies included in the review was assessed as low or moderate, and only one non-RCT was assessed as having a high risk of bias. Red beetroot may help maintain the blood sugar levels of humans under different health conditions. However, the existing results on beetroot's potential for glycemic management are unclear due to varied outcomes across studies. Further intervention studies with standardized protocols and diverse participant groups are necessary to assess the role of beetroot products in regulating blood sugar levels before making a definitive judgment.

Oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction: Potential therapeutic targets and therapies in peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the manifestation of atherosclerosis characterized by the accumulation of plaques in the arteries of the lower limbs. Interestingly, growing evidence suggests that the pathology of PAD is multifaceted and encompasses both vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunctions, which contributes to blunted physical capabilities and diminished quality of life. Importantly, it has been suggested that many of these pathological impairments may stem from blunted reduction-oxidation (redox) handling. Of note, in those with PAD, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) outweighs antioxidant capabilities resulting in oxidative damage, which may have systemic consequences. It has been suggested that antioxidant supplementation may be able to assist in handling ROS. However, the activation of various ROS production sites makes it difficult to determine the efficacy of these antioxidant supplements. Therefore, this review focuses on the common cellular mechanisms that facilitate ROS production and discusses how excessive ROS may impair vascular and skeletal muscle function in PAD. Furthermore, we provide insight for current and potential antioxidant therapies, specifically highlighting activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) - Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway as a potential pharmacological therapy to combat ROS accumulation and aid in vascular function, and physical performance in patients with PAD. Altogether, this review provides a better understanding of excessive ROS in the pathophysiology of PAD and enhances our perception of potential therapeutic targets that may improve vascular function, skeletal muscle function, walking capacity, and quality of life in patients with PAD.

Unlocking nature's secrets: The pivotal role of WRKY transcription factors in plant flowering and fruit development

The WRKY transcription factor family is a key player in the regulatory mechanisms of flowering plants, significantly influencing both their biotic and abiotic response systems as well as being vital to numerous physiological and biological functions. Over the past two decades, the functionality of WRKY proteins has been the subject of extensive research in over 50 plant species, with a strong focus on their roles in responding to various stresses. Despite this extensive research, there remains a notable gap in comprehensive studies aimed at understanding how specific WRKY genes directly influence the timing of flowering and fruit development. This review offers an up-to-date look at WRKY family genes and provides insights into the key genes of WRKY to control flowering, enhance fruit ripening and secondary metabolism synthesis, and maintain fruit quality of various plants, including annuals, perennials, medicinal, and crop plants. The WRKY transcription factors serve as critical regulators within the transcriptional regulatory network, playing a crucial role in the precise enhancement of flowering processes. It is also involved in the up-regulation of fruit ripening was strongly demonstrated by combined transcriptomics and metabolomic investigation. Therefore, we speculated that the WRKY family is known to be a key regulator of flowering and fruiting in plants. This detailed insight will enable the identification of the series of molecular occurrences featuring WRKY proteins throughout the stages of flowering and fruiting.

Beta vulgaris Betalains Mitigate Parasitemia and Brain Oxidative Stress Induced by Plasmodium berghei in Mice

Although many drugs have been discovered to treat malaria infection, many of them face resistance from the host's body with long-term use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of betalains (from Beta vulgaris) and chloroquine (a reference drug) against brain oxidative stress induced by Plasmodium berghei in male mice. Two protocols were applied in this study: the therapeutic and prophylactic protocols. The results of the therapeutic protocol revealed a significant decrease in the level of parasitemia caused by P. berghei. Additionally, the histopathological changes in various brain regions were markedly improved after treatment with betalains. Regarding the prophylactic protocol, betalains were able to protect the brain tissues from oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted neurotransmitters expected to occur as a result of infection by P. berghei. This was demonstrated by modulating the activities of brain antioxidants (SOD and GSH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and INF-γ), and neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). This study has proven that using betalains as a treatment or as a preventive has a vital and effective role in confronting the brain histopathological, oxidative stress, and inflammatory changes induced by P. berghei infection.

The Effects of Acute Beetroot Juice Intake on Glycemic and Blood Pressure Responses When Controlling for Medication in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Physical inactivity and poor dietary choices contribute to the rise in cardiometabolic diseases in the United States. It remains critical to identify strategies that may mitigate the negative impact of these behaviors. Several studies have shown that the consumption of dietary inorganic nitrate may improve vascular health and glucose regulation in animal models and some human studies. However, the improvements in glucose regulation have yet to be corroborated in humans with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of beetroot juice (BRJ) on glycemic and hemodynamic responses in individuals with T2D while controlling for medication. Seven participants with a clinical diagnosis of T2D were recruited into this study and were temporarily removed from blood pressure- and glucose-lowering medications. Hemodynamic measurements (pulsewave velocity) and an oral glucose tolerance test (glycemic response) were measured following consumption of either BRJ or a denitrolized placebo. Saliva and blood samples were collected at baseline and two and four hours post supplementation to measure changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations. We detected significant improvements in total plasma glucose exposure (p = 0.022) and the SVR change score (p = 0.009) in the BRJ condition. This study demonstrated that BRJ consumption can improve oral glucose tolerance in individuals with T2D while controlling for medication; however, future larger-cohort randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm if BRJ is a viable treatment for glucose control in individuals with T2D.

A review on vitamin A deficiency and depleted immunity in South Asia: From deficiency to resilience

In the developing world, the twin challenges of depleted health and growing issue of food waste management loom large, demanding simultaneous attention and innovative solutions. This review explores how these issues can be effectively mitigated while shedding light on the transformative impact of food waste valorization on health management. A spotlight is cast on vitamin A deficiency (VAD), an acute public health concern, especially prevalent in South Asia, driven by economic constraints, sociocultural factors, inadequate diets, and poor nutrient absorption. VAD's devastating effects are exacerbated by limited education, lack of sanitation, ineffective food regulations, and fragile monitoring systems, disproportionately affecting children and women of childbearing age. Recent studies in South Asian countries have revealed rising rates of illness and death, notably among children and women of childbearing age, due to VAD. To address inadequate dietary intake in children utilizing vegetable waste, particularly from carrots and beetroot, which are rich in β-carotene, and betalains, respectively, offers a sustainable solution. Extracting these compounds from vegetable waste for supplementation, fortification, and dietary diversification could significantly improve public health, addressing both food waste and health disparities economically. This approach presents a compelling avenue for exploration and implementation. In summary, this review presents an integrated approach to tackle health and food waste challenges in the developing world. By tapping into the nutritional treasure troves within vegetable waste, we can enhance health outcomes while addressing food waste, forging a brighter and healthier future for communities in need.

Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Extracts in Protecting Aging Blood Vessels

Plant Extracts (PE) are natural substances extracted from plants, rich in various bioactive components. Exploring the molecular mechanisms and interactions involved in the vascular protective effects of PE is beneficial for the development of further strategies to protect aging blood vessels. For this review, the content was obtained from scientific databases such as PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Google Scholar up to July 2024, using the search terms "Plant extracts", "oxidative stress", "vascular aging", "endothelial dysfunction", "ROS", and "inflammation". This review highlighted the effects of PE in protecting aging blood vessels. Through pathways such as scavenging reactive oxygen species, activating antioxidant signaling pathways, enhancing respiratory chain complex activity, inhibiting mitochondrial-reactive oxygen species generation, improving nitric oxide bioavailability, downregulating the secretion of inflammatory factors, and activating sirtuins 1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways, it can improve vascular structural and functional changes caused by age-related oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation due to aging, thereby reducing the incidence of age-related cardiovascular diseases.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration as a pretreatment for microwave drying of beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

The aim of this study was to optimize drying conditions during ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration and subsequent microwave drying of red beetroot using the Box-Behnken design. For this purpose, ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration was performed at different ultrasonic powers (50, 75, and 100 W), sonication times (20, 40, and 60 min), and salt concentrations (0%, 15%, and 30%). The subsequent drying procedures were conducted with 231, 518, and 805 W microwave power. The best condition was selected as 5.15% salt concentration, 20 min sonication time, 50 W ultrasonic power, and 716.45 W microwave power. The responses obtained under optimum conditions were determined as 68.06%, 9.54 mg GAE/g dm, 28.23, 42.66, and 3.08 for DPPH• % inhibition, total phenolic content, L*, a*, and b* values, respectively. While favorable impacts on color were detected for the applied pretreatments, the DPPH• scavenging activities of the dried beetroot were determined to be more significant after ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration. Furthermore, the drying kinetics of beetroot were evaluated according to the Midilli et al. model. When the fit to the model was investigated, it was compatible at R2 > 0.90 level. As a result, the ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment performed before the microwave drying method preserved the quality characteristics of beetroot samples and was successfully applied.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Essential Oil, Fatty Acids and Bioactive Compounds of Beta vulgaris var. crassa (Fodder Beet)

Beta vulgaris var. crassa is undoubtedly a very important plant that is not used enough in the world. In this study, it was aimed to determine the cytotoxic activities of the components (essential oils, fatty acids, total phenol and flavonoid) found in the leaf parts of Beta vulgaris var. crassa against PC-3, MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cell lines. In addition, the effectiveness of these ingredients against bacteria and fungi that can cause serious health problems in humans was tested. In experiments, three tumor cell lines were exposed to various plant extract concentrations (31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/mL) for 72 h. It was found that plant extracts showed high (SI: 2.14 > 2) cytotoxicity to PC-3 cells, moderate (SI: 1.62 < 2) to HeLa cells, and low (SI: 0.93 < 2) cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells. Also, different plant extract concentrations were found to cause an inhibition rate of 16.3-22.3% in Staphylococcus aureus, 16.8-23.5% in Streptococcus pyogenes and 12-16.2% in Cutibacterium acnes. Similarly, inhibition rates were determined between 9.5-20.7% for Candida albicans, 3.5-7.7% for Candida auris, and 5.5-15.1% for Candida glabrata. The results showed that the plant extract exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic and antimicrobial effect against both cancer cell lines and microbial pathogens.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01269-8.

Production of red beetroot juice by different methods: Kinetics of microbial growth, sugar consumption, and acid production

As a fermentation method, the utilisation of starter culture is a common practice in industrial manufacturing, although spontaneous methods have been employed since ancient times. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different production methods on red beetroot juice (RBJ). For this purpose, as a starter culture, the probiotic Lactibasillus paracasei (Lc. paracasei) was inoculated into the RBJ samples after pasteurization. Also, the growth of cells, acid production, and substrate utilisation were monitored throughout the fermentation process of RBJ under two different methods of fermentation. The samples produced by the addition of Lc. paracasei demonstrated a slightly lower decrease in pH values in comparison to the samples obtained by the spontaneous method. The concentration of lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA) at the end of fermentation reveals that Lc. paracasei exhibits a greater capacity for both LA and AA generation compared to the spontaneous method. The ratios of LA and AA molar concentrations of RBJ were determined to be 1.7 and 3.6 for the samples produced by adding Lc. paracasei and the spontaneous method, respectively. The samples produced by adding Lc. paracasei exhibited a greater consumption of sucrose. Both fermentation methods provide LAB counts exceeding 8 log CFU/mL at the end of fermentation. Time demonstrated a significant correlation with LA and AA in the method by adding Lc. paracasei (r = 0.942 and 0.745), respectively (p < 0.01). In both methods, it was demonstrated that while sucrose content decreased during the fermentation period, fructose and glucose content remained constant (p < 0.05).

Local and Systemic Effects of Bioactive Food Ingredients: Is There a Role for Functional Foods to Prime the Gut for Resilience?

Scientific advancements in understanding the impact of bioactive components in foods on the gut microbiota and wider physiology create opportunities for designing targeted functional foods. The selection of bioactive ingredients with potential local or systemic effects holds promise for influencing overall well-being. An abundance of studies demonstrate that gut microbiota show compositional changes that correlate age and disease. However, navigating this field, especially for non-experts, remains challenging, given the abundance of bioactive ingredients with varying levels of scientific substantiation. This narrative review addresses the current knowledge on the potential impact of the gut microbiota on host health, emphasizing gut microbiota resilience. It explores evidence related to the extensive gut health benefits of popular dietary components and bioactive ingredients, such as phytochemicals, fermented greens, fibres, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Importantly, this review distinguishes between the potential local and systemic effects of both popular and emerging ingredients. Additionally, it highlights how dietary hormesis promotes gut microbiota resilience, fostering better adaptation to stress-a hallmark of health. By integrating examples of bioactives, this review provides insights to guide the design of evidence-based functional foods aimed at priming the gut for resilience.

The Cardioprotective Role of Nitrate-Rich Vegetables

Nitric oxide (NO) is an inorganic radical produced by both the non-enzymatic nitrate (NO3-)-nitrite (NO2-)-NO pathway and enzymatic reactions catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Also, as nitrate and nitrite from dietary and other endogenous sources can be reduced back to nitric oxide in vivo, the endogenous NO level can be increased through the consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables. Ingestion of dietary NO3- has beneficial effects which have been attributed to a subsequent increase in NO: a signaling molecule that may regulate various systems, including the cardiovascular system. A diet rich in NO3- from green leafy and root vegetables has cardioprotective effects, with beetroot products being particularly good sources of NO3-. For example, various studies have demonstrated a significant increase in nitrite levels (regarded as markers of NO) in plasma after the intake of beetroot juice. The present review describes the current literature concerning the role of nitrate-rich vegetables (especially beetroot products) in the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Knowledge, Sci Finder, Web of Science, and SCOPUS.

