Sabinsa Clinical Trial Links Sabeet to Improved Muscle Quality and Function in Postmenopausal Women

Sabinsa revealed that a new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the company’s nitrate-rich beetroot extract—Sabeet—in postmenopausal women has been published.¹ The findings, appearing in the journal Nutrients,² suggest that long-term supplementation may improve markers of muscle quality and neuromuscular performance in an aging population.

The 12-week study featured women aged 60 to 85 and assessed multiple endpoints, including muscle morphology, strength, rate of force development (RFD), and circulating nitrate and nitrite levels. Participants received a daily dose of 548 mg of nitrate from the standardized extract or a placebo.

Per the results, supplementation with Sabeet led to statistically significant improvements in muscle quality, as measured by ultrasound echo intensity, compared to placebo. These findings point to potential structural changes in muscle tissue, which may have implications for functional performance in older adults.

How Did Sabeet Impact Neuromuscular Performance?

In addition to improvements in muscle morphology, the study reported significant enhancements in neuromuscular performance, particularly in early- and late-phase RFD. This measure reflects how quickly a person can produce force, which is an important factor in activities such as balance correction and fall prevention.

Participants receiving the nitrate-rich extract demonstrated increased ability to quickly generate force, suggesting improved neuromuscular efficiency. These findings are particularly relevant for postmenopausal women, a population at increased risk for sarcopenia (age-related declines in muscle mass and function), reduced mobility, and falls.

Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director of Sabinsa and a co-author of the study, emphasized the functional relevance of these outcomes. “The improvements observed in both muscle composition and neuromuscular speed…are particularly relevant for supporting mobility, balance, and overall functional independence in postmenopausal women,” he noted.

What Role Does Nitric Oxide Play in These Outcomes?

The study also reported significant increases in circulating nitrate and nitrite levels in the Sabeet group, supporting the ingredient’s mechanism of action through nitric oxide (NO) pathways. Nitric oxide is a key signaling molecule involved in vascular function, muscle perfusion, and contractile efficiency.

By enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, dietary nitrate supplementation may improve blood flow to muscle tissue, supporting both structural and functional adaptations. In this study, these biochemical changes were sustained at both the 8-week and 12-week assessments, suggesting a durable effect over time.

The alignment between increased nitrate/nitrite levels and improvements in muscle and neuromuscular outcomes reinforces the role of NO-mediated pathways in supporting muscle health, particularly in aging populations.

Why is This Research Significant for Postmenopausal Health?

Being that postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for sarcopenia, these changes can lead to reduced mobility, increased fall risk, and diminished quality of life.

These study findings suggest that targeted nutritional interventions—such as nitrate-rich beetroot extract—may offer a practical strategy for addressing these challenges. Improvements in muscle quality and rapid force generation are especially important for maintaining independence and reducing injury risk in older adults.

The healthy aging category is increasingly focused on clinically substantiated ingredients that support mobility, strength, and overall functional health, rather than isolated outcomes. In this context, ingredients that demonstrate both structural and performance benefits may be particularly valuable for formulators.

What are the Implications for Product Development?

For formulators targeting aging populations, the study underscores the potential of nitrate-based ingredients in supporting muscle health and performance. Applications may extend across dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages aimed at mobility, active aging, and women’s health.

References

1. Peer-reviewed clinical trial shows Sabinsa’s Sabeet improves muscle quality and neuromuscular performance in postmenopausal women. Sabinsa. Published March 31, 2026. Accessed April 3, 2026. Press release received via email.

2. Ramos Junior OJF, de Souza Filho CA, Majeed S, Alvares TS. Long-term beetroot extract supplementation improves morphological muscle quality and rate of force development in postmenopausal women: A randomized clinical trial. Nutrients. 2026; 18(5):860. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18050860