Beet is considered one of the best organic vegan supplements for general health, cognition, and circulation. It helps with endurance and stamina during exercise, combats fatigue, and expedites muscle recovery–but, as with any supplement, it may be unsuitable for some people.

As a plant-based supplement ingredient, the biggest benefits of beets include the micronutrients and nitrates in the vegetable, which are almost universally helpful for natural heart and gut functions. Drawbacks may apply to those with low blood pressure and anybody with a suspected or confirmed allergy or intolerance.

This guide summarizes all the positive aspects of using a beetroot supplement for athletes and some of the possible reasons an alternative dietary supplement may be better suited for you.

Advantages of Taking Beet Supplements

Improving performance with beetroot supplements is accessible and straightforward. Athletes can take a vegan-friendly, non-GMO capsule before training, workouts, or competitions to gain all the benefits of a plant-based compound that can reduce inflammation, contribute to healthy digestion, and reduce blood pressure.

Beets are naturally high in nitrates, and when taken as a concentrated supplement, these retain their potency, avoiding the dilution or breakdown of nutrients that commonly occurs when vegetables are cooked or processed.

Reasons to Incorporate Beets in Your Supplement Regime

Some of the very many reasons people prioritize beet supplements include:

• Combating high blood pressure
• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting athletic performance
• Increasing antioxidant intake
• Improving cardiovascular wellbeing
• Enhancing healthy digestion

Betalains, the key ingredient in supplements like AltRed, can also lower oxidative stress, which commonly occurs alongside inflammation. As a beneficial compound, betalains can speed up recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and improve aerobic endurance.

Drawbacks of Beets as a Vegan Supplement 

While there are no real negatives associated with beet supplements, it's worth noting that some forms of exercise don’t rely as heavily on aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, so the real-world impacts on stamina may not improve by as large a margin.

Some people find that the powerful betalain pigments in beets also impact the color of their urine. While this isn't problematic, it is a harmless side effect to be aware of. Other potential issues include reactions in people with a sensitivity to beets and those with existing low blood pressure concerns or medical issues. 

Medical Conditions That May Cause Low Blood Pressure 

Some of the more frequent conditions or issues linked with hypotension can include:

• Endocrine conditions that impact the hormonal glands
• Neurological disorders, including MS
• Pregnancy, when lower blood pressure is common
• Cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmia

It is wise to seek advice from your physician if you wish to add beet supplements to your diet and have recently donated blood or are taking medications to treat conditions like mental health disorders and Parkinson’s disease. This is because low blood pressure is more prevalent in specific groups of people and linked with certain medical conditions, where a supplement that actively helps to improve circulation and combat high blood pressure might be counterintuitive.

Likewise, if you are being treated for hypertension or high blood pressure and are taking a prescribed medication to reduce or control your blood pressure, it is important to consult your medical practitioner to check whether additional blood pressure-lowering supplements are safe for you.

Finally, it's essential to read the dosage and usage instructions when taking any supplement for the first time. Even plant-based and wholly natural compounds, like concentrated beet supplements, should be used according to the directions provided to ensure you don’t inadvertently raise your nitrate levels above the recommended maximum.