Nitrate Consumption and Physical Function in ICU Patients

Ingested dietary nitrate which is converted to nit rite and then to nitric oxide has been shown to be ergogenic in clinical populations. The conversion of nitrate to nitrite is facilitated by bacteria in the oral cavity. PURPOSE: 1) to examine nitrite levels following nitrate ingestion in ICU patients receiving antibiotics, and 2) to determine if nitrate ingestion improved physical function at hospital discharge. METHODS: ICU patients (n=22) were randomized to receive eith er nitrate rich (400 mg) or nitrate depleted beetroot juice (placebo) for the duration of their hospital stay. Plasma nitrate and nitrite were measured prior to and three hours post consumption on the first dose. Physical function was measured at hospita l discharge using the Short Physical Performance Battery. RESULTS: In the nitrate rich beetroot juice group, nitrate and nitrite increased from pre (26.0 ± 7.0 μM and 141.0 ± 10.1 nM, respectively) to post (245.2 ± 52.1 μM and 284.2 ± 50.3 nM, respectivel y) consumption. Neither nitrate nor nitrite increased significantly from pre to post consumption in the nitrate depleted beetroot juice group. Short Physical Performance Battery scores at hospital discharge were not significantly different between the nitr ate rich beetroot juice group (2.0 ± 0.9) and the placebo group (3.5 ± 0.9). CONCLUSION: Nitrate supplementation in the form of beetroot juice was effective at increasing plasma nitrate and nitrite levels in ICU patients even in the presence of antibiotic administration; however, physical function at hospital discharge v did not appe ar impacted by nitrate supplementation. Future studies should examine physical function beyond hospital discharge and pair nitrate supplementation with an early exercise intervention.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Heinrich, Timothy Michael

• Beetroot

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/90724

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/90724