Beetroot JuiceBEET_BPNCT07911072
Dose-Response Effects of Beetroot Juice on Neuromuscular Performance in the Bench Press
A study testing Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice in people with Beetroot Juice and Placebo, run by Universidad Pontificia Comillas at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
Beetroot juice is rich in dietary nitrate, a compound that may improve muscle function and exercise performance. However, the effects of different nitrate doses on upper-body strength and muscular endurance are lees explored. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Beetroot Juice, Placebo
- What is being tested?
- Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 18 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 8 Oct 2026to 5 Nov 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy male participants aged between 18 and 35 years.
- A minimum of 3 years of consistent resistance training experience.
- Familiarity with the bench press exercise and ability to perform it with proper technique.
- A minimum relative strength of 1.0 in the bench press exercise, defined as a one-repetition maximum (1RM) equal to or greater than the participant's body mass (1RM/body mass ≥ 1.0)
Who cannot join
- Known intolerance to beetroot juice or nitrate-containing products.
- Presence of injury in the upper body within the three months preceding the study.
- Use of medications or supplements that could interfere with the study outcomes.
- Inability to attend all experimental sessions.
- Inability to comply with the dietary guidelines established in the study protocol.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Dose-Response Effects of Beetroot Juice on Neuromuscular Performance During the Bench Press: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Beetroot juice is rich in dietary nitrate, a compound that may improve muscle function and exercise performance. However, the effects of different nitrate doses on upper-body strength and muscular endurance are lees explored. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, participants will complete four experimental conditions involving different doses of beetroot juice (0, 6.4, 12.8, and 19.2 mmol of nitrate from active supplementation) in a randomized order. Each condition will consist of three 70-mL shots (210 mL in total), containing different combinations of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and placebo. Neuromuscular performance will be assessed through bench press exercises at different intensities, evaluating bar movement velocity and muscular endurance. Salivary nitrate and nitrite concentrations, perceived exertion, and potential side effects will also be assessed. The study aims to determine whether increasing doses of beetroot juice produce different effects on neuromuscular performance.
Read the detailed description
The study follows a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Each participant will complete four experimental supplementation conditions in a randomized order. The conditions will involve the ingestion of three 70-mL shots (210 mL in total), containing different combinations of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and placebo: three placebo shots, one beetroot juice shot and two placebo shots, two beetroot juice shots and one placebo shot, or three beetroot juice shots. Each active beetroot juice shot will provide approximately 6.4 mmol of nitrate.
Neuromuscular performance will be assessed using the bench press exercise at four relative intensities: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Participants will perform three repetitions at 25% 1RM, two repetitions at 50% 1RM, two repetitions at 75% 1RM, and one repetition at 90% 1RM. Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be evaluated at each intensity. Muscular endurance will also be assessed through a bench press test performed at 65% 1RM, during which participants will complete the maximum possible number of repetitions until muscular failure.
Additional assessments will include salivary nitrate and nitrite concentrations (µmol/L), potential side effects associated with beetroot juice supplementation using a nine-item questionnaire with yes/no responses, and ratings of perceived exertion using a 1-10 scale.
- Conditions
- Beetroot Juice, Placebo
- Being tested
- Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice, Nitrate-Depleted Beetroot Juice (Placebo)
- Keywords
- nitrate, neuromuscular, bench press, nitrite, dose-response
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Nitrate-Rich Beetroot JuiceDietary supplement
Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation administered orally in 70-mL shots, each containing approximately 6.4 mmol of nitrate (NO3-). Participants will receive one, two, or three active shots, corresponding to 6.4, 12.8, or 19.2 mmol of nitrate from active supplementation, respectively. The total volume administered in each experimental condition will be 210 mL, using placebo shots when necessary.
Nitrate-Depleted Beetroot Juice (Placebo)Dietary supplement
Nitrate-depleted beetroot juice administered orally in 70-mL shots as a placebo. Participants will receive one, two, or three placebo shots depending on the experimental condition, maintaining a total supplementation volume of 210 mL. The placebo will be used as the control condition and in combination with active beetroot juice to maintain the double-blind design.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo (0 Active Shots) | Placebo comparator | Participants will ingest three 70-mL shots of nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (placebo), providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Depleted Beetroot Juice (Placebo) |
| Low-Dose Beetroot Juice (6.4 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Participants will ingest one 70-mL shot of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (6.4 mmol of nitrate) and two 70-mL placebo shots, providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice |
| Moderate-Dose Beetroot Juice (12.8 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Participants will ingest two 70-mL shots of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (12.8 mmol of nitrate) and one 70-mL placebo shot, providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice |
| High-Dose Beetroot Juice (19.2 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Participants will ingest three 70-mL shots of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (19.2 mmol of nitrate), providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 25% 1RM
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during three repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 25% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Measured: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 50% 1RM
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during two repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 50% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Measured: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 75% 1RM
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during two repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 75% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Measured: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 90% 1RM
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during one repetition of the bench press exercise performed at 90% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Measured: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Maximum Number of Bench Press Repetitions to Failure at 65% 1RM
Muscular endurance will be assessed by recording the maximum number of complete repetitions performed during the bench press exercise at 65% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM) until muscular failure.
