Beetroot Juice Supplementation as a Healthy Aging Strategy Through Improving Physical Performance and Cognitive Functions: A Systematic Review.

Beetroot-derived nitrates can improve endurance, oxygen efficiency, muscular power, recovery, and cardiovascular function in recreationally active or moderately trained individuals.

• Benefits were observed particularly in recreationally active or moderately trained individuals.
• Results are mixed in elite athletes, likely due to their already optimized nitric oxide utilization.
• The review systematically summarized existing evidence on beetroot juice supplementation on physical performance and cognitive function in both healthy adult populations and athletes.

Evidence for cognitive benefits of nitrate-rich beetroot supplementation is limited and inconsistent.

• Cognitive function is described as a crucial aspect of athletic performance enabling athletes to adapt to dynamic environments and execute skills effectively.
• Current evidence on cognitive improvement from beetroot supplementation remains inconclusive.
• The combination of improved physical activity and cognitive functions is noted to contribute to overall healthy aging and extending life expectancy.

Beetroot supplementation demonstrates strong potential as a natural ergogenic aid for enhancing physical performance.

• This finding was based on a systematic literature review summarizing and systematizing existing evidence.
• The review covered both healthy adult populations and athletes.
• The ergogenic potential was characterized as 'strong' despite mixed results in elite athletes.

Further research is needed to establish clear recommendations for beetroot juice supplementation, particularly involving female or elite athletes.

• Female athletes and elite athletes were specifically identified as underrepresented populations in existing research.
• Clear recommendations regarding beetroot juice supplementation as a supportive element of exercise capacity and cognitive abilities have not yet been established.
• Beetroot juice supplementation is positioned as a potential supportive element for maintaining health and thus healthy aging.
• The synergistic role of nutrition, exercise, and mental agility in promoting long-term well-being was highlighted as context for these recommendations.