None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Beetroot juice consumption has been shown to improve exercise performance, cognition, and cardiovascular function. NZ soil is conducive to growing high-nutrient-containing fruits and vegetables e.g. blackcurrants, blueberries, kiwifruit – all of which have been shown to enhance exercise performance and/or aid in recovery from exercise. Beet-It, the most popular commercially available beetroot juice drink, is grown in the UK; however, no research has compared consumption of NZ vs. UK beetroot juice for exercise performance, cognition, and cardiovascular function. The aim of this study is to compare exercise and cognitive performance, as well as cardiovascular function, following 7 days’ supplementation with NZ beetroot juice relative to supplementation with beetroot juice from the UK. We hypothesise that there will be no difference between supplementation with NZ or UK beetroot juice on cycling performance; both beetroot juice trials will provide better performance than placebo.
Interventions
The UKvNZ is a randomized controlled crossover trial designed to compare the benefits of juice from beetroot grown in NZ and UK following 7 days’ supplementation on exercise, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular function. Participants will come to the lab for four trials namely, familiarization trial, placebo, UK beetroot juice, and NZ beetroot juice trial.
During the familiarization trial participants will provide blood sample using venipuncture (baseline plasma nitrite/nitrate) and comp
The UKvNZ is a randomized controlled crossover trial designed to compare the benefits of juice from beetroot grown in NZ and UK following 7 days’ supplementation on exercise, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular function. Participants will come to the lab for four trials namely, familiarization trial, placebo, UK beetroot juice, and NZ beetroot juice trial. During the familiarization trial participants will provide blood sample using venipuncture (baseline plasma nitrite/nitrate) and complete the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test. After a 15min rest, they will complete a familiarization of the 4-km cycling time trial. Participants will undertake 6 days’ supplementation after the familiarization trial (with one of the three drinks: placebo, UK beetroot juice drink or NZ beetroot juice drink) for each trial; on the 7th day, will be asked to come into the lab fasted. Participants will provide a finger prick blood sample and will consume breakfast and then undergo baseline tests. Participants will then consume assigned supplement and will wait for 2.5 h before completing the 120-minute cycling exercise at 70% of VO2max. This will be followed by the 4-km cycling time trial followed by the 4-km cycling time trial test. The test beverage will also be provided 60 min into the 120-minute exercise test. Outcome measures will be taken before, during and after the time trial. There will be a 7 days’ washout period after each trial. Female participants taking contraceptive pills will be able to come in for the main trial during days 3-7 of their placebo; those not taking any contraceptives will be required to come during the early follicular phase (days 3-7); therefore, there will be longer duration between study visits for female participants. Participants will be asked to return empty bottles after each 6-day supplementation period. Trained phlebotomists will take blood samples through venepuncture during the trials. Research assistants trained in first aid will be present at all times to supervise all activities during the familiarization and main trial. NZ beetroot juice contains 800mg nitrate/day; 200ml/day), UK beetroot juice - Beet-It contains 800mg nitrate/day; 200ml/day, and the placebo control contains 0mg nitrate/day; 200ml/day. Breakfast on the day of the trial will consist of a standardized isocaloric breakfast (cereal or toast) with the same macronutrient breakdown (15 g protein (22%), 30 g carbohydrates (45%) and 10 g fat (33%)) providing 270 Kcals.
Sponsors
Massey University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants must be proficient in English and must be between the ages of 18-45 years old. They should be well trained and be able to cycle at a moderate intensity for 120 min and also complete a 4 km timed trial.
Exclusion criteria
Individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and above or with a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension will be excluded from the trial. Additionally, individuals with a known adverse reaction to beetroot will also be excluded.
Outcome results
None listed