Potential Side Effects of Taking Total Beets: What You Need to Know

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While beetroot and supplements like Total Beets are celebrated for boosting nitric oxide and supporting heart health, consuming large amounts can increase the risk of side effects. For most people, these effects are mild and manageable, but it is important to be aware of the full spectrum of potential reactions.

Quick Summary

Taking a Total Beets supplement can lead to side effects such as beeturia and digestive upset. More serious risks include kidney stone formation and low blood pressure, especially in sensitive individuals. Always consult a doctor before beginning supplementation.

Key Points

Beeturia is harmless: The pink or red coloration of urine and stools is a benign, temporary effect of beet pigments and not a sign of a serious issue.
Start with a small dose: To minimize digestive side effects like gas and bloating, begin with a low dose and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
Mind your blood pressure: If you have low blood pressure or take medication for hypertension, consult a doctor before taking Total Beets, as it can lower blood pressure.
Kidney stone risk: Individuals prone to kidney stones should be cautious with beetroot supplements due to their high oxalate content.
Monitor for allergies: Though rare, be aware of signs of an allergic reaction, such as rashes or throat tightness, and discontinue use if they appear.
Consult a professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Understanding Total Beets and Its Mechanism

Total Beets is a supplement formulated with beetroot powder and extract, designed to boost the body's natural nitric oxide production. Nitrates found in beets are converted into nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels, improve circulation, and support heart health. While this mechanism is beneficial for many, it also underlies most of the potential side effects associated with beetroot supplements.

Common and Benign Side Effects

Some of the most frequently reported side effects are not harmful but can be alarming if you are not expecting them.

Beeturia: Pink or Red Urine

Perhaps the most well-known side effect of consuming beetroot is beeturia, a condition that causes urine to appear pink or red. This is due to the deep red pigment called betalain, which is not fully broken down by some individuals. This temporary discoloration is not a cause for concern, though some research suggests it may be more common in those with an iron deficiency.

Colored Stools

In addition to urine, beetroot's potent pigments can also cause stools to turn a reddish or black color. Like beeturia, this is a harmless and temporary effect of the betalain pigments passing through the digestive system. If you have concerns about blood in your stool, it is best to stop taking the supplement for a couple of days and see if the discoloration disappears.

Digestive System Reactions

Some people may experience gastrointestinal issues, especially when first starting a beetroot supplement.

Gas, Bloating, and Cramping

Beetroot contains fructans, which are short-chain carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. Some individuals, particularly those with a sensitive stomach or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have difficulty digesting FODMAPs. This can lead to increased gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. For sensitive individuals, starting with a smaller dose may help the digestive system adjust.

Stomach Upset and Diarrhea

For those not accustomed to a high-fiber diet, the sudden introduction of a beetroot supplement can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. This is often a temporary effect as the body adjusts to the increased fiber intake.

More Serious Health Considerations

While less common, some side effects are more serious and warrant attention, especially for individuals with certain health conditions.

Kidney Stone Risk

Beets contain high levels of oxalates, natural compounds that can bind with calcium and form kidney stones in susceptible individuals. If you have a history of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, or are otherwise at risk, you should consult a doctor before taking Total Beets or other beetroot supplements.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

One of the primary benefits of Total Beets is its ability to lower blood pressure due to its high nitrate content. However, for individuals who already have low blood pressure or are on blood pressure medication, this effect can be dangerous. A sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. It is critical to speak with a healthcare provider if you are taking blood pressure medication.

Potential for Liver Strain

Excessive consumption of beets can lead to an accumulation of metal ions like copper and iron in the liver. While this is primarily a concern with very high intake over a long period, those with existing liver conditions or high levels of these metals should exercise caution.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to beetroot. Symptoms can range from mild skin rashes and hives to more severe reactions like throat tightness or anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Certain ingredients and processes related to supplements carry their own risks.

Contamination with Heavy Metals

Some beetroot powders may contain heavy metals like cadmium, depending on the sourcing and processing. It is important to purchase from reputable brands like Force Factor, which produce Total Beets, to minimize this risk. Always read labels and be aware of potential contaminants.

Risk of NOC Formation

Excessive intake of nitrates, especially from supplements, could theoretically lead to the formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which may have carcinogenic potential. While the evidence is not conclusive and more research is needed, this is another reason to adhere to recommended dosages and not overdo supplementation.

Comparison of Benefits and Potential Risks

Here's a quick look at the trade-offs involved in taking Total Beets:


Aspect	Benefits	Potential Risks
Cardiovascular	Enhanced blood flow, lower blood pressure, improved circulation	Dangerously low blood pressure for those with hypotension or on medication
Athletic Performance	Increased stamina, endurance, and energy	None at recommended doses, potential risk with excessive consumption
Digestive Health	Good source of fiber for regular bowel movements	Gas, bloating, and cramping due to FODMAPs for sensitive individuals
Nutrient Intake	Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants	Accumulation of metal ions in the liver with excessive intake
General Health	Anti-inflammatory effects	Kidney stone formation due to high oxalate content in predisposed individuals

Conclusion

While Total Beets offers compelling benefits for heart health, athletic performance, and circulation, it is not without potential side effects. Most reactions, such as beeturia and mild digestive issues, are harmless and temporary. However, more serious risks like kidney stones and dangerous drops in blood pressure are possible, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions or on medication. Moderation is key to safely enjoying the advantages of beetroot supplementation. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Total Beets or any new supplement into your regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health profile. For more information, you can read articles published by trusted health sources like Medical News Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beeturia is the harmless phenomenon of pink or red urine and stools after consuming beetroot or supplements like Total Beets. It is not dangerous and is caused by the natural betalain pigments in beets.

Yes, Total Beets can cause digestive problems like gas, bloating, and cramping in some people. This is often due to the high fiber content and FODMAPs (fructans) in beets, and it is more common in individuals with sensitive stomachs or IBS.

Individuals with a history of kidney stones should be cautious due to the oxalate content. People with low blood pressure or who take blood pressure medication should also consult a doctor first, as the supplement can lower blood pressure.

Excessive intake of beetroot can potentially cause the accumulation of certain metal ions in the liver. This is mainly a concern with very high, long-term consumption, and moderation is key.

Allergic reactions to beetroot are rare but possible. Signs include rashes, hives, or swelling. If you experience these symptoms, especially difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.

Yes, Total Beets may interact with blood pressure medication due to its nitrate content, which can further lower blood pressure. You must consult a doctor if you are on any medication for hypertension.

You can start with a smaller dose to allow your body to adjust, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Always follow the recommended dosage on the product label and consult your healthcare provider if side effects persist.

Some beetroot powders have been found to contain heavy metals like cadmium, depending on the growing conditions. It is important to choose reputable brands like Force Factor that test for quality to minimize this risk.