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
Frequently asked questions
Is Beetroot a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Beetroot as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Beetroot allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Beetroot is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Beetroot?
Stated in the profile: product-dependent (juice, dried chips, powder); no evidence-based equine dose. Do not exceed the nitrate content — follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Beetroot?
The profile cites: PMC6952046 and KER.
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.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.