Understanding Beetroot
Beetroot is a bright red root vegetable known for its not-so-desirable taste. Ancient societies like the Romans used beets to treat a variety of ailments — from fever to constipation. Modern research also shows that beetroot is high in nitrates. These chemical compounds act as vasodilators to open and relax blood vessels. Doctors use nitrates to treat common cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure.3 Studies also show drinking beetroot juice helps enhance blood flow and raise oxygen levels, especially during exercise performance.4,5
Beetroot juice is also chock-full of antioxidants, which help fight damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidants promote healthy inflammatory responses and minimize the risk of cancer and heart disease.1
Understanding L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid — one of the building blocks your body uses to make new proteins. According to the Cleveland Clinic, L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. You can make some on your own, but you also need to get extra from food. Proteins are essential for repairing damaged tissues and creating new, healthy cells.2
Some studies have also found that L-arginine plays a role in treating high blood pressure, chest pain, and heart failure.2 One report published in the journal Cureus noted that nitric oxide (NO) is derived from L-arginine.6 NO plays a role in relaxing blood vessels to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Research also suggests that L-arginine improves exercise capacity and metabolism.7
Can You Take Beetroot and L-Arginine Together?
Since beetroot and L-arginine and have similar effects, you may wonder whether it’s safe to take them together. A handful of studies have investigated the effects of the two supplements together on blood pressure and muscle strength.8,9 None have explicitly discussed the potential interactions or side effects of taking beetroot and L-arginine together.
Theoretically, it may be possible that beetroot and L-arginine have synergistic effects. This means that they combine together for a larger impact. However, more research is needed to determine how the two supplements interact with one another.
Benefits of Taking Beetroot and L-Arginine Together
In theory, the combination of beetroot and L-arginine may support cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. At this time, studies haven’t discovered any profound effects of these supplements. More research may be needed to determine whether beetroot and L-arginine improve blood flow through enhanced NO production.8,9
How To Take Beetroot and L-Arginine Together
Want to add beetroot and L-arginine to your supplement regimen? Both come in several forms, depending on your preferences. Health experts from the Cleveland Clinic note that 1 teaspoon of beetroot powder is equivalent to 1 whole beet.10 Add this powder to your favorite smoothies, soups, sauces, or baked goods. In the literature, researchers use 3.0 to 3.5 grams of beetroot powder.8 You can start at a lower dose and increase your intake based on your tolerance and desired goals.
L-arginine dosing ranges from 6 grams to a maximum of 30 grams per day.2 This supplement is available as capsules and powders. Some supplements contain only L-arginine, while others are mixed with additional amino acids. Be sure to follow the product instructions to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Choosing Quality Supplements
When shopping for beetroot and L-arginine supplements, it’s best to choose high-quality products using all-natural ingredients. Vital Promise’s Beet Root provides 1,000 mg of beetroot powder in addition to apple and celery. L-arginine supplements available in stores can offer high potency and purity verified by third-party testing.
Conclusion
Beetroot and L-arginine both work by relaxing blood vessels with nitrate activity. While there isn’t much research on combining these supplements together, it’s possible they may have synergistic effects. If you’re interested in adding beetroot and L-arginine to your supplement routine, talk to a healthcare professional. They can make safe recommendations for starting supplements with your current medications.
For a quality beetroot supplement, try Vital Promise’s Beet Root to promote optimal cardiovascular health.