Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is characterised by recurrent transient peripheral vasospasm and lower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in the cold. We investigated the effect of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation on i) NO-mediated vasodilation, ii) cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and skin temperature (Tsk) following local cooling and iii) systemic anti-inflammatory status. Following baseline testing, twenty-three individuals with RP attended four times, in a double-blind, randomized crossover design, following acute and chronic (14 days) BJ and nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (NDBJ) supplementation. Peripheral Tsk and CVC were measured during and after mild hand and foot cooling, and during transdermal delivery of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Markers of anti-inflammatory status were also measured. Plasma [nitrite] was increased in the BJ conditions (P < 0.001). Compared to the baseline visit thumb CVC was greater following chronic-BJ (Δ2.0 flux.mmHg-1, P = 0.02) and chronic-NDBJ (Δ1.45 flux.mmHg-1, P = 0.01) supplementation; however, no changes in Tsk was observed (P > 0.05). Plasma [interleukin-10] was greater whilst pan endothelin was reduced, forearm endothelial function was improved, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were lowered by both BR and NDBJ (P < 0.05). Acute and chronic BJ and NDBJ supplementation improved anti-inflammatory status, endothelial function and BP. CVC following cooling increased post chronic-BJ and chronic-NDBJ supplementation, but no effect on Tsk was observed.
Extreme Environmental Physiology (University of Portsmouth, UK) (2019) Proc Physiol Soc 44, C02
Oral Communications: Beet the cold: Beetroot juice supplementation improves peripheral blood flow, endothelial function and anti-inflammatory status in individuals with Raynaud’s phenomenon.
A. Shepherd1, J. Costello1, S. Bailey3, N. Bishop3,5, A. Wadley3,5, S. Young-Min2, M. Gilchrist4, H. Mayes1, D. White1, P. Gorczynski1, Z. Saynor1, H. Massey1, C. Eglin1
1. DSES, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom. 2. Rheumatology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom. 3. National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom. 4. University of Exeter Medical School and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom. 5. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester, United Kingdom.
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.