Actively Recruiting
BEETroot Juice to Reverse Functional Impairment in PAD: The BEET PAD Trial
Led by Northwestern University · Updated on 2026-04-15
210
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
Northwestern University
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Virginia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of beetroot juice on walking ability in people aged 50 and older with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects blood flow to the legs. This multi-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial aims to see if beetroot juice can improve the distance participants can walk in six minutes after four months compared to a placebo. The study also explores how beetroot juice affects muscle blood flow, muscle health, and regeneration, as well as the relationship between nitrate metabolism and walking performance. Participants receive either two 70 ml drinks daily for four months containing beetroot juice with nitrate or a placebo drink that looks similar but has the nitrate removed. Each active drink provides 400 mg of nitrate, totaling 800 mg daily. The study measures both the immediate effect of beetroot juice 2.5 hours after consumption and the longer-term effects after four months. The placebo group receives a nitrate-free beetroot juice drink to compare results. During the trial, participants undergo tests including a six-minute walk test at baseline, 2.5 hours, and four months to measure walking distance changes. Additional assessments measure calf muscle blood flow using MRI, muscle health, and questionnaire scores related to walking ability. Researchers will monitor nitrate levels in the blood to understand their impact. Participants are followed for at least four months, with strict eligibility criteria and health monitoring to ensure safety and study integrity.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
BEETroot Juice to Reverse Functional Impairment in PAD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 50 years or older
- Diagnosis of peripheral artery disease confirmed by ankle brachial index (ABI) ≤ 0.90, vascular lab evidence (such as toe brachial pressure ≤ 0.70), angiographic evidence with at least 70% artery narrowing, or ABI >0.90 to ≤1.00 with a 20% or greater drop after heel-rise test
- Ability to walk without a wheelchair or walker
- Willingness to avoid beetroot juice, oral nitrate or nitrite supplements, or beetroot supplements for 30 days before baseline and during the trial
- Ability to speak English
You will not qualify if you...
- Above- or below-knee amputation
- Critical limb ischemia with ABI <0.40 and rest pain
- Wheelchair confinement or need for a walker to walk
- Walking limited by causes other than PAD
- Current foot ulcer on bottom of foot
- Failure to complete study run-in phase
- Planned major surgery or vascular procedures in next five months
- Major surgery, vascular procedures, or major cardiovascular event in past three months
- Major medical illnesses like lung disease requiring oxygen, Parkinson's disease, life expectancy under six months, or recent cancer treatment
- Mini-Mental Status Exam score below 23
- Allergy to beetroot juice
- Current consumption of beetroot juice or related supplements unwilling to stop
- Daily beet consumption of one cup or more unwilling to stop
- Non-English speaking
- Participation in other clinical trials within past three months
- Visual impairment limiting walking ability
- Six-minute walk distance less than 500 feet or greater than 1600 feet (with investigator discretion)
- Baseline blood pressure below 100/45
- Participation in supervised treadmill exercise in past three months
- Use of antibacterial or chlorhexidine-containing mouthwash unwilling to stop
- Kidney function with eGFR below 30 or potassium above 5.0
- History of kidney stones requiring low oxalate intake
- Investigator discretion if trial is unsafe or unsuitable for participant
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 months
Participants receive two 70 ml drinks daily of either beetroot juice or placebo for 4 months to evaluate effects on functional impairment in PAD.
Baseline visit and follow-up visits during treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
Actively Recruiting
2
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60637
Actively Recruiting
3
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
4
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22903
Active, Not Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mary McDermott, MD
K
Kathryn Domanchuk, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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