An Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Metabolic Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation in Fencers—A Preliminary Study

This study aimed at assessment of the long-term (4 weeks) metabolic effect of a diet with and without beetroot juice supplementation in fencers using the untargeted metabolomics method with the UPLC Q-TOF/MS system to carry out an analysis of urine samples. Ten women and 10 men underwent the cardiovascular fitness VO_2max test at baseline—(B) and after two stages of implementation of the dietary recommendations—the first 4 weeks without beetroot juice (D) and the second with 26 g/d of freeze-dried beetroot juice supplementation (D&J). The urine samples were collected one hour after the VO_2max test at B and after D and D&J. The meal before the VO_2max test after D&J contained beetroot juice, whereas to the meal at B and after D maltodextrin was added. Changes in metabolites and VO_2max were significant only for comparison of D versus D&J. During D and D&J, there were no significant changes in the physical activity level, body mass, and body composition. We observed significant changes in tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism, mainly associated with such neurotransmitter’s metabolism as: Serotonin, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Changes in signal intensity of bile acid, AICAR, and 4-Hydroxynonenal (peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids product) were also observed. The obtained results indicate that long-term beetroot juice supplementation induces considerable changes in metabolism.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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