CompletedPhase 3ACTRN12620000081910

Effects of short-term and prolonged supplementation of beetroot juice on cardiovascular and cognitive function and mood of healthy older compared to younger adults

The effects of acute and chronic nitrate supplementation, of beetroot juice, on cognition, mood and cardiovascular responses in younger (18-30) versus older adults (50-80).

Sponsor

Massey University

Enrollment

48 participants

Start Date

Jan 6, 2018

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

High Blood Pressure

Summary

In today's society, rates of disease and age-related dysfunction continue to grow at a rapid speed. This has led to an increased interest in the use of food-based supplements such as beetroot juice. Beetroot juice contains nitrate and has been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular function and improve exercise performance. Furthermore, recent evidence has indicated that increased nitric oxide (the bio-active form of nitrate) may have effects on increased blood flow to the brain leading to improved cognition and mood in older adults. However, research in this area is limited and few studies have looked at the prolonged effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation when comparing younger and older adults. Overall aim: Therefore the aims of this studies are to examine the effects of acute and chronic nitrate supplementation, from beetroot juice, on cognition, mood and cardiovascular responses in younger (18-30) versus older adults (50-80). Secondly, to investigate the potential mechanisms behind these effects.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 80 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria4

Between the ages of 18 - 30y or 50 - 80y
Able to cycle for approximately 20 min
Healthy individuals
Non-smokers

Exclusion Criteria3

Advanced/elite athletes (someone who trains more than four times per week constantly for their sport and competes at a high level)
Taking blood pressure medication
Smokers

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Interventions

Beetroot intervention: One bottle (250ml) of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (10.5 mmol nitrate) consumed once daily for 28 days. Intervention adherence will be controlled for by having participants ret

Beetroot intervention: One bottle (250ml) of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (10.5 mmol nitrate) consumed once daily for 28 days. Intervention adherence will be controlled for by having participants return all empty bottle to the head researcher who will double-check labelling and number. In total participants will complete 5 trials: a familiarisation trial, a cycle trial, and three supplementation trials. The familiarisation and cycle trial will occur within two weeks of each other and at least 2 days apart to ensure they are still familiar with tests and that they are not still fatigue from the familiarisation trial. The cycle trial and first supplementation trial will be separated by one week and the 3 supplementation trials will occur on day 1, 14 and 28 of supplementation. The familiarisation trial will be used to familiarise the participant with the procedures and equipment, and an incremental cycle test will be completed at the end to work out their work rate max and set the amount of work required for them to complete in the cycle test for the next 4 trials (this is based on 75% of their max for 20min). During the cycle trial baseline measures of blood pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure (USCOM 1A) cognitive function, cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy, perceptual and mood tests were completed (Noted somewhere practice measure how to state). This was followed by the exercise test which was a work done time trial on the cycle (complete a predetermined work as fast as possible). For the supplementation trials, prior to consumption of the beverage, baseline measures will be completed as above followed by a collection of a resting blood sample. Participants then consumed the allocated drink with breakfast and remain in the laboratory for a 2.25 h absorption period. After 2.25 h, the aforementioned measurements were repeated prior to commencing the exercise protocol which will be that same cycle as the in the cycle trial. Following the completion of the cycle test baseline measures of blood pressure, heart rate, perceptual and mood tests, and blood sample were repeated.