Effect of Beetroot Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Individuals with Prediabetes: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Elham Hosseini, Zeinab Mokhtari, Saharnaz Rahpeyma, Mansour SiavashAbstract
Background:
Beetroot, rich in bioactive compounds, is linked to improved blood pressure, exercise performance, and glucose metabolism. Its potential benefits make it a promising dietary option for prediabetes, a condition with elevated blood sugar levels increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Aim:
This trial is designed to examine the overall effect of consuming beetroot powder on cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with prediabetes.
Methods:
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 44 individuals with prediabetes will be randomly assigned (1:1 ratio via a computer-generated block randomization sequence) to receive either 14 g/d beetroot powder or a matched placebo daily for 12 weeks. The sample size provided 80% power to detect a 25.5 mg/dl (SD: 29 mg/dl) difference in fasting glucose level at a 5% significance level. The primary outcome is glycemic control (fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), and insulin resistance indices). Lipid parameters, liver enzymes, kidney function, and oxidative stress markers will be assessed as secondary outcomes. The measurements will be done at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
Results:
Changes in glycemic and secondary cardiometabolic outcomes will be compared between the beetroot and placebo groups after 12 weeks using intention-to-treat analyses.
Conclusion:
This trial will determine whether beetroot supplementation improves glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with prediabetes.