Measured: During the 65% 1RM repetitions-to-failure test in each of the four experimental sessions.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Salivary Nitrate and Nitrite Concentrations
Salivary nitrite concentration (µmol/L) will be measured to assess changes in nitric oxide-related metabolism (i.e., nitrate and nitrites) following different doses of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation. Saliva samples will be collected 2.5 hours after supplement ingestion, immediately before the start of the exercise protocol, during each of the four experimental sessions
Measured: 2.5 hours after supplement ingestion, immediately before exercise, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Salivary Nitrite Concentration
Salivary nitrite concentration (µmol/L) will be measured to assess changes in nitric oxide-related metabolism following different doses of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation.
Measured: At the protocol-specified saliva collection time points during each of the four experimental sessions.
Side Effects Related to Beetroot Juice Supplementation
Potential side effects associated with beetroot juice ingestion will be assessed using a questionnaire consisting of nine items, each answered with "Yes" or "No", to identify the occurrence of supplementation-related symptoms.
Measured: 24 hours after supplement ingestion, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Rating of Perceived Exertion During Bench Press Exercise
Perceived exertion will be assessed using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale ranging from 1 to 10 points, with higher scores indicating greater perceived effort during the bench press exercise.
Measured: 30 minutes after completion of the exercise protocol, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Nov 2026
- Study start8 Oct 2026
- Primary completion2 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Beetroot JuiceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia Comillas
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, University of Alcala, University of Seville, University of Valladolid
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07911072
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BEET_BENCHPRESS
- Acronym
- BEET_BP
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Williams TD, Martin MP, Mintz JA, Rogers RR, Ballmann CG. Effect of Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Bench Press Power, Velocity, and Repetition Volume. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Apr;34(4):924-928. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003509.
PubMed 31913252Tan R, Lincoln IG, Paniagua KK, Foster JM, Wideen LE, Gerardo RT, Ornelas NJ, Tchaprazian I, Li J, Egiazarian M, Rowland SN, Bailey SJ, Pennell A. The effect of dietary nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance: A dose-response investigation. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Oct;125(10):2869-2883. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05779-1. Epub 2025 Apr 24.
PubMed 40274664
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Dose-Response Effects of Beetroot Juice on Neuromuscular Performance During the Bench Press: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07911072
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BEET_BP / BEET_BENCHPRESS
- Conditions
- Beetroot Juice, Placebo
- Keywords
- nitrate, neuromuscular, bench press, nitrite, dose-response
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 18 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Pontificia ComillasUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, University of Alcala, University of Seville, University of Valladolid
- Study start
- 8 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Beetroot juice is rich in dietary nitrate, a compound that may improve muscle function and exercise performance. However, the effects of different nitrate doses on upper-body strength and muscular endurance are lees explored. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, participants will complete four experimental conditions involving different doses of beetroot juice (0, 6.4, 12.8, and 19.2 mmol of nitrate from active supplementation) in a randomized order. Each condition will consist of three 70-mL shots (210 mL in total), containing different combinations of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and placebo. Neuromuscular performance will be assessed through bench press exercises at different intensities, evaluating bar movement velocity and muscular endurance. Salivary nitrate and nitrite concentrations, perceived exertion, and potential side effects will also be assessed. The study aims to determine whether increasing doses of beetroot juice produce different effects on neuromuscular performance.
Detailed description
The study follows a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Each participant will complete four experimental supplementation conditions in a randomized order. The conditions will involve the ingestion of three 70-mL shots (210 mL in total), containing different combinations of nitrate-rich beetroot juice and placebo: three placebo shots, one beetroot juice shot and two placebo shots, two beetroot juice shots and one placebo shot, or three beetroot juice shots. Each active beetroot juice shot will provide approximately 6.4 mmol of nitrate.
Neuromuscular performance will be assessed using the bench press exercise at four relative intensities: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Participants will perform three repetitions at 25% 1RM, two repetitions at 50% 1RM, two repetitions at 75% 1RM, and one repetition at 90% 1RM. Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be evaluated at each intensity. Muscular endurance will also be assessed through a bench press test performed at 65% 1RM, during which participants will complete the maximum possible number of repetitions until muscular failure.
Additional assessments will include salivary nitrate and nitrite concentrations (µmol/L), potential side effects associated with beetroot juice supplementation using a nine-item questionnaire with yes/no responses, and ratings of perceived exertion using a 1-10 scale.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Placebo (0 Active Shots) | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Depleted Beetroot Juice (Placebo)Participants will ingest three 70-mL shots of nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (placebo), providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. |
| Low-Dose Beetroot Juice (6.4 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot JuiceParticipants will ingest one 70-mL shot of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (6.4 mmol of nitrate) and two 70-mL placebo shots, providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. |
| Moderate-Dose Beetroot Juice (12.8 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot JuiceParticipants will ingest two 70-mL shots of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (12.8 mmol of nitrate) and one 70-mL placebo shot, providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. |
| High-Dose Beetroot Juice (19.2 mmol NO3-) | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Nitrate-Rich Beetroot JuiceParticipants will ingest three 70-mL shots of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (19.2 mmol of nitrate), providing a total volume of 210 mL, before performing the bench press testing protocol. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy male participants aged between 18 and 35 years.
