7 Side Effects Of Drinking Beetroot Juice In Excess

Beetroot juice is mostly consumed as part of a healthy diet and has many benefits. But are you aware of the side effects of beetroot juice? For instance, beetroot is high in oxalates, which bind with calcium and may trigger the formation of kidney stones in vulnerable individuals (1).

Accumulation of metal ions in the liver is also associated with excess consumption of beetroot (2).

Does this mean you should completely avoid this nutritious food? No – but having it in moderation and noting the ill effects may help minimize the risk. Continue reading to know further about the side effects of beetroot juice and how you can prevent them.

What Are The Side Effects Of Beetroot Juice?

1. Might Cause Beeturia

Beeturia is characterized by the discoloration of urine following the intake of beets or foods colored with beetroots. Urine may range from pink to deep red, and this condition could be prevalent in about 14% of the population and have increased frequency in those with iron deficiency (3).

A study conducted on eight individuals showed that the intake of beetroot juice supplements could lead to beeturia in all but one individual (4).

For the majority, beeturia happens to be a harmless phenomenon that resolves on its own once the individual reduces the intake of beet/beet juice (3).

2. May Increase Kidney Stone Risk

According to Clinical Nutrition Research, beets are rich in oxalate and may contribute to stone formation (1). If you already have stones, your doctor might recommend you to stop or reduce beetroot/beetroot juice consumption.

There are four types of kidney stones, with calcium being the most common of all. The mineral can combine with other substances, especially oxalate, and form a stone.

Beetroot is high in oxalate and can directly contribute to kidney stones. It increases urinary oxalate excretion, which can lead to the development of calcium oxalate stones (1).

3. May Cause Anaphylaxis

Though rare, beetroot may cause anaphylaxis, which is an acute allergic reaction to an allergen to which the body has become hypersensitive.

In a study, a young girl complained of urticaria (red rashes on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes leading to dangerous swelling) and asthma after ingesting boiled beetroot (5). The girl also experienced hives, throat tightness, and bronchospasm. She has advised a diet free of beetroot, and she had no symptoms again (5).

4. May Cause Colored Stools

Beetroot (and foods with red coloring) may cause stools to appear reddish (6).

There is some evidence that beetroot may also cause black and tarry stools due to the presence of altered blood (7).

Dark and tarry stools could also be a symptom of beeturia. You may want to visit your doctor and discuss your recent dietary choices and history of similar events (3).

5. May Cause A Stomach Upset

Beetroot contains nitrates*. According to a publication by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, exposure to high levels of nitrates may lead to abdominal cramps (8).

The juice may also cause stomach problems in some people (9).

*Beetroot and certain other foods contain nitrates, which are converted to nitrites upon ingestion.

6. May Cause Problems During Pregnancy

The nitrates in beets may cause a problem here. Pregnant women are more sensitive to the effects of nitrate. This can be attributed to the natural increase of methemoglobin levels in the blood during the later stage of pregnancy.

Excess nitrate can lead to methemoglobinemia (elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood), causing symptoms like lack of energy, headache, dizziness, blue-gray coloration of skin around the eyes, mouth, lips, hands, and feet (10).

Though most epidemiological studies of pregnant women having elevated nitrate levels in their groundwater did not show any negative effects on their offspring, one study found an association between dietary nitrates and an increase in neural tube defects (10).

7. Might Harm The Liver

Studies suppose that extreme intake of table beetroot may cause several disturbances not only in healthy patients but also in those dealing with metal-accumulating diseases (2).

Excess intake of the veggie can cause the accumulation of metal ions in the liver (2).

How Much Of Beetroot Juice Is Too Much?

There are limited research and no official recommendation regarding the safe dosage of beetroot juice. Hence, it is best to consult with your doctor.

A Note On SuperBeets

SuperBeets is a popular health supplement that allegedly lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. It is made of beetroots that are dehydrated into crystals.

There only is one study about SuperBeets, and concrete evidence on its efficacy to lower blood pressure is lacking. The supplement may lower blood pressure levels, but more research is warranted (11).

Most testimonials from people state that the supplement can lower blood pressure levels. However, certain others reported no benefits. Exact information on SuperBeets is lacking.

If you are vulnerable to the side effects of beetroot juice, the supplement could do more harm than good. Hence, it is imperative to discuss this with your doctor.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over... more

Ariana Fiorita

(Registered Dietitian Nutritionist)

Ariana is a Registered Dietitian specializing in functional medicine and sports nutrition in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She holds a... more