Sabinsa has announced the publication of a new randomised clinical trial demonstrating that long-term supplementation with Sabeet, a nitrate-rich beetroot extract, significantly improves key markers of muscle quality and neuromuscular performance in postmenopausal women.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients, had Sabinsa's Global CEO and Managing Director, Shaheen Majeed, serving as a co-author.
The study and results
The 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of daily supplementation with a standardised nitrate-rich beetroot extract (548 mg nitrate/day) in postmenopausal women aged 60-85.
Participants were assessed for muscle quality, strength, rate of force development (RFD) and circulating nitrate and nitrite levels at baseline, eight weeks and 12 weeks.
The results showed statistically significant improvements in muscle quality for the Sabeet group compared with the placebo group.
Additionally, participants who received the nitrate-rich extract experienced notable increases in both early- and late-phase rate of force development (RFD).
These results suggest an enhancement in neuromuscular performance, allowing individuals to generate force more rapidly, which is crucial for balance recovery and fall prevention.
"Sabeet was specifically developed to deliver standardised, meaningful levels of dietary nitrate and this 12-week trial shows that commitment translating into real, tangible benefits for women navigating the muscle health challenges of menopause," said Shaheen Majeed, Global CEO and Managing Director of Sabinsa.
The improvements observed in both muscle composition and neuromuscular speed, mediated by enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, speak to the depth of this ingredient's potential for healthy ageing and are particularly relevant for supporting mobility, balance and overall functional independence in postmenopausal women.
"At Sabinsa, we believe that evidence [such as] this is what separates a clinically meaningful ingredient from a commodity."
The trial also revealed increases in circulating nitrate and nitrite levels in the Sabeet group, reinforcing the role of nitrate supplementation in enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, a key mediator of vascular function, muscle perfusion and contractile efficiency.
Researchers concluded that sustained supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot extract offers a practical nutritional strategy to address age-related declines in muscle quality and neuromuscular function.
The company said in a statement that the study's findings are particularly significant given the increased risk of sarcopenia, reduced mobility and falls in postmenopausal populations.