Can you take total beets while on a statin?

Can beetroot products interfere with statins?
Beetroot juice and beet supplements are high in dietary nitrates, which help dilate blood vessels. Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG‑CoA reductase. The two substances act through different pathways and there is no strong evidence that nitrates change statin absorption or metabolism. Most clinicians consider beetroot products safe for people on statins. However, if you experience sudden dizziness or low blood pressure, consult your doctor because the vasodilatory effect of nitrates could add to the blood‑pressure‑lowering effect of some statins. [1]

What about muscle pain, a common statin side effect?
Beetroot has no known myotoxic properties, so it does not increase the risk of statin‑associated muscle aches. In fact, some athletes use beet juice to improve exercise performance, and no data suggest it worsens statin myopathy. If you develop new or worsening muscle pain after adding beetroot to your diet, report it promptly; the issue may be unrelated or due to another cause. [2]

Can beetroot help counteract statin side effects?
Beetroot contains antioxidants and can improve endothelial function, which may complement the vascular benefits of statins. A small number of studies suggest beetroot juice can lower blood pressure and improve exercise capacity, potentially offsetting mild statin‑induced hypotension. Nevertheless, beetroot is not a substitute for medication adherence, and you should not stop or change your statin dose based on beetroot use alone. [3]

How much beetroot is safe?
Moderation is key. A typical serving is 4–8 ounces of fresh beetroot juice daily. Most people tolerate this amount well while on statins. Excessive consumption could raise nitrate levels enough to cause hypotension or interfere with medications that also lower blood pressure. Talk to your pharmacist about safe limits if you are on multiple vasodilators.

Do manufacturers warn about the combination?
Currently, no major statin manufacturers list beetroot or beet products in their safety warnings. Some diet‑supplement companies note that high‑nitrate foods can interact with medications that affect blood pressure. Check the label of your beet supplement for any cautions.

Bottom line
There is no clear interaction between beetroot products and statins. You can generally add beetroot juice or beet supplements to a statin regimen, but monitor for changes in blood pressure or new muscle symptoms. If uncertain, discuss the addition with your healthcare provider.

Sources
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benefit/answer/faq-20214807
[2] https://www.drugs.com/side_effects/statins.html
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673829/