Beetroot Juice Supplement for Boosting Mucosal Immunity - The NO Cold Study
Southern Methodist University
Summary
Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based prevention strategies for respiratory infection and management of these conditions can be costly to the public. Airway nitric oxide provides a first line of defense against pathogens, and beetroot juice, a source of dietary nitrate, has been shown to elevate nitric oxide. The main objective of this project is to demonstrate that one week of supplementation with beetroot juice elevates airway nitric oxide during stressful periods in young adults and thereby can protect against respiratory viral infections.
Description
Study Title Beetroot Juice Supplement for Boosting Mucosal Immunity: The NO Cold Study Objectives Aim 1: Demonstrate that a 7-day trial of daily beetroot juice or nitrate depleted placebo beetroot juice is feasible with acceptable retention and adherence during a period of real-life stress, using adherence monitoring of beetroot juice intake by cell phone recorded video; acceptable burdensomeness for participants and success of team coordination and study logistics should also be demonstrated. Aim 2: Generate initial estimates of effect size for a) elevations in exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) a…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: Individuals will be included: * SMU or Baylor University students * Ages of 18-30 years old. Exclusion Criteria: * Active smokers * Smoking cannabis or vape * Students with clinically significant asthma * COPD and emphysema * Allergic rhinitis * High levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO ≥40ppb) * Developing kidney stone * Clinically significant heart disease * Cerebrovascular disease * Thyroid dysfunction * Out-of-control diabetes * Significant current problems with schizophrenia, psychosis, mood disorders, suicidality, and drug or alcohol dependence or abuse
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementBeetroot juice
Participants will take on dose in the morning and one in the afternoon, for 7 days during their final academic examinations
Locations (2)
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, Texas
- Baylor UniversityWaco, Texas