Beetroot
Beetroot is a nutrient-rich root vegetable known for its naturally high levels of dietary nitrates, betalain pigments, folate, potassium and polyphenols. Its distinctive combination of plant compounds has made beetroot particularly popular in formulas for circulation, cardiovascular health and exercise performance.
The deep red-purple colour comes from betalains, antioxidant pigments that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Nitrates, Nitric Oxide and Circulation
Beetroot is one of the richest dietary sources of nitrate.
After consumption, nitrate is converted first into nitrite and then into nitric oxide, a signalling molecule that helps blood vessels relax and widen. This process supports healthy blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
For this reason, beetroot is widely used to support circulation and healthy blood pressure, particularly alongside regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet.
Exercise, Stamina and Oxygen Use
The nitric oxide pathway has also made beetroot popular in sports nutrition.
Improved blood flow can help working muscles receive oxygen more efficiently, while dietary nitrate may reduce the amount of oxygen required during certain forms of exercise. This has been linked with improvements in endurance, stamina and exercise efficiency.
Beetroot is therefore commonly used before training or physical activity, particularly for endurance-focused exercise.
Betalains and Antioxidant Support
Beetroot's betalain pigments provide antioxidant activity in addition to giving the vegetable its intense colour.
Antioxidants help protect cells against excessive oxidative stress generated through normal metabolism, ageing and strenuous exercise. Beetroot also contains vitamin C and other polyphenols that contribute to this wider antioxidant profile.
Its combination of circulation support and antioxidant compounds makes beetroot particularly useful in formulas aimed at cardiovascular health, physical performance and recovery.
Folate, Potassium and Everyday Nutrition
Beetroot also provides useful amounts of folate and potassium.
Folate is involved in DNA synthesis, cell division and normal red blood cell formation, while potassium contributes to normal muscle function, nerve signalling and fluid balance.
Together with beetroot's nitrates and plant antioxidants, these nutrients give it broader nutritional value beyond sports performance alone.
Beetroot for Pets
Beetroot can also be used in nutritional formulas for dogs and cats as a source of plant antioxidants, fibre and naturally occurring micronutrients.
In small, appropriate amounts it can contribute to digestive health, antioxidant defence and general nutritional variety, particularly when combined with quality animal protein, healthy fats and other whole-food ingredients. As with most plant ingredients in pet nutrition, it works best as one part of a properly balanced formulation rather than as a major component of the diet.
Beetroot in O2B Products
At O2B Healthy, beetroot is included in O2B K9+ Lite and O2B Feline+ Lite as part of formulas supporting healthy weight, energy and metabolic function. It is also used in O2B K9+ Octane, where beetroot powder complements ingredients such as D-ribose, creatine, BCAAs, L-carnitine and CoQ10 to support circulation, cellular energy, stamina, antioxidant defence and physical performance in active and working dogs.