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Betalains

Betalains are a group of reddish pigments found in some fruits where the red anthocyanin compounds (such as pelargonidin) are replaced with betalains; a major component of beetroot, it can dye the urine a reddish tint.

Our evidence-based analysis on betalains features 23 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Things to Note

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Beet pigments, Betalain, betanin, betanidin, phyllocactin, indicaxanthin, hylocerenin, 2', O-Apiosylphyllocactin,

Do Not Confuse With

Betain (different molecule also in beets), Nitrate (also in beets), Beetroot (a major plant source)

Caution Notice

Ingestion of betalains can color the feces and urine red (medically benign)

  • Betalain consumption (particularly from beets) can color both the urine and feces red, leading to misdiagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and colon damage if assessed by the naked eye; similarly, frequent consumption of beets may be able to 'mask' the main symptom of rhabdomyolysis which is blood in the urine

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Research Breakdown on Betalains

1Sources and Structure

1.1Sources

1.2Structure

1.3Physicochemical Properties

2Pharmacology

2.1Absorption

2.2Serum

2.3Elimination

2.4Phase II Enzyme Interactions

3Cardiovascular Health

3.1Red Blood Cells

3.2Atherosclerosis

4Interactions with Oxidation

4.1General

4.2DNA Damage

5Peripheral Organ Systems

5.1Intestines

6Safety and Toxicology

6.1False Positives
Click here to see all 23 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 23 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Betalains.

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