Vascular effects of dietary nitrate supplementation in older adults with coronary artery disease: A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial.
Chatchamarn Soonhuae, Stephanie Lapierre-Nguyen, Vinicius Mariani et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial assessed the safety, feasibility, and vascular effects of beetroot-derived dietary nitrate in eight older adults with confirmed coronary artery disease. Participants received twice-daily nitrate-rich beetroot juice and nitrate-depleted juice for two weeks each. Compared with placebo, nitrate-rich juice improved brachial artery flow-mediated dilation by 1.73% (90% CI: 0.32 to 3.15). The intervention was well tolerated, with complete retention and adherence and no adverse effects requiring medical treatment; arterial stiffness and hemodynamics changed negligibly.
Key findings
- Flow-mediated dilation improved by 0.98% after nitrate-rich juice (90% CI: 0.17 to 1.80), while it remained unchanged after placebo (Mean Δ: -0.75%, 90% CI: -1.53 to 0.04).
- Nitrate-rich juice produced a 1.73% greater improvement in flow-mediated dilation than placebo (90% CI: 0.32 to 3.15).
- Retention and adherence were both 100%, and no adverse effects requiring medical treatment occurred.
- Arterial stiffness and hemodynamics showed negligible changes with nitrate-rich juice.
Why it matters
Endothelial dysfunction is relevant to cardiovascular risk in coronary artery disease, and this pilot trial found a favorable flow-mediated dilation signal with dietary nitrate. The results also indicate that the regimen was feasible and well tolerated in this small group, supporting further evaluation while leaving its clinical benefit and effects on other vascular measures uncertain.
What to keep in mind
The trial was a pilot involving only eight participants, with two-week supplementation periods; the findings require confirmation in a fully powered trial.