Can You Take Beet Supplements With Amlodipine?

Quick Answer

There is no known specific interaction between beetroot supplements and amlodipine (generic for Norvasc).

However, both beetroot and amlodipine have the potential to lower blood pressure, so combining them could have additive effects, increasing the risk of side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

As always, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement or making changes to your medication regimen.

Detailed Answer

The combination of beetroot supplements and amlodipine, a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure, has not been extensively studied, and no specific interaction between the two has been noted as far as I can tell after a search through medical journals.

However, it's important to note that beetroot (and any dietary supplement containing beets) has been linked to lowering blood pressure since the nitrates present in beetroot are converted to nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax and widen blood vessels, which can lead to decreased blood pressure, at least as a short-term effect.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 randomized clinical trials showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by an average of 3.55 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased by 1.32 mm Hg in groups supplemented with beetroot juice compared to control groups.

The effects reported in this study were noted to be more pronounced with longer durations of supplementation (≥14 days) and higher doses of beetroot juice (500 mL/d).

So, the overall concern here is that combining amlodipine and beet supplements could have additive effects, potentially lowering blood pressure too much, which could cause side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness.

It should be noted that this is a theoretical interaction, simply based on the known effects of both amlodipine and beetroot. There certainly are situations where both can be taken together safely, just check with your doctor first as they know your medical situation best.

They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition, medications, and potential interactions.

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out! I hope I was able to provide the information you were looking for.