Effect of Nitrate-rich Beetroot Juice on Exercise Performance in Heart Failure Patients

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation has demonstrated reduced oxygen consumption and submaximal exercise performance in healthy adults. Investigation for similar effects in patients with heart failure has not previously been conducted. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Following ingestion of the active agent or placebo, subjects with systolic heart failure underwent submaximal steady state exercise with gas exchange analysis followed thirty minutes later by a six minute walk test. Second testing sessions were performed ten days. There were no significant differences in the treatment and placebo arms in average oxygen consumption or six minute walk distance. In conclusion, in patients with heart failure who have ingested a single dose of nitrate-rich beetroot juice concentrate, there is no significant difference with regard to oxygen consumption during submaximal steady state exercise or six minute walk testing distance. Further study is warranted to determine the true efficacy of nitrate consumption in this population with adjustments in acute or chronic dosing, exercise duration, or intensity.