Development of yoghurt incorporated with beetroot puree and its effect on the physicochemical properties and consumer acceptance

Background

Yoghurt is one of the most popularly consumed fermented products which provides several nutritional benefits. Yoghurt products often include flavour and colour additives however, growing awareness of the risks associated with synthetic food additives has necessitated the need to explore more natural colour and flavour as food additives.

Methods

This study evaluated the effect of beetroot puree as flavouring and colourant in yoghurt production and quality. To develop the yoghurt product, incubation time and proportion of beetroot puree were optimized based on the resulting pH, titratable acidity, colour, and viscosity using response surface methods.

Results

Optimum yoghurt formulations were obtained in products containing 2 %, 2.03 % and 8 % beetroot puree following an incubation of 2.5h. Increasing beetroot puree did not affect the pH and titratable acidity of the yoghurt samples but slightly influenced the viscosity of the yoghurt. The colour of yoghurt was mainly affected by the puree concentration. A consumer acceptance test was conducted on the optimized products compared to a control sample without beetroot. Yoghurt incorporated with 8 % beetroot puree was the least preferred with a mean score of 6.08, whereas yoghurt incorporated with 2.03 % beetroot puree was the most preferred (7.42), with a higher acceptance than the control (7.28).

Conclusion

/Implications for industry: Findings from the study provide evidence for exploration of beetroot yoghurt as a natural product alternative to the use of synthetic flavour and colour additives in yoghurt.

Causal relationship between diet and knee osteoarthritis: A Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disabling joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Diet may play a role in the etiology and progression of KOA, but evidence for a causal relationship is limited. We aimed to investigate the causal impact of dietary intake on KOA risk using Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

We used summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including dietary intake (n = 335, 394-462, 342), and KOA (n = 403, 124). We selected 6-77 genetic variants as instrumental variables for 18 dietary factors, including processed meat, poultry, beef, oily fish, non-oily fish, pork, lamb, frequency of alcohol intake, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, dried fruit, cereals, cheese, bread, cooked vegetables, salad/raw vegetables, and fresh fruit. We performed univariate and multivariate MR analyses to estimate the causal effect of each dietary factor on KOA risk. We also performed some sensitivity analyses to assess the validity of the MR hypothesis.

RESULTS

We found that higher coffee intake was associated with increased KOA risk, whereas higher intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish was associated with reduced KOA risk. After multivariate adjustment, we found that coffee and oily fish intake may affect KOA through obesity, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged standing. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal any evidence of pleiotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new causal evidence that dietary intake may influence KOA risk. Specifically, we suggest that increased intake of dried fruits, grains, cheese, and oily fish and decreased coffee intake may be beneficial in preventing and mitigating KOA. further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to confirm our findings in different populations.

Betanin protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the NLRP3/IL-1β/TGF-β1 pathway-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening disease that leads to dyspnea and progressive loss of lung function. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of betanin (BET), the major pigment in red beetroot, on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in rats and to assess the underlying mechanisms. In this view, total and differential cell counts and LDH activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were estimated. Furthermore, MDA and GSH contents in the lungs were colorimetrically measured, while hydroxyproline, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, TGF-β1, and vimentin levels in lung tissue were evaluated using the ELISA technique. Moreover, IL-1β, E-cadherin, and α-SMA expressions were analyzed by immunostaining of lung specimens. BET treatment protects against pulmonary fibrosis as indicated by the reduction in total and differential cell counts, LDH activity, hydroxyproline, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 levels. MDA content was also decreased following BET administration, while GSH content was elevated. Additionally, BET suppressed the EMT process as evidenced by an increase in E-cadherin expression besides the reduction in vimentin and α-SMA expressions. To conclude, these results revealed the protective effect of BET against pulmonary fibrosis that might be attributed to the attenuation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/TGF-β1 signaling pathway and EMT process.

Beta vulgaris-derived exosome-like nanovesicles alleviate chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis

Dose-dependent heart failure is a major complication of the clinical use of doxorubicin (Dox), one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents. Effective adjuvant therapy is required to prevent Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Currently, plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (PELNV) has revealed their salubrious antioxidant and immunological regulating actions in various disease models. In this study, we isolated, purified and characterized Beta vulgaris-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (BELNV). Dox or normal saline was given to HL-1 cells (3 μM) and 8-week C57BL/6N mice (5 mg/kg bodyweight per week for 4 weeks) to establish the in vitro and in vivo model of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Administration of BELNV significantly alleviated chronic Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in terms of echocardiographic and histological results. A reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), increased ratio of glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and levels of system xc- and glutathione peroxidase 4 were observed, indicating that DOX-stimulated ferroptosis was reversed by BELNV. Besides, the safety of BELNV was also validated since no liver, spleen, and kidney toxicity induced by BELNV was observed. These findings provide evidence that BELNV may act as a novel therapeutic biomaterial for patients undergoing adverse effects of Dox, at least partly mediated by inhibiting Dox-induced ferroptosis.

The Role of Diet in the Prevention of Hypertension and Management of Blood Pressure: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Interventional and Observational Studies

High blood pressure (BP) is a major pathological risk factor for the development of several cardiovascular diseases. Diet is a key modifier of BP, but the underlying relationships are not clearly demonstrated. This is an umbrella review of published meta-analyses to critically evaluate the wide range of dietary evidence from bioactive compounds to dietary patterns on BP and risk of hypertension. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception until October 31, 2021, for relevant meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses of observational studies. A total of 175 publications reporting 341 meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (145 publications) and 70 meta-analyses of observational studies (30 publications) were included in the review. The methodological quality of the included publications was assessed using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 and the evidence quality of each selected meta-analysis was assessed using NutriGrade. This umbrella review supports recommended public health guidelines for prevention and control of hypertension. Dietary patterns including the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and the Mediterranean-type diets that further restrict sodium, and moderate alcohol intake are advised. To produce high-quality evidence and substantiate strong recommendations, future research should address areas where the low quality of evidence was observed (for example, intake of dietary fiber, fish, egg, meat, dairy products, fruit juice, and nuts) and emphasize focus on dietary factors not yet conclusively investigated.

A review on nitrates' health benefits and disease prevention

Dietary nitrates (NO3-) are naturally occurring compounds in various vegetables, especially beetroot, which is mainly supplemented in the form of BRJ. Dietary nitrates (NO3-) play a crucial function in human physiology. On consumption, nitrates (NO3-) undergo a conversion process, producing nitric oxide (NO) via a complex metabolic pathway. Nitric oxide (NO) is associated with many physiological processes, entailing immune modulation, neurotransmission, and vasodilation, enabling blood vessel dilation and relaxation, which boosts blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, positively influencing cardiovascular health, exercise performance, and cognitive function. There are various analytical processes to determine the level of nitrate (NO3-) present in dietary sources. The impact of dietary nitrates (NO3-) can differ among individuals. Thus, the review revisits the dietary source of nitrates (NO3-), its metabolism, absorption, excretion, analytical techniques to assess nitrates (NO3-) content in various dietary sources, and discusses health effects.

