Foods · 6 authors, 3 centres
This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.
This laboratory study compared the antioxidant capacity, nitrite, and nitrate content of 50 beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs) with 20 fresh beetroot samples. The main finding was that a serving of fresh beetroot generally provided significantly more antioxidants, nitrites, and nitrates than most daily portions of DSs, and 64% of DSs had labeling that did not meet legal requirements.
Beetroot is rich in bioactive compounds like antioxidants and nitrates, but the quality and safety of beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs) are not well-studied. This research aimed to assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), nitrite, and nitrate content in DSs compared to fresh beetroot, and to evaluate product safety and labeling compliance. Methods: The study analyzed 50 beetroot-based DSs (tablets, capsules, powders) and 20 beetroot samples (peeled, unpeeled, skins) using validated spectrophotometric methods (Folin-Ciocalteu, CUPRAC, DPPH for antioxidants; Griess for nitrites/nitrates). Statistical analyses included ANOVA and correlation tests. Labelling was assessed against European and Polish regulations. Key Results: Fresh beetroot (100 g) provided significantly more antioxidants, nitrites, and nitrates than most DS daily portions. Only a few DSs (e.g., product P9 with 169 mg nitrate/daily dose) had higher nitrate content than beetroot. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for nitrites and nitrates was not exceeded in any product. However, 64% of DSs did not meet all labelling requirements, and some contained prohibited health claims. A moderate negative correlation was found between antioxidant potential and nitrate content in beetroot samples. Limitations: This is a laboratory-based chemical analysis of commercial products, not a human study. Implications: The findings suggest that fresh beetroot is a superior source of antioxidants and nitrates compared to most DSs. The high rate of labelling deficiencies indicates a need for stricter regulation of DSs to ensure consumer safety and accurate information. However, these results are limited to the specific products tested and do not provide direct evidence for human health outcomes.
