The Impact of Inorganic Nitrate-rich Beetroot Juice on Microvascular Blood Flow and Cognitive Function
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About
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Inorganic nitrate found in beetroot and green leafy vegetables has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors including reducing blood pressure and the stiffness of blood vessels by increasing levels of a compound called nitric oxide. Much of the research to date has focused on the large blood vessels, and little is known about the impact of inorganic nitrate on smaller blood vessels which could be related to cognitive function.
The majority of beneficial effects with inorganic nitrate have been observed within young healthy populations. However, it is known that after the menopause women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and have reduced levels of nitric oxide in their body; this could also contribute to the cognitive decline also observed post-menopause. This trial will investigate the impact of inorganic nitrate from beetroot juice on the blood flow in small blood vessels and on cognitive function in postmenopausal women. The hypothesis of the study is that the nitrate in beetroot juice will increase circulating nitric oxide that will then increase blood flow in small blood vessels and improve cognitive function.
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Inclusion criteria
- Apparently healthy post-menopausal women (age over 45)
- Able to understand information sheet and willing to comply with the study protocol and able to give informed consent
- Not having menstrual period for 12 months
Exclusion criteria
- Blood pressure <90/60 or > 140/90 mmHg
- Medical history of myocardial infarction, angina, thrombosis, stroke, cancer, high cholesterol, liver, renal, respiratory or bowel diseases or diabetes or other endocrine disorder
- BMI>30
- Any tobacco and/or nicotine users (or quit within the last 6 months)
- Current use of antihypertensive medication
- Alcohol intake > 14 units/week
- Vigorous exercise > 3 times/ week
- Antihypertensive medication users
- People who have had hysterectomy
- Currently taking hormone replacement therapy or selective oestrogen receptor modulator
Trial design
Primary purpose
Allocation
Interventional model
Masking
20 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group
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Data sourced from clinicaltrials.gov
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