-
1.
Increased nitrate intake from beetroot juice over 4 weeks affects nitrate metabolism, but not vascular function or blood pressure in older adults with hypertension.
Fejes, R, Lutnik, M, Weisshaar, S, Pilat, N, Wagner, KH, Stüger, HP, Peake, JM, Woodman, RJ, Croft, KD, Bondonno, CP, et al
Food & function. 2024;(8):4065-4078
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
The decline in vascular function and increase in blood pressure with aging contribute to an increased cardiovascular disease risk. In this randomized placebo-controlled crossover study, we evaluated whether previously reported cardiovascular benefits of plant-derived inorganic nitrate via nitric oxide (NO) translate into improved vascular function and blood pressure-lowering in 15 men and women (age range: 56-71 years) with treated hypertension. We investigated the effects of a single ∼400 mg-dose at 3 hours post-ingestion (3H POST) and the daily consumption of 2 × ∼400 mg of nitrate through nitrate-rich compared with nitrate-depleted (placebo) beetroot juice over 4 weeks (4WK POST). Measurements included nitrate and nitrite in plasma and saliva; endothelial-dependent and -independent forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to acetylcholine (FBFACh) and glyceryltrinitrate (FBFGTN); and clinic-, home- and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Compared to placebo, plasma and salivary nitrate and nitrite increased at 3H and 4WK POST following nitrate treatment (P < 0.01), suggesting a functioning nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway in the participants of this study. There were no differences between treatments in FBFACh and FBFGTN-area under the curve (AUC) ratios [AUC ratios after (3H POST, 4WK POST) compared with before (PRE) the intervention], or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure or home blood pressure measures (P > 0.05). These findings do not support the hypothesis that an increased intake of dietary nitrate exerts sustained beneficial effects on FBF or blood pressure in hypertensive older adults, providing important information on the efficacy of nitrate-based interventions for healthy vascular aging. This study was registered under ClinicialTrials.gov (NCT04584372).
-
2.
Measures of carotid atherosclerosis and fall-related hospitalization risk: The Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women.
Gebre, AK, Sim, M, Via, JD, Rodríguez, AJ, Hodgson, JM, Bondonno, CP, Thompson, PL, Prince, RL, Lewis, JR
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2023;(1):95-104
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We and others have identified links between cardiovascular conditions and poor musculoskeletal health. However, the relationship between measures of carotid atherