Cerebrovascular Circulation, Cognitive Impairment
Conditions
Brief summary
Nitrate provides the body with an alternative source of Nitric Oxide which plays a large role in promoting blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Nitrate supplementation with vegetable/fruit juice has recently been shown to reduce blood pressure and reduce energy expenditure during low intensity exercise. Such findings combined with the previously known biological effects of nitric oxide would suggest that nitrate supplementation would also impact on blood flow. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation via vegetable/fruit juice drink on cerebral (brain) blood flow (using Near Infrared Spectroscopy).
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTVegetable/fruit juice
450ml active juice, 45ml no added sugar fruit squash (for flavour)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo juice
50 ml No Added Sugar fruit squash, 45 ml Pressed Apple Juice, 405ml with water.
Sponsors
Northumbria University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* healthy young (18-35 years) male and female adults, not vulnerable.
Exclusion criteria
* smoke or consume any tobacco products (even occasionally) * not proficient in English * pregnant (or are seeking to become) * currently taking recreational, over the counter/prescription medication (excluding the contraceptive pill), and/or dietary/herbal supplements. * any food allergies or sensitivities that are relevant to the study * history of/current head trauma, learning difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, migraines or any gastric problems.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline cerebral blood flow | From baseline to 2.5 hours post-dose | Near infrared spectroscopy monitoring of cerebral blood flow in the frontal cortex during demanding tasks. Monitored from baseline, through 90 minutes of drink absorption and 60 minutes of cognitive task performance. |
| Change from baseline cognitive function | 90 minutes post-dose | Performance of the cognitive demand battery (CDB), which assesses aspects of psychomotor speed, working memory and executive function. The CDB involves 6 repetitions of the following tasks: serial three subtractions (2 mins); serial seven subtractions (2 mins); Rapid Visual Information Processing (5 mins) and a subjective rating of mental fatigue |
| Change from baseline mood | 2.5 hours post-dose | Bond-Lader visual analogue mood scales assessing the mood factors 'alert'; 'calm'; and 'content' |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline blood pressure, heart rate and venous nitrate and nitrite levels | 2.5 hours post-dose | Diastolic and systolic blood pressure and heart rate monitored after completion of cognitive tasks to assess peripheral blood flow effects. Plasma nitrate and nitrite levels assessed at 2.5 hours post-dose. |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed