

Whilst awareness of NO 3 supplementation is now increasing, it is not clear if its effects are age-dependent. Beetroot juice is a convenient source of NO 3, especially compared to whole-food sources, and is now considered a key research area in this field. NO 3 is found in vegetables, and beetroot appears to be a rich source. Thus, supplementation is considered as a promising new avenue in the pursuit of non-pharmacological cardiovascular treatments. Nitrate (NO 3) was once considered an inert product of NO metabolism, however it is now understood to possess physiological properties, being reduced enzymatically to produce NO. NO is produced by enzymes called NO synthases, however NO can also be produced via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. NO is a paracrine signalling molecule that regulates blood vessel tone. Endothelial dysfunction is treatable, particularly by modulating the supply of NO via dietary and pharmacological factors. Endothelial dysfunction is a precursor for chronic disease, typified by reduced nitric oxide (NO) supply, an imbalance in the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors, and impaired angiogenesis. This is known as endothelial dysfunction, which is characterised by reduced vasodilation, increased inflammation, and thrombosis.

Dosage and timing regimens for supplemental beetroot juice should be avenues for further inquiry.Īgeing is an important risk factor in cardiovascular disease, can lead to arterial stiffening, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and the deterioration of the endothelium. Conclusionsīeetroot juice had no effect on blood pressure or microvascular endothelial function in young and older individuals. Beetroot juice had no effect on blood pressure in either group nor on microcirculatory endothelial function. Levels remained elevated at 24 h post consumption in younger participants only ( P = 0.02). Urinary NO 3 increased 3 h following ingestion in both groups, ( P = 0.02). Treatments and methods were well tolerated, and no adverse events were reported. Blood pressure, microvascular function (via Laser Doppler Flowmetry LDF) and urinary NO 3 were assessed, and the effects of NO 3 supplementation on cardiovascular parameters were compared between participants and conditions using mixed-design ANOVA. Participants were stratified by age (18–35 and ≥55 years) and consumed a single dose beetroot juice (providing 6.4 mmol NO 3) or NO 3-depleted beetroot juice. Subjects/MethodsĢ5 individuals participated in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. To compare the effects of supplemental inorganic nitrate (NO 3) on microvascular endothelial function and blood pressure in younger vs.