- A minimum of 3 years of consistent resistance training experience.
- Familiarity with the bench press exercise and ability to perform it with proper technique.
- A minimum relative strength of 1.0 in the bench press exercise, defined as a one-repetition maximum (1RM) equal to or greater than the participant's body mass (1RM/body mass ≥ 1.0)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Known intolerance to beetroot juice or nitrate-containing products.
- Presence of injury in the upper body within the three months preceding the study.
- Use of medications or supplements that could interfere with the study outcomes.
- Inability to attend all experimental sessions.
- Inability to comply with the dietary guidelines established in the study protocol.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrate-Rich Beetroot JuiceNitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation administered orally in 70-mL shots, each containing approximately 6.4 mmol of nitrate (NO3-). Participants will receive one, two, or three active shots, corresponding to 6.4, 12.8, or 19.2 mmol of nitrate from active supplementation, respectively. The total volume administered in each experimental condition will be 210 mL, using placebo shots when necessary. | Dietary supplement | High-Dose Beetroot Juice (19.2 mmol NO3-), Low-Dose Beetroot Juice (6.4 mmol NO3-), Moderate-Dose Beetroot Juice (12.8 mmol NO3-) |
| Nitrate-Depleted Beetroot Juice (Placebo)Nitrate-depleted beetroot juice administered orally in 70-mL shots as a placebo. Participants will receive one, two, or three placebo shots depending on the experimental condition, maintaining a total supplementation volume of 210 mL. The placebo will be used as the control condition and in combination with active beetroot juice to maintain the double-blind design. | Dietary supplement | Placebo (0 Active Shots) |
Primary outcome
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 25% 1RM
Time frame: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during three repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 25% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 50% 1RM
Time frame: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during two repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 50% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 75% 1RM
Time frame: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during two repetitions of the bench press exercise performed at 75% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 90% 1RM
Time frame: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.
Mean propulsive velocity (m/s) will be assessed during one repetition of the bench press exercise performed at 90% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Maximum Number of Bench Press Repetitions to Failure at 65% 1RM
Time frame: During the 65% 1RM repetitions-to-failure test in each of the four experimental sessions.
Muscular endurance will be assessed by recording the maximum number of complete repetitions performed during the bench press exercise at 65% of the participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM) until muscular failure.
4 secondary outcomes
Salivary Nitrate and Nitrite Concentrations
Time frame: 2.5 hours after supplement ingestion, immediately before exercise, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Salivary Nitrite Concentration
Time frame: At the protocol-specified saliva collection time points during each of the four experimental sessions.
Side Effects Related to Beetroot Juice Supplementation
Time frame: 24 hours after supplement ingestion, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Rating of Perceived Exertion During Bench Press Exercise
Time frame: 30 minutes after completion of the exercise protocol, during each of the four experimental sessions.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31913252Williams TD, Martin MP, Mintz JA, Rogers RR, Ballmann CG. Effect of Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Bench Press Power, Velocity, and Repetition Volume. J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Apr;34(4):924-928. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003509.
- Background: PubMed 40274664Tan R, Lincoln IG, Paniagua KK, Foster JM, Wideen LE, Gerardo RT, Ornelas NJ, Tchaprazian I, Li J, Egiazarian M, Rowland SN, Bailey SJ, Pennell A. The effect of dietary nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance: A dose-response investigation. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2025 Oct;125(10):2869-2883. doi: 10.1007/s00421-025-05779-1. Epub 2025 Apr 24.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Beetroot Juice
Enrolling by invitation
Beetroot Juice and Neuromuscular Performance in Female Basketball Players
Nitrate, Placebo - Control
Not yet recruiting
Exercise Training Intensity and Nitrate Supplementation in Post-Menopausal Females on Hormone Therapy
Postmenopausal Female Patients, Vasomotor Symptoms
Recruiting
Beetroot Juice and Sleep
Healthy
Not yet recruiting
The Effects of Acute Nitrate and Caffeine Co-ingestion on Discipline-Specific Exercise Performance.
Athletic Performance, Dietary Supplement
Recruiting
Pilot Study of Nitrate-rich Beetroot Juice Supplementation in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Interstitial Lung Disease
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice in people with Beetroot Juice and Placebo, run by Universidad Pontificia Comillas at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mean Propulsive Velocity During Bench Press at 25% 1RM (time frame: During the bench press assessment following supplementation in each of the four experimental sessions.). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07911072, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Nov 2026.