Antioxidant Capacity, Nitrite and Nitrate Content in Beetroot-Based Dietary Supplements.

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Nutritional Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Beetroot is rich in bioactive compounds, suggesting potential health benefits.
• Limited research exists on the antioxidant capacity and nitrate content of beetroot-based dietary supplements (DSs).
• Assessing the safety and quality of DSs is crucial due to potential health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antioxidant capacity and nitrate/nitrite content of beetroot and beetroot-based DSs.
• To assess the safety of DSs based on nitrite and nitrate concentrations and labeling accuracy.
• To compare the nutritional value of fresh beetroot with commercially available DSs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Folin-Ciocalteu, CUPRAC, DPPH, and Griess methods for analysis.
• Analyzed fifty DSs and twenty beetroot samples for antioxidant capacity, phenolic content, nitrites, and nitrates.
• Evaluated product safety and labeling compliance with European and Polish regulations.

Main Results:

• Fresh beetroot provides significantly higher antioxidants, nitrites, and nitrates per serving than most DSs.
• One product (P9) offered a high nitrate dose (169 mg/daily dose), but most DSs had low health value.
• Nitrite and nitrate levels generally remained within acceptable daily intake limits, but 64% of products had labeling inaccuracies.

Conclusions:

• Beetroot DSs often provide less nutritional value compared to fresh beetroot.
• Labeling inaccuracies and potential safety concerns necessitate stricter regulation of beetroot-based DSs.
• Consumers should be cautious about the actual health benefits and regulatory compliance of these supplements.