Effects of Beetroot-Based Supplements on Muscular Endurance and Strength in Healthy Male Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature and analyze the effects of beetroot-based supplements (BRS) on muscular performance. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the acute or short-term effects of BRS administration on muscular endurance and/or strength in healthy male individuals were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases from inception to February 20th, 2023. In addition, we also searched preprint papers in medRxiv.org, bibRxiv.org; thesis and dissertations included in oatd.org; and clinical trials published in ClinicalTrials.gov. Data extraction, risk of bias, and study quality were assessed by 2 authors. Meta-analyses and subgroup analyses of standardized mean differences (SMD) were performed using a random-effects model. A total of 1486 records were identified in the databases and 2 were obtained by manual search in the reference list. Of those, 27 studies attended eligibility criteria and composed this systematic review. BRS administration resulted in a positive effect on muscular endurance (SMD: 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10 to 0.51; p < 0.01; n = 16 studies). There was an overall significative effect for muscular strength (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.48; p < 0.05; n = 18 studies), but a subgroup analysis showed that significant effects were found when strength was measured in a fatigued (SMD: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.03; p < 0.01), but not resting state. BRS administration have a small ergogenic effect on muscular endurance and attenuate the decline in muscular strength in a fatigued state in healthy male individuals.

Betanin from Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Promotes Fat Browning in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Fat browning, which converts white adipose tissue to brown, has attracted attention as a promising strategy for the treatment of obesity. Betanin (BT) has been reported to have potential anti-obesity activity. 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated for 7 days during BT treatment. The BT concentration range for the study was determined using an MTT assay, and lipid accumulation was evaluated by Oil-Red-O staining. The expression of protein level was analyzed by Western blot. Immunofluorescence images were performed with confocal microscopy to visually show the amount and location of thermogenesis factor uncoupling protein1 (UCP1) and mitochondria. qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate mRNA expression. BT inhibited lipid accumulation and increased the expression of UCP1, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α). In addition, the increases in beige adipocyte-specific markers were observed, supporting BT-mediated browning of the fat tissue. The UCP1 was localized in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, and its expression was associated with mitochondrial activation. Consistent with this, the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis markers increased in 3T3-L1 cells after BT treatment. Immunofluorescence staining also indicated an increased number of mitochondria and UCP1, respectively. Moreover, BT inhibited lipogenesis and enhanced lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. This mechanism has been suggested to be mediated by an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. BT induces fat browning and regulates lipid metabolism via the AMPK-mediated pathway in 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that BT can be a promising candidate for controlling obesity.

Betalains Alleviate Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fatigue and Improve Sports Performance: an Update on Recent Advancement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Beetroot juice is a popular natural food supplement commonly consumed for its health and ergogenic benefits. It contains an abundance of phytochemical compounds, which have been shown to enhance sports endurance and recovery. Among them, nitrate is well-studied and known for improving performance during exercise. On the other hand, betalains, the bioactive pigment, have shown various biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive, which may improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. Additionally, free radical scavenging activities of betalains could increase nitric oxide availability in the blood, thereby improving blood flow and oxygen supply during strenuous exercise. This review article provides a critical discussion of the non-pathological conditions induced by prolonged or strenuous exercise and betalains' potential in reducing such conditions including muscle damage, inflammation, and fatigue. Additionally, the real-time application of betalains as an ergogenic compound in competitive athletes has been discussed. Finally, future directions and conclusions on the potential of betalains as a natural ergogenic aid in sport endurance are outlined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Betalains in beetroot are the major water-soluble nitrogen-containing pigment possessing high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fatigue activities. Betalain supplementation could alleviate exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and fatigue in competitive athletes. Betalains have the potential to become a natural ergogenic aid or nutraceutical compound for sports people during exercise and competitive performance.

The Influence of the Vacuum Impregnation, Beetroot Juice, and Various Drying Methods on Selected Properties of Courgette and Broccoli Snacks

The drying process is used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables without the use of preservatives. As quality, visual, and aroma characteristics are important determinants of consumer interest, they play a key role in the development of new foods. In the present study, vacuum impregnation (VI) was used prior to vacuum drying (VD) and freeze drying (FD) of courgette and broccoli. Organic beet juice was used to produce the novel snacks. The study showed that the use of vacuum impregnation significantly affected the VOCs profile (volatile organic compounds profile), in which the following compounds were found: viz: 2-(E)-hexen-1-ol, 2-(Z)-hexen-1-ol and aceto-phenone. VI caused a decrease in volumetric gel index (VGI), drying shrinkage (S), water activity (AW), decreased color saturation (∆C), and increased dry matter content (DM). All these properties testify to the positive effect of the pretreatment used. The drying methods used had a significant effect on the properties of the dried vegetables. The dries obtained by the FD method showed higher density and water activity, as well as better preserved color (lower ∆E) and higher VOCs, so it is considered that freeze drying is a suitable method for obtaining novel courgette and broccoli snacks.

The synergistic effects of betanin and radiotherapy in a prostate cancer cell line: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men with an increasing incidence rate. Radiation therapy (RT) is a therapeutic strategy for the management of prostate cancer after surgery; nonetheless, it has different side effects on neighboring healthy cells/tissues. Moreover, radioresistance has been an increasing phenomenon in the recent years. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the introduction of a safe and effective radiosensitizing agent. Accordingly, the recent trend in the development of novel drugs is accompanied by a push toward natural compounds. Our study evaluated the effects of betanin combined with RT as a potential radiosensitizing agent in the PC-3 cell line.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MTT assay was utilized to determine the growth inhibitory impact of betanin. The possible synergistic effect was evaluated with CompuSyn software upon Trypan blue exclusion test. Apoptosis-related gene expression was evaluated via Real-time PCR and the protein expression of P21 was determined using western blotting. A synergistic anticancer effect with an optimal combination index of 0.61 was achieved by treating PC-3 cells with betanin and RT. The results pointed out that betanin synergistically triggered RT-mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through modulating gene and protein expression in comparison with each of the monotherapies.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed light on the synergistic antitumor effect of betanin and RT in prostate cancer, indicating the potential use of betanin as a radiosensitizer agent.

