Beetroot Juice for Boosting Immunity During a Time of Stress.
试验速览
- 阶段
- 2 期
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 114
- 试验地点
- 4
- 主要终点
- Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS)
研究概览
简要总结
The purpose of the present study is to explore the effects of a dietary nitrate supplement (i.e., beetroot juice) on nitric oxide levels, immunity, mood, and cardiovascular activity during and following final exam stress in healthy individuals.
详细描述
Research has demonstrated that during times of high stress (i.e., during final exam period), there is a decrease in fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in healthy undergraduate students. Additionally, a separate line of research has demonstrated periods of high stress impact immunity and the cardiovascular system. Nitric oxide may have a benefit in improving the physiological and psychological consequences of stress.
The present research aims to explore the impact of a dietary supplement (beetroot juice drink) on immunity, nitric oxide levels, cardiovascular activity, and mood during and following final exam stress. In this study, investigators monitor changes in cold symptoms, IL-8, blood pressure, airway nitric oxide, and mood in students during the time of final exams and a comparable time of low stress during the term. There are three laboratory assessment visits, as well as a brief questionnaire on a separate day. During the final exam period, half of the participants are randomly assigned to the experimental group provided with a dietary supplement (beetroot juice drink) of which they are asked to take two doses every day (one in the morning and one in the evening) for seven days. The other half of the participants are randomly assigned to the placebo control group provided with a placebo supplement (placebo drink) of which they are asked to take two doses every day (one in the morning and one in the evening for seven days). For the final exam period, the first of the two sessions takes place early in the examination period (first half), and the second assessment takes place in the later exam period (second half). The online questionnaire assessing symptoms is measured 3 days after the final examination period.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
盲法说明
The lead researcher, data collectors, and participants were blinded to the conditions. The distribution of the supplements for each condition was performed by a member of the staff that was not involved with the study.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 40 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Currently enrolled at Baylor University or Southern Methodist University
排除标准
- •Current smoker
- •Clinically significant asthma, COPD, Emphysema, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, thyroid dysfunction, out of control diabetes
- •Pregnancy, diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychosis, mood disorder, psychosis, drug or alcohol dependance
结局指标
主要结局
Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS)
时间窗: Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 1-3 days after finishing beetroot shots (after final examinations)
Assesses symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections (common cold symptoms) by questionnaire
Changes in IL-8 levels
时间窗: Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period)
Change in IL-8 levels
次要结局
- Resting blood pressure(Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period))
- Change in negative affect(Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period))
- Change in depressive symptomology(Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period))
- Acute stress(Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period))
- Adherence monitoring (feasibility )(Every day, twice a day during active beetroot)
- Exhaled Nitric Oxide(Baseline (non-stress mid point of semester), 1-3 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period), 4-6 days into active beetroot shots (during final examination period))