Who Shouldn't Consume Beetroot? Understanding the Risks

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While celebrated as a superfood, beetroot can pose risks for certain individuals due to its specific nutritional compounds. The reasons for who shouldn't consume beetroot extend beyond the simple, harmless side effect of red-colored urine known as beeturia, touching on serious health concerns.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines potential health risks associated with beetroot intake, detailing why people with kidney stones, low blood pressure, certain digestive issues, or allergies should be cautious or avoid it.

Key Points

Kidney Stone Risk: Due to high oxalate content, individuals prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones should limit their beetroot intake.
Blood Pressure Drop: People with naturally low blood pressure or those on hypertension medication should be cautious, as nitrates in beetroot can lower blood pressure further.
Digestive Distress: Beets contain FODMAPs (fructans), which can cause gas, bloating, and other discomforts for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or sensitive guts.
Iron Overload Precautions: Individuals with conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) should be cautious with excessive beetroot consumption.
Infant Hazard: Beetroot is not recommended for infants under 12 months due to a high risk of nitrate poisoning.
Allergy Awareness: While rare, allergic reactions to beetroot can occur, with symptoms ranging from rashes to difficulty breathing.

Health Conditions Requiring Beetroot Caution

Individuals Prone to Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones

Beetroot is a high-oxalate food, and for people with a history of or a predisposition to calcium oxalate kidney stones, excessive intake can be problematic. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that can bind with calcium in the kidneys to form solid crystals. For those with increased oxalate excretion, limiting high-oxalate foods is often recommended. While the amount of oxalate is higher in the beet greens, the root itself is still considered high.

To mitigate this risk, consider the following:

Moderation is key. Limit daily intake, especially of beetroot juice, and consult a doctor.
Pair with calcium-rich foods. Consuming beets with a source of calcium (like yogurt or cheese) can help the oxalate bind to the calcium in the gut before it reaches the kidneys.
Boil your beets. Boiling beets is an effective way to reduce their oxalate content, as the compounds are water-soluble.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute urine and flush out excess oxalates, regardless of your intake.

People with Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Beetroot is well-known for its blood pressure-lowering effects, which is a major benefit for those with hypertension. However, this can be dangerous for people who already have low blood pressure. The nitrates in beets are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure. For individuals with hypotension, this can lead to an even more significant drop, causing symptoms such as:

Dizziness and lightheadedness
Fainting
Nausea
Fatigue

Those taking medication for high blood pressure should also be cautious, as the combined effect could lower blood pressure too much. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts of beetroot into your diet if you are on such medication.

Those with Sensitive Digestive Systems or IBS

Beets contain fructans, a type of fermentable carbohydrate known as a FODMAP. For individuals with sensitive digestive systems, particularly those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), consuming FODMAPs can trigger unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. The high fiber content in beetroot can also cause issues if your system is not used to it, leading to cramping and digestive distress.

If you have digestive sensitivities, try these tips:

Introduce gradually: Start with small, cooked portions of beetroot and increase slowly to see how your body reacts.
Opt for cooked beets: Cooked beets have lower fructan levels than raw beets, making them gentler on the gut.
Portion control: Keep serving sizes small to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.

A Comparison of Beetroot Intake Risks


Condition	Primary Risk Factor	Reason	How to Mitigate Risk
Kidney Stones	High Oxalate Content	Oxalates can bind with calcium and form stones in susceptible individuals.	Boil beets, pair with calcium-rich foods, and stay hydrated.
Low Blood Pressure	Dietary Nitrates	Nitrates convert to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.	Avoid excessive intake; consult a doctor if on blood pressure medication.
IBS / Digestive Issues	FODMAPs (Fructans) and High Fiber	Fructans can cause gas and bloating; high fiber can trigger discomfort if introduced too quickly.	Consume cooked beets in small, gradual portions; moderate overall intake.
Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis)	Iron and Copper Content	Excessive consumption may contribute to metal accumulation in individuals with existing conditions.	Restrict or avoid excessive intake, especially in supplement form.
Infants (<12 months)	High Nitrate Content	Risk of methemoglobinemia, a form of oxygen deprivation, in very young infants.	Do not feed beetroot to infants under 12 months.

Rare Allergic Reactions

Although uncommon, beetroot allergies can occur. Symptoms can include skin reactions (rashes, hives), swelling, and respiratory issues like difficulty breathing. Anyone experiencing severe allergic reactions should seek immediate medical attention.

Infants Under 12 Months

Infants under one year of age should not be given beetroot due to its high concentration of nitrates. In infants, nitrates can interfere with the body's ability to carry oxygen, a condition known as methemoglobinemia, which is potentially very dangerous.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

For most people, beetroot is a safe and highly nutritious addition to a healthy diet. However, for specific individuals with pre-existing conditions, awareness and moderation are key. By understanding the potential downsides, such as those relating to kidney stones, blood pressure, and digestive health, you can make an informed decision about your intake. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice, especially if you have a chronic health condition or are considering a significant dietary change involving beetroot or its supplements. This ensures you can enjoy its benefits without risking your well-being. For more information on managing kidney stones, consider visiting the National Kidney Foundation's guidelines on prevention, which emphasize hydration and dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for individuals with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones, the high oxalate content in beets can increase the risk of stone formation.

Beetroot contains nitrates that help lower blood pressure. For those with hypotension, this can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.

FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger digestive distress in sensitive individuals, such as those with IBS. Beets contain fructans, a type of FODMAP, that can cause bloating and gas.

Yes, boiling beets is an effective way to reduce their oxalate levels, as the compounds are water-soluble.

In normal food amounts, beetroot is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, excessive intake should be moderated, and supplements should be avoided unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Yes. Since beetroot lowers blood pressure, it can potentially amplify the effects of blood pressure medication. Consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of beetroot if you are on such medication.

To reduce digestive discomfort, opt for cooked beets instead of raw ones and introduce them into your diet in small, gradual portions. Pickled beets are also gentler on the gut.

Beeturia is the harmless condition of pink or red-colored urine or stool after eating beetroot, caused by the pigment betanin. It is not a cause for medical concern unless it persists after you've stopped consuming beets.