Beetroot nitrate research shows modest blood‑pressure drop with sugary gum, no pressure benefit for steroid‑using ath​le

In a UK experiment, healthy volunteers drank beetroot juice and then chewed either a sugar‑containing gum or a sugar‑free gum for three to six hours. The sugar gum lowered mouth pH, raised nitrite levels in saliva and blood, and produced a small but measurable reduction in blood pressure – about 3 mmHg systolic and 2 mmHg diastolic – compared with the sugar‑free gum. Researchers warned that the effect was short‑term, lasting only a few hours, and cautioned against regular use of sugary gum because of dental and cardiometabolic risks.

A separate Brazilian study examined 13 male body‑builders with a history of anabolic‑steroid use. After consuming a dose of beetroot juice rich in nitrate, participants showed increased nitrate and nitrite concentrations and improved endothelial function, indicating more flexible blood vessels. However, the juice did not reduce blood pressure nor enhance physical performance. The investigators suggested that steroid‑induced vascular damage may limit the potential benefits of beetroot nitrate in this population.