Evaluating the Impact of Various Dietary Nitrate Supplements on Oral Health
This study is investigating how different beetroot nitrate supplements impact the health of your mouth. Researchers want to see if these supplements, given as either juice or freeze-dried crystals, can change things like the acidity (pH) of your spit and the types of germs living in your mouth. They will compare these to a dummy supplement that doesn't contain nitrate. The study also aims to understand how easy it is for people to use these supplements every day. Healthy adults aged 18 to 65 will take part for four weeks, providing saliva samples and answering questions. This will help us learn more about dietary nitrates and oral health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your mouth as its own little world, full of tiny living things. This study wants to explore how certain foods might help keep that world healthy. Specifically, researchers are interested in something called 'dietary nitrate,' which is found naturally in vegetables like beetroot. They want to find out if taking beetroot supplements, either as a juice or in a crystal form, can improve your oral health.
To do this, they’ll compare these beetroot supplements to a 'placebo.' A placebo is like a dummy treatment – it looks and tastes the same as the real supplement but doesn't contain the active ingredient. This helps researchers know for sure if any changes they see are due to the beetroot or something else. They’ll be looking at things like the balance of germs in your mouth and how acidic your spit is, as these can affect your overall oral health.
The main goal is to understand if these beetroot supplements can make a positive difference and how easy they are for people to include in their daily routine. The findings could potentially offer new ways to support mouth health in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates how beetroot nitrate supplements might improve mouth health.
- It compares beetroot juice, beetroot crystals, and a dummy (placebo) supplement.
- Participation involves taking a daily supplement for four weeks and providing saliva samples.
- Researchers are looking at changes in mouth germs and spit acidity.
- The study helps understand how easily these supplements fit into daily life.
- Your involvement contributes to new knowledge about diet and oral health.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for healthy adults between 18 and 65 years old. You should not have any long-term health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or stomach problems. You also shouldn't have any current mouth diseases or be using braces or dentures.
To be eligible, you can't be a smoker or drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. You also shouldn't have taken antibiotics in the last three months, or be using certain medications or supplements that might affect your mouth, such as strong mouthwashes. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, this study isn't for you. Also, if you have any allergies to food, including beetroot, or are on a strict diet or have an eating disorder, you won't be able to join.
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 65 years old?
- Are you generally healthy with no long-term medical conditions or current mouth problems?
- Do you avoid smoking and drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week?
- Have you avoided antibiotics in the last three months, and do you not use strong mouthwashes or certain other medications?
- Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant?
- Do you not have any food allergies, including to beetroot, and are not on a strict diet or have an eating disorder?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be randomly put into one of three groups. This means you won't choose which type of supplement you get; it's decided by chance. For four weeks, you'll take a supplement daily – it will either be beetroot juice, beetroot crystals, or a dummy beetroot juice with no nitrate.
Throughout the study, you'll be asked to provide spit (saliva) samples and swabs from your tongue before you start and again at the end. You'll also fill out some questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study. During the second week, you'll need to collect a spit sample at home on three days in a row. The total duration of your active participation, taking the supplement and providing samples, will be four weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE2 4HHVerified postcodeNewcastle, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'dietary nitrate'?
Dietary nitrate is a natural compound found in many vegetables, especially leafy greens and beetroot, which some people believe can be good for health.
What is a 'placebo'?
A placebo is a dummy treatment that looks and tastes like the real thing but doesn't contain any active ingredients. It helps researchers compare effects.
Will I know which supplement group I'm in?
No, you won't know if you're getting the beetroot juice, crystals, or the placebo. This is to ensure the results are unbiased.
How long will I need to take the supplement?
You will be asked to take the assigned supplement for a total of four weeks.
What does 'oral microbiome' mean?
It refers to all the tiny germs, like bacteria, that live naturally in your mouth. They play an important role in your oral health.
How to find out more
Shatha Alhulaefi
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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