A randomized clinical trial demonstrates that long-term supplementation with Sabinsa’s Sabeet significantly improves key markers of muscle quality and neuromuscular performance in postmenopausal women.
Participants in the trial consumed the standardized beetroot extract daily, amounting to 548 mg of nitrate/day. The researchers concluded that Sabeet offers a “practical nutritional strategy” to address age-related declines in muscle health and function.
“Sabeet was specifically developed to deliver standardized, meaningful levels of dietary nitrate, and this 12-week trial shows that commitment translates into real, tangible benefits for women navigating the muscle health challenges of menopause,” says study co-author Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director of Sabinsa.
“The improvements observed in muscle composition and neuromuscular speed, mediated by enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, speak to the depth of this ingredient’s potential for healthy aging and are particularly relevant for supporting mobility, balance, and overall functional independence in postmenopausal women.”
Sabinsa notes that the findings are particularly significant given the increased risk of sarcopenia, reduced mobility, and falls in postmenopausal populations.
Muscle quality and strength
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of daily supplementation with Sabeet in postmenopausal women, aged 60–85. The researchers assessed participants’ muscle quality, strength, rate of force development, and circulating nitrate and nitrite levels at baseline, eight, and 12 weeks.
Compared to the placebo, the Sabeet group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in morphological muscle quality — the composition and structure of muscle. The team measured this with an ultrasound echo intensity.
Moreover, the Sabeet group also experienced increases in early- and late-phase rates of force development, which measure how quickly someone can generate force when using their muscles. According to the researchers, this is a key factor in balance recovery and fall prevention, and the findings indicate an enhanced neuromuscular performance.
The group consuming the beetroot extract also showed increases in nitrate and nitrite levels in the blood. The researchers note that this reinforces the role of nitrate supplementation in enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, adding that this is a key mediator of vascular function, muscle perfusion, and contractile efficiency.
These improvements were sustained throughout the eight and 12-week assessments.
Last year, research found that Sabeet significantly improved carotid artery stiffness in postmenopausal women, a group that is at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
An earlier study found that the beetroot extract was well-tolerated in older adults.