Dietary Nitrate and Healthy Older Adults

Influence of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Blood Pressure, Walking Economy, Functional Physical Capacity and Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults

This study investigates the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on cardiovascular health and physical and cognitive performance in older adults. Participants will receive both a nitrate containing beetroot juice for 10 days and a nitrate depleted beetroot juice for 10 days

A recent exciting finding is that dietary nitrate supplementation (in the form of beetroot juice) appears to reduce the amount of oxygen needed to complete moderate intensity walking in healthy, young individuals. Nitrate is known to be converted in the body to nitric oxide (NO), a substance which reduces blood pressure and may affect the energy-producing mechanisms inside muscle cells. Exercise tolerance and muscle function typically declines with age and nitrate supplementation therefore may help improve cardiovascular health and the ability to carry out low-intensity daily activities in aging populations. The purpose of this study is to see if healthy, elderly individuals benefit from beetroot juice intake similarly to the effects seen in young adults. If this is indeed the case, then it may suggest that dietary supplementation with a relatively cheap, widely available, and natural food product may improve the ability of healthy elderly individuals to undergo everyday tasks and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 70 - 80 years of age
2. male or female

Exclusion Criteria:

1. involved in regular structured exercise

2. receiving medication for:

   • pulmonary conditions
   • cardiovascular conditions
   • metabolic conditions
   • musculoskeletal conditions
   • ulcerative colitis
   • renal disease