The effects of beetroot and nitrate supplementation on body composition: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of beetroot (BR) or nitrate supplements on body composition indices. A systematic search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCT) published up to August 2022 among online databases including Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Embase. Meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model. The I2 index was used to assess the heterogeneity of RCT. A total of twelve RCT met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The pooled effect size of included studies indicated that BR or nitrate supplementation did not change body weight (weighted mean differences (WMD): -0·14 kg, 95 % CI -1·22, 1·51; P = 0·836; I2 = 0 %), BMI (WMD: -0·07 kg/m2, 95 % CI -0·19,0·03; P = 0·174, I2 = 0 %), fat mass (WMD: -0·26 kg, 95 % CI -1·51, 0·98; P = 0·677, I2 = 0 %), waist circumference (WMD: -0·28 cm, 95 % CI -2·30, 1·74; P = 0·786, I2 = 0 %), body fat percentage (WMD: 0·18 %, 95 % CI -0·62, 0·99; P = 0·651, I2 = 0 %), fat-free mass (WMD: 0·31 kg, 95 % CI -0·31, 1·94; P = 0·703, I2 = 0 %) and waist-to-hip ratio (WMD: 0, 95 % CI -0·01, 0·02; P = 0·676, I2 = 0 %). Subgroup analyses based on trial duration, BR or nitrate dose, study design, baseline BMI and athletic status (athlete v. non-athlete) demonstrated similar results. Certainty of evidence across outcomes ranged from low to moderate. This meta-analysis study suggests that BR or nitrate supplements cannot efficiently ameliorate body composition indices regardless of supplement dosage, trial duration and athletic status.

Atomistic simulations suggest dietary flavonoids from Beta vulgaris (beet) as promising inhibitors of human angiotensin-converting enzyme and 2-alpha-adrenergic receptors in hypertension

Motivation

Beta vulgaris (beet) is extensively reported for its antihypertensive activity. However, the mechanismunderpinning its antihypertensive activity is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the in silico interactionsof 70 compounds derived from beta vulgaris against the active sites of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and alpha-adrenergic receptor (AR).

Results

Structure-based virtual screening against angiotensin-converting enzyme revealed that, Cochliophilin A (-9.0 Kcal/mol), Miraxanthin (-8.3 Kcal/mol), and quercimeritrin (-9.7 Kcal/mol) had lower docking scores than the reference lisinopril (-7.9 Kcal/mol). These compounds exhibited dual binding tendency as they also ranked top compounds upon screening against adrenergic receptor. The thermodynamic parameters computed from the resulting trajectories obtained from the 100 ns full atomistic molecular dynamics simulation revealed structural stability and conformational flexibility of the ligand-receptor complexes as indicated by the RMSD, RMSF, RoG, SASA, and H-bond calculations. The molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation binding energy calculations revealed that the proteins exhibit considerable binding energy with the phytochemicals in a dynamic environment. Furthermore, the hit compounds possess good physicochemical properties and drug-likeness. Overall, cochliophilin and quercimeritrin are promising dual-target directed flavonoids from Beta vulgaris; and are suggested for further experimental and preclinical evaluation.

Availability and implementation

All data was provided in the manuscript.

AI, Borges Jr. E. Beetroot, watermelon and ginger juice supplementation may increase the clinical outcomes of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection cycles

OBJECTIVE

To prove the hypothesis that beetroot, watermelon and ginger juice supplementation improves the endometrial receptivity and clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study enrolled 436 female patients undergoing ICSI cycles from January/2018 to June/2021, in a private university-affiliated IVF center. Female patients were randomized in a 1:3 ratio to either Control (n=109) or Supplementation Group (n=327). All patients received nutritional orientation before the beginning of the treatment. Participants in the Supplementation Group were instructed to intake a daily dose of homemade juice, prepared with fresh beetroot, watermelon and ginger, from the day of embryo transfer until the day of pregnancy test, while patients in Control Group did not follow the juice protocol. Generalized Linear Models, adjusted for potential confounders (female age, body mass index - BMI, endometrial thickness upon embryo transfer, and number of transferred embryos), followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for the comparison of means between groups, were used to investigate the impact of juice supplementation on the clinical outcomes of ICSI.

RESULTS

Patients and cycles characteristics were equally distributed among Supplementation and Control groups. Implantation rate (25.2% vs. 20.5%, p<0.001) and clinical pregnancy rate (41.0% vs. 22.0%, p=0.039) were significantly higher in the Supplementation compared to the Control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of beetroot, watermelon and ginger juice may be considered a promising strategy for improving clinical outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART), without any side effects.

Relationship between the Consumption of Fermented Red Beetroot Juice and Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Body's Fluids and Blood Parameters

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in the volunteers' blood plasma and urine after the consumption of fermented red beetroot juice and then correlated it with the blood parameters. Over 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers ingested 200 mL/60 kg of body weight of fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using the micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in the volunteers' body fluids. After consuming the juice, it was discovered that regarding the perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while regarding the perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake of fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and hematocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in corpuscular/cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemistry, no significant change was observed in the blood samples after the intake of the fermented beetroot juice. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) was observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health.

A Comparative Study of Ethanol and Citric Acid Solutions for Extracting Betalains and Total Phenolic Content from Freeze-Dried Beetroot Powder

This research compares the extraction of betalains (betacyanin and betaxanthin) and total phenolic content using citric acid and aqueous-ethanol solutions. The aim is to find an environmentally sustainable alternative solvent for extracting these compounds from dried beetroot powder. Using citric acid solution as a solvent offers several benefits over ethanol. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, making it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for certain extraction processes. Moreover, the use of citric acid as solvent offers biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-flammability, and is cost effective. A full factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to assess the effects of extraction parameters (extraction time (5-30 min), extraction temperature (20, 30, 40 °C), pH of citric acid solution (3, 4, 5) and ethanol concentration (10, 20, 30% v/v)). The yield was determined spectrophotometrically and expressed as mg/g of dry powder. The results showed that citric acid solution yielded 85-90% of the ethanolic extract under identical conditions. The maximum yields of betacyanin, betaxanthin, and total phenolic content in citric acid solution were 3.98 ± 0.21 mg/g dry powder, 3.64 ± 0.26 mg/g dry powder, and 8.28 ± 0.34 mg/g dry powder, respectively, while aqueous-ethanol yielded 4.38 ± 0.17 mg/g dry powder, 3.95 ± 0.22 mg/g dry powder, and 8.45 ± 0.45 mg/g dry powder. Optimisation resulted in maximum extraction yields of 90% for betalains and 85% for total phenolic content. The study demonstrates the potential of citric acid as a viable alternative to polar organic solvents for extracting phytochemicals from plant material, providing comparable results to aqueous-ethanol. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models outperformed RSM in predicting extraction yields. Overall, this research highlights the importance of exploring bio-solvents to enhance the environmental sustainability of phytochemical extraction.

Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening immunity as a nonpharmaceutical intervention: A major public health challenge

Background and Aims

The global Coronavirus-2 outbreak has emerged as a significant threat to majority of individuals around the world. The most effective solution for addressing this viral outbreak is through vaccination. Simultaneously, the virus's mutation capabilities pose a potential risk to the effectiveness of both vaccines and, in certain instances, newly developed drugs. Conversely, the human body's immune system exhibits a robust ability to combat viral outbreaks with substantial confidence, as evidenced by the ratio of fatalities to affected individuals worldwide. Hence, an alternative strategy to mitigate this pandemic could involve enhancing the immune system's resilience.

Methods

The research objective of the review is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the role of inflammation and immunity in COVID-19. The pertinent literature concerning immune system functions, the impact of inflammation against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, and the connection between nutritional interventions, inflammation, and immunity was systematically explored.

Results

Enhancing immune function involves mitigating the impact of key factors that negatively influence the immune response. Strengthening the immune system against emerging diseases can be achieved through nonpharmaceutical measures such as maintaining a balanced nutrition, engaging in regular exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and managing stress.

Conclusion

This review aims to convey the significance of and provide recommendations for immune-strengthening strategies amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of Beta vulgaris L. as feed ingredient on muscle growth, nutritional factors, and quality of common carp, Cyprinus carpio

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of Beta vulgaris powder as feed ingredient in the diet of Cyprinus carpio for a period of 56 days. Common carp fry with an average weight of 20 ± 0.2 g were fed using the diet containing B. vulgaris leaves with different concentrations. Fry of Cyprinus carpio were equally distributed in four feeding groups having three replicates each. The study was conducted indoors, in FRP tanks, and aeration was provided to individual rearing units, and it was a flow-through system. The basal diet was replaced at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% with B. vulgaris powder. The basal diet without B. vulgaris powder (0%) served as control (T1). Significantly higher feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and fat and protein indices were recorded in fish fed with B. vulgaris powder in treatments. Different feeding groups showed greater acceptability of B. vulgaris powder mixed diet without any adverse behavioral response. The protein and fat average percentages were 43.32 and 10.79 g, when fish reached commercial weight (48.02, 11.85 g) after 56 days for treatment 2%. After fish feeding with the B. vulgaris, for treatment 2% lower moisture than the control was recorded. The carp fish diet containing 1% B. vulgaris leaf powder caused a significant decrease in the fish fat content. It can be concluded that the diet containing 2% B. vulgaris leaf powder in the common carp led to better growth performance. The presence of B. vulgaris leaves in the fish diet increased the fillet protein and ash content.

Effect of Betanin, the Major Pigment of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), on the Activity of Recombinant Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Most of the currently available drugs are derived from natural sources, but they are used only after extensive chemical modifications to improve their safety and efficacy. Natural products are used in health supplements and cosmetic preparations and have been used as auxiliary drugs or alternative medicines. When used in combination with conventional drugs, these herbal products are known to alter their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, reducing their therapeutic effects. Moreover, herb-drug interactions (HDIs) may have serious side effects, which is one of the major concerns in health practice. It is postulated that HDIs affect the pathways regulating cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). Betanin, the chief pigment of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), has various types of pharmacological activity, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. However, the potential risk of HDIs for betanin has not yet been studied. Thus, we aimed to predict more specific HDIs by evaluating the effects of betanin on CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4), the major phase I metabolic enzymes, using fluorescence-/luminescence-based assays. Our results showed that betanin inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 20.97 µΜ). Moreover, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, as confirmed by evaluating Lineweaver-Burk plots (Ki value = 19.48 µΜ). However, no significant inhibitory effects were observed on other CYPs. Furthermore, betanin had no significant effect on CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP2C9 induction in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, and thus it should be used cautiously with other drugs that require metabolic enzymes as substrates. Additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the HDIs of betanin.

Novel Multi-Ingredient Supplement Facilitates Weight Loss and Improves Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing recognition of the obesity crisis, its rates continue to rise. The current first-line therapies, such as dietary changes, energy restriction, and physical activity, are typically met with poor adherence. Novel nutritional interventions can address the root causes of obesity, including mitochondrial dysfunction, and facilitate weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a multi-ingredient nutritional supplement designed to facilitate mitochondrial function and metabolic health outcomes over a 12 wk period.

METHODS

Fifty-five overweight and/or obese participants (age (mean ± SEM): 26 ± 1; body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2): 30.5 ± 0.6) completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to 12 wks of daily consumption of multi-ingredient supplement (MIS; n = 28; containing 50 mg forskolin, 500 mg green coffee bean extract, 500 mg green tea extract, 500 mg beet root extract, 400 mg α-lipoic acid, 200 IU vitamin E, and 200 mg CoQ10) or control placebo (PLA, n = 27; containing microcrystalline cellulose) matched in appearance. The co-primary outcomes were bodyweight and fat mass (kg) changes. The secondary outcomes included other body composition measures, plasma markers of obesity, fatty liver disease biomarkers, resting energy metabolism, blood pressure, physical performance, and quality of life. The post-intervention differences between MIS and PLA were examined via ANCOVA which was adjusted for the respective pre-intervention variables.

RESULTS

After adjustment for pre-intervention data, there was a significant difference in weight (p < 0.001) and fat mass (p < 0.001) post-intervention between the PLA and MIS treatment arms. Post-intervention weight and fat mass were significantly lower in MIS. Significant post-intervention differences corrected for baseline were found in markers of clinical biochemistry (AST, p = 0.017; ALT, p = 0.008), molecular metabolism (GDF15, p = 0.028), and extracellular vesicle-associated miRNA species miR-122 and miR-34a in MIS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Following the 12 wks of MIS supplementation, weight and body composition significantly improved, concomitant with improvements in molecular markers of liver health and metabolism.

Dyes Used in Processed Meat Products in the Polish Market, and Their Possible Risks and Benefits for Consumer Health

Manufacturers are obliged to label processed meat products with information concerning the additives used and nutritional values. The aim of the study was to identify the dyes most frequently used in processed meat, evaluate their influence on specific food qualities, assess whether their use was correct and review their effect on health. The analysis was based on information on the labels and images of processed meat, and used a generalised linear model with a binary dependent variable. The risks and benefits for human health were defined based on the available literature. Twelve dyes were found to be used in the manufacture of processed meat. Carmine was found in 183 of 273 (67.03%) evaluated assortments containing dyes. The occurrence of water, flavourings and high fat and carbohydrate contents increased the chances that a dye would be present in a particular product. Unauthorised use of food additives was found in 20 products, with smoked meat products demonstrating the highest number of non-compliances. In general, the dyes used with food are considered safe; however, reservations are associated with the use of E150C and E150D caramels due to their potential carcinogenic effect, and carmine and annatto due to their allergic effects.

