Beetroot Juice Supplementation Did Not Change Exercise Capacity and Physical Function and Had Minimal Effects on Blood Pressure of Breast Cancer Survivors

Beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation has been used as an ergogenic aid to improve exercise capacity and functionality in healthy and clinical populations. Positive effects such as improved blood pressure and blood flow have been demonstrated after the ingestion of BRJ in subjects with peripheral artery diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cancer treatment has detrimental lifelong effects on physical function and exercise capacity of survivors. Whether BRJ is an effective ergogenic aid in breast cancer survivors is unknown. Methods Twelve female breast cancer survivors (>40 years old) were recruited. All subjects were provided BRJ and placebo (PL) during two testing sessions visits in a randomized, crossover, double blind study design. Exercise capacity was assessed using the 400-m walk test, while functional capacity was assessed using: timed up and go, five repetitions seat rise to stand, maximal voluntary contraction handgrip strength, rhythmic handgrip test (40% of MVC until fatigue), 6-...