Beetroot

Beta vulgaris · Red beet

Mechanism

Beetroot is rich in inorganic nitrate and in betalains (betanin), which show antioxidant properties. In human sport studies, nitrate is linked via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway with improved blood flow, reduced oxygen demand of the musculature and better exercise tolerance. These findings cannot be transferred to the horse: in an investigation in Thoroughbred racehorses, the plasma nitrate or nitrite level did not rise significantly after several weeks of beetroot juice administration, and a performance-enhancing effect could not be shown. Robust equine performance data are thus lacking; the antioxidant component of the betalains is mechanistically plausible but not clinically proven.

Cautions

· Mind the oxalate and sugar content (calcium binding; EMS/metabolically sensitive horses)
· Equine performance evidence is lacking — findings come from human sport, a transfer is not proven
· Mind the nitrate content and do not exceed it; do not combine additional nitrate-rich sources

Sources

PMC6952046Domínguez et al. (Review) — Rote-Beete-Nitrat und antioxidative/leistungsbezogene Effekte (Human)

KERKentucky Equine Research — Beetroot Juice: kein signifikanter Plasma-Nitrat-/Nitrit-Anstieg bei Vollblut-Rennpferden

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-dependent (juice, dried chips, powder); no evidence-based equine dose. Do not exceed the nitrate content — follow the manufacturer's instructions

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.