Effect of Red-Beetroot-Supplemented Diet on Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolite Profile of Weaned Pigs-A Pilot Study

Red beetroot is a well-recognized and established source of bioactive compounds (e.g., betalains and polyphenols) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is proposed as a potential alternative to zinc oxide with a focus on gut microbiota modulation and metabolite production. In this study, weaned pigs aged 28 days were fed either a control diet, a diet supplemented with zinc oxide (3000 mg/kg), or 2% and 4% pulverized whole red beetroot (CON, ZNO, RB2, and RB4; respectively) for 14 days. After pigs were euthanized, blood and digesta samples were collected for microbial composition and metabolite analyses. The results showed that the diet supplemented with red beetroot at 2% improved the gut microbial richness relative to other diets but marginally influenced the cecal microbial diversity compared to a zinc-oxide-supplemented diet. A further increase in red beetroot levels (4%-RB4) led to loss in cecal diversity and decreased short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acid concentrations. Also, an increased Proteobacteria abundance, presumably due to increased lactate/lactic-acid-producing bacteria was observed. In summary, red beetroot contains several components conceived to improve the gut microbiota and metabolite output of weaned pigs. Future studies investigating individual components of red beetroot will better elucidate their contributions to gut microbiota modulation and pig health.

Effects of heat degradation of betanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) on biological activity and antioxidant capacity

Betanin is a red pigment of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), providing the beneficial effects to maintain human health. Betanin is involved in the characteristic red color of red beetroot, and used as an edible dye. Betanin is known to be a highly unstable pigment, and water solutions of betanin are nearly fully degraded after heating at 99°C for 60 min in the experimental conditions of this study. The present study investigated the effects of red beetroot juice (RBJ) and betanin on immune cells, and found that stimulation with RBJ and betanin induces interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA in a human monocyte derived cell line, THP-1 cells. This mRNA induction after stimulation with RBJ and betanin was not significantly changed after heat treatment when attempting to induce degradation of the betanin. Following these results, the effects of heat degradation of betanin on the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264 cells and the antioxidant capacity were investigated. The results showed that the inhibition activity of RBJ and betanin with the LPS induced NO production is not altered after heat degradation of betanin. In addition, the results of FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays indicate that a not inconsiderable degree of the antioxidant capacity of RBJ and betanin remained after heat degradation of betanin. These results suggest that it is important to consider the effects of degradation products of betanin in the evaluation of the beneficial effects of red beetroot on health.

Guided Metabolic Detoxification Program Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes and Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Participants

Adequate antioxidant supply is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress during detoxification. The emerging evidence suggests that certain classes of phytonutrients can help support the detoxification process by stimulating the liver to produce detoxification enzymes or acting as antioxidants that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. This study was designed to examine the effects of a guided 28-day metabolic detoxification program in healthy adults. The participants were randomly assigned to consume a whole food, multi-ingredient supplement (n = 14, education and intervention) or control (n = 18, education and healthy meal) daily for the duration of the trial. The whole food supplement contained 37 g/serving of a proprietary, multicomponent nutritional blend in the form of a rehydratable shake. Program readiness was ensured at baseline using a validated self-perceived wellness score and a blood metabolic panel, indicating stable emotional and physical well-being in both groups. No significant changes or adverse effects were found on physical or emotional health, cellular glutathione (GSH) and the GSH:GSSG ratio, porphyrin, and hepatic detoxification biomarkers in urine. The intervention was positively associated with a 23% increase in superoxide dismutase (p = 0.06) and a 13% increase in glutathione S-transferase (p = 0.003) activities in the blood. This resulted in a 40% increase in the total cellular antioxidant capacity (p = 0.001) and a 13% decrease in reactive oxygen species (p = 0.002) in isolated PBMCs from participants in the detoxification group. Our findings indicate that consuming a whole food nutritional intervention as a part of the guided detoxification program supported phase II detoxification, in part, by promoting enhanced free radical scavenging and maintaining redox homeostasis under the body's natural glutathione recycling capacity.

Effects of Wild Blueberries on Fat Oxidation Rates in Aerobically Trained Males

Wild blueberries (WBs) have been documented to decrease oxidative stress in active and sedentary populations as well as influence lipolytic enzymes and increase the rate of fat oxidation (FAT-ox) during rest. To examine the effect of WBs on the rate of FAT-ox and lipid peroxidation during submaximal exercise, 11 healthy, aerobically trained males (26 ± 7.5 years, 74.9 ± 7.54 kg, 10.5 ± 3.2% BF) completed a 2-week washout avoiding foods high in anthocyanins, then completed a control exercise protocol cycling at 65% of VO2peak for 40 min. Participants then consumed 375 g/d of anthocyanins for two weeks before repeating the exercise protocol. WBs increased FAT-ox when cycling at 65% of VO2peak by 19.7% at 20, 43.2% at 30, and 31.1% at 40 min, and carbohydrate oxidation (CHO-ox) decreased by 10.1% at 20, 19.2% at 30, and 14.8% at 40 min of cycling at 65% of VO2peak. Lactate was lower with WBs at 20 (WB: 2.6 ± 1.0, C: 3.0 ± 1.1), 30 (WB: 2.2 ± 0.9, C: 2.9 ± 1.0), and 40 min (WB: 1.9 ± 0.8, C: 2.5 ± 0.9). Results indicate that WBs may increase the rate of FAT-ox during moderate-intensity activity in healthy, active males.

Moderate dose of dietary nitrate improves skeletal muscle microvascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease characterized by compromised lower-extremity blood flow that impairs walking ability. We showed that a moderate dose of dietary nitrate in the form of beetroot juice (BRJ, 0.11 mmol/kg) can improve macrovascular function and maximal walking distance in patients with PAD. However, its impacts on the microcirculation and autonomic nervous system have not been examined. Therefore, we investigated the impacts of this dose of dietary nitrate on skeletal muscle microvascular function and autonomic nervous system function and further related these measurements to 6-min walking distance, pain-free walking distance, and exercise recovery in patients with PAD. Patients with PAD (n = 10) ingested either BRJ or placebo in a randomized crossover design. Heart rate variability, skeletal muscle microvascular function, and 6-min walking distance were performed pre- and post-BRJ and placebo. There were significant group × time interactions (P < 0.05) for skeletal muscle microvascular function, 6-min walking distance, and exercise recovery, but no changes (P > 0.05) in heart rate variability or pain-free walking distance were noted. The BRJ group demonstrated improved skeletal muscle microvascular function (∆ 22.1 ± 7.5 %·min-1), longer 6-min walking distance (Δ 37.5 ± 9.1 m), and faster recovery post-exercise (Δ -15.3 ± 4.2 s). Furthermore, changes in skeletal muscle microvascular function were positively associated with changes in 6-min walking distance (r = 0.5) and pain-free walking distance (r = 0.6). These results suggest that a moderate dose of dietary nitrate may support microvascular function, which is related to improvements in walking distance and claudication in patients with PAD.

Antioxidant Capacity, Nitrite and Nitrate Content in Beetroot-Based Dietary Supplements

Due to the high content of bioactive substances, beetroot and its preserves might be a valuable constituent of a diet. Research into the antioxidant capacity and content of nitrate (III) and (V) in beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs) worldwide is limited. The Folin-Ciocalteu method, CUPRAC, DPPH, and Griess methods were used to determine total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, nitrites, and nitrates content in fifty DSs and twenty beetroot samples. Moreover, the safety of products was evaluated because of the concentration of nitrites, nitrates, and the correctness of labelling. The research showed that a serving of fresh beetroot provides significantly more antioxidants, nitrites, and nitrates than most daily portions of DSs. Product P9 provided the highest dose of nitrates (169 mg/daily dose). However, in most cases, the consumption of DSs would be associated with a low health value. The acceptable daily intake was not exceeded in the cases of nitrites (0.0015-0.55%) and nitrates (0.056-48%), assuming that the supplementation followed the manufacturer's recommendation. According to European and Polish regulations, 64% of the products tested did not meet all the requirements for labelling food packaging. The findings point to the need for tighter regulation of DSs, as their consumption might be dangerous.

Influence of High-Pressure Homogenization on the Physicochemical Properties and Betalain Pigments of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) Juice

High-pressure homogenization (HPH) is considered an innovative and modern method of processing and preserving liquid and semi-liquid foods. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of HPH processing on the content of betalain pigments and physicochemical properties of beetroot juice. Combinations of the following HPH parameters were tested: the pressure used (50, 100, 140 MPa), the number of cycles (1 and 3) and the applied cooling or no cooling. The physicochemical analysis of the obtained beetroot juices was based on the determination of the extract, acidity, turbidity, viscosity and color values. Use of higher pressures and a greater number of cycles reduces the turbidity (NTU) of the juice. Moreover, in order to maintain the highest possible extract content and a slight color change of the beetroot juice, it was crucial to perform sample cooling after the HPH process. The quantitative and qualitative profiles of betalains have been also determined in the juices. In terms of the content of betacyanins and betaxanthins, the highest values were found in untreated juice at 75.3 mg and 24.8 mg per 100 mL, respectively. The high-pressure homogenization process resulted in a decrease in the content of betacyanins in the range of 8.5-20.2% and of betaxanthins in the range of 6.5-15.0%, depending on the parameters used. Studies have shown that that the number of cycles was irrelevant, but an increase in pressure from 50 MPa to 100 or 140 MPa had a negative effect on pigment content. Additionally, juice cooling significantly limits the degradation of betalains in beetroot juice.

Ageing modifies acute resting blood pressure responses to incremental consumption of dietary nitrate: a randomised, cross-over clinical trial

Beetroot (BR) is a rich source of nitrate (NO₃-) that has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP). Yet, no studies have examined the vascular benefits of BR in whole-food form and whether the effects are modified by age. This study was a four-arm, randomised, open-label, cross-over design in twenty-four healthy adults (young n 12, age 27 ± 4 years, old n 12, age 64 ± 5 years). Participants consumed whole-cooked BR at portions of (NO₃- content in brackets) 100 g (272 mg), 200 g (544 mg) and 300 g (816 mg) and a 200-ml solution containing 1000 mg of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) on four separate occasions over a 4-week period (≥7-d washout period). BP, plasma NO₃- and nitrite (NO₂-) concentrations, and post-occlusion reactive hyperaemia via laser Doppler, were measured pre- and up to 5-h post-intervention. Data were analysed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Plasma NO₂- concentrations were higher in the young v. old at baseline and post-intervention (P < 0·05). All NO₃- interventions decreased systolic and diastolic BP in young participants (P < 0·05), whereas only KNO₃ (at 240-300 min post-intake) significantly decreased systolic (-4·8 mmHg, -3·5 %, P = 0·024) and diastolic (-5·4 mmHg, -6·5 %, P = 0·007) BP in older participants. In conclusion, incremental doses of dietary NO₃- reduced systolic and diastolic BP in healthy young adults whereas in the older group a significant decrease was only observed with the highest dose. The lower plasma NO₂- concentrations in older participants suggest that there may be mechanistic differences in the production of NO from dietary NO₃- in young and older populations.

Pure Juice Supplementation: Its Effect on Muscle Recovery and Sports Performance

Strenuous exercise causes increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), creating an imbalance between ROS and antioxidants. The reduced antioxidant defence leads to defective elimination of ROS and consequently, delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS due to exhaustive or prolonged exercise typically peaks between 24 h and 72 h after exercise results in soreness, inflammation, pain and decreased muscle function. As a result, muscle strength will be reduced progressively and this situation might be detrimental to one's athletic performance, especially amidst competition season. Therefore, supplementation to improve muscle recovery and sports performance has become a common practice among athletes. However, it is suggested to consume natural-based fruit-derived antioxidants as a more effective and safe nutritional strategy. Fruits containing a high amount of polyphenol protect muscle cells from excessive and harmful ROS due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. To date, there are several expended studies on the consumption of supplements from various antioxidant-rich fruits to provide evidence on their effectiveness, giving better solutions and wider choices of supplementation to the athletes. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nutritional standpoint from previous literature on the effect of fruit juices supplementation on muscle recovery and sports performance.

Presence of higenamine in beetroot containing 'foodstuffs' and the implication for WADA-relevant anti-doping testing

Higenamine is an alkaloid found within plant species including some that are used in traditional Asian and Chinese herbal medicines. Identified as having mixed mode adrenergic receptor activity, higenamine is present within some nutritional supplements marketed for stimulant and/or weight loss. Its inclusion within nutritional supplements can be via its natural presence within botanical ingredients or as a synthetic additive, often added in mg amounts. The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list has contained higenamine since 2017 as banned at all times in the beta-2 agonist (S3) category, with a reporting level of 10 ng/ml for the free parent form in urine. In this study, an investigation into the content of beetroot or beetroot-containing foodstuffs and supplement products was conducted. Higenamine was confirmed as present within the majority of foodstuffs and supplements, with experimental evidence that higenamine can arise within beetroot extracts through heating. The results in this paper demonstrate the first reported evidence of a link between beetroot and this WADA prohibited substance. To investigate the link between intake and excretion, concentrated beetroot drinks were consumed by six individuals and higenamine quantified in their urine. Free higenamine was detected in the urine of all individuals, with maximum measured concentration in samples of less than 1% of the current WADA reporting limit. Although the risk of an inadvertent doping violation by consumption of the foodstuffs and products investigated in this study is low, beetroot as a source of higenamine should be considered by athletes.