Evaluation of Adding Nitrate Into Foods for Regulating Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Healthy Individuals
Scientists want to see if adding nitrate, an ingredient found naturally in leafy green vegetables and beetroot, to everyday foods like cereal bars, porridge, and biscuits can help keep our blood pressure healthy. Currently, some people use concentrated beetroot juice or nitrate capsules, but these can be costly or not suit everyone's taste. This research aims to find safe and affordable ways to get more nitrate into our diets, especially since many adults with high blood pressure live in countries where expensive supplements aren't an option. The study will involve healthy volunteers trying these specially made foods and having their blood pressure and other body levels checked to see the effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You know how eating lots of green leafy veggies and beetroot is good for you? That's partly because they contain something called nitrate. Our bodies can turn this nitrate into a helpful molecule called nitric oxide, which plays a role in keeping our blood vessels healthy and our blood pressure in check.
At the moment, some people take special concentrated beetroot juice or nitrate capsules to get more nitrate. But these can be expensive, often contain a lot of sugar, and not everyone enjoys the taste. This study is exploring a new idea: what if we could add nitrate to everyday foods like biscuits, porridge, and cereal bars? This could make it easier and more affordable for people to get the benefits of nitrate.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have teamed up with a food company to create these nitrate-enriched foods. This study will check if eating these specially prepared foods can increase nitric oxide levels in healthy people and help lower their blood pressure. It's a step towards finding practical and tasty ways to support heart health through diet.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new way to get health benefits from nitrate.
- It tests nitrate-fortified everyday foods like biscuits, porridge, and cereal bars.
- The goal is to find affordable and tasty ways to improve heart health and blood pressure.
- Participants will be healthy volunteers aged 18-60.
- You'll visit the clinic seven times for checks and food tastings.
- The research aims to benefit many people, especially in low-income countries.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy volunteer between 18 and 60 years old. You must be willing to understand and follow the study instructions.
You cannot join if you have any serious or long-term health problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, or if you take regular medication (apart from the contraceptive pill). You also can't take part if you are pregnant or think you might be, or if you've recently had a serious infection. We're also looking for people who don't regularly use mouthwash or antibiotics, and who haven't used nitrate supplements recently. If you smoke, vape, or have a history of significant alcohol or drug use, or certain oral health conditions, you won't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Are you generally healthy with no long-term illnesses?
- Do you currently take any regular medicine (excluding the contraceptive pill)? (If yes, you may not be eligible)
- Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant? (If yes, you are not eligible)
- Do you smoke or vape? (If yes, you are not eligible)
- Have you recently used strong mouthwash, antibiotics, or nitrate supplements? (If yes, you might not be eligible)
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will visit the clinic seven times. On your first visit, your blood pressure will be checked, and we'll collect samples of your blood, urine, and spit (saliva). Then, you'll be given one of the special nitrate-enriched foods (biscuits, porridge, or a cereal bar) to eat.
After eating the food, your blood pressure will be checked several times over the next four hours. We'll also collect more blood, urine, and saliva samples at different times during this period. You'll then return to the clinic 24 hours later for one final check of your blood pressure and to provide more samples. During the study, you will try all three different nitrate-enriched foods in a mixed-up (randomised) order across your visits, making sure you get about the same amount of nitrate each time. The study will take place at the Clinical Research Centre at Queen Mary University of London.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Centre for Cardiovascular Medicines and Devices, Queen Mary University of LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is nitrate and why is it important?
Nitrate is a natural substance found in vegetables like beetroot and leafy greens. Your body can turn it into nitric oxide, which helps keep your blood vessels healthy and blood pressure regulated.
What kind of foods will I be eating in the study?
You'll be trying specially prepared biscuits, porridge, and cereal bars that have nitrate added to them. They're all oat-based foods.
How many times will I need to visit the clinic?
You'll need to visit the clinic seven times in total for this study.
Will I have to take any medication?
No, you won't be given any medication as part of this study. You'll just be eating the specially prepared foods.
Who is running this study?
This study is being run by a team at Queen Mary University of London, with support from a food manufacturer.
How to find out more
Amrita Ahluwalia, BSc PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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