This study investigates the effect of dietary inorganic nitrate supplementation on 1) large elastic artery stiffness and hemodynamics and 2) cerebrovascular function in middle-aged and older adults. Participants will be randomized to consume either nitrate-containing or nitrate-depleted beetroot juice.
Reduced nitric oxide bioavailability with aging contributes in part to increased large central artery stiffness and cerebrovascular dysfunction. Large central artery stiffness is a risk factor for cognitive decline mediated in part by the development of cerebrovascular dysfunction. This study will investigate the degree to which improving nitric oxide bioavailability using dietary inorganic nitrate supplementation improves cerebrovascular function through reductions in large central artery stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
16
Experimental
Placebo
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Change in Carotid Artery Compliance in mm/mmHg x 10-1
Common carotid artery compliance measured by ultrasonography and applanation tonometry. Carotid compliance is the change in carotid diameter per change in carotid pulse pressure.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 hours following nitrate-depleted placebo beetroot juice or nitrate-containing beetroot juice
Change in Carotid Augmentation Index
Carotid Augmentation Index is calculated as the augmentation pressure divided by the pulse pressure, and expressed as a percentage. Higher augmentation index percentage is a worse outcome than lower percentage.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 hours following nitrate-depleted beetroot juice or nitrate-containing beetroot juice
Change in Carotid Pulse Pressure in mmHg
Carotid pulse pressure measured by carotid tonometry calibrated to brachial mean and diastolic pressure. Carotid pulse pressure is the difference between carotid systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
Time frame: Baseline and 2 hours following nitrate-depleted beetroot juice or nitrate-containing beetroot juice
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