Innovations in Beetroot Processing for Natural Medicine
The United States Patent and Trademark Office recently granted U.S. Patent 12714127, titled “Method of producing decolorized beet products and compositions produced therefrom.” This patent was filed by ThermoLife International, LLC and credits Ronald Kramer and Alexandros Nikolaidis as the inventors. The invention addresses a significant challenge in the nutritional supplement industry by providing a method to remove the intense red betalain pigments from beet liquid while preserving its high nutritional value. Beetroot is a prominent natural source of dietary nitrates, which are frequently used to support cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure, and enhance athletic performance. However, consuming standard beetroot products often leads to beeturia, a condition where the urine turns pink or red. This harmless side effect can cause severe anxiety for consumers and may mask the symptoms of more dangerous medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, liver or kidney failure, and rhabdomyolysis.
The patented method is highly innovative because it utilizes activated carbon combined with an acidification process to effectively extract these color-causing pigments, resulting in a clear, colorless beet juice or solid powder. This extraction method resolves a major practical hurdle in the natural-medicine sector, which is why it was named the patent of the month for the natural-medicine industry for September 2026. By eliminating the risk of beeturia, the invention greatly improves consumer compliance and overall safety. Athletes and patients can now consume therapeutic doses of dietary nitrates without the visual side effects that mimic bloody urine. This ensures that any actual urinary discoloration can be properly evaluated by medical professionals without interference from dietary artifacts.
Businesses seeking to commercialize the practical applications of this patent may be eligible to claim the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the United States. To qualify for this federal tax incentive, a company must engage in systematic experimentation designed to resolve specific technical uncertainties. For example, adapting the activated carbon decolorization process for large-scale commercial manufacturing would require extensive testing to optimize the pH levels, carbon ratios, and temperature controls necessary to maximize nitrate yield while completely eliminating the pigments. Additionally, developing stable delivery mechanisms for the decolorized beet liquid, such as incorporating it into new beverage formulations or converting it into a shelf-stable powder, involves iterative chemical analysis and prototype development. The expenses associated with these activities, including laboratory supplies, prototype testing, and the wages of engineers and researchers, could potentially qualify as eligible R&D expenditures under the U.S. tax code.
