SupplementScience

Beet Root Side Effects & Safety

DJP
Reviewed by , MD, Board Certified Internal Medicine

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Beeturia — harmless red or pink discoloration of urine (affects ~10-14% of people)
  • Red discoloration of stools (harmless)
  • Mild GI discomfort at high doses
  • May lower blood pressure too much in hypotensive individuals
  • Potential kidney stone risk in those with oxalate sensitivity (beets are high in oxalates)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Blood pressure medications — additive hypotensive effect; monitor BP closely
  • PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) — both increase nitric oxide; combined use may cause excessive vasodilation
  • Blood thinners — beet root has mild antiplatelet properties

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: No established upper limit for dietary nitrate from beet root; doses up to 800mg nitrate studied safely

Full Beet Root Guide

References

  1. (). Inorganic nitrate and beetroot juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nutrition. DOI
  2. (). Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A systematic review. Nutrients. DOI
  3. (). Dietary Nitrate from Beetroot Juice for Hypertension: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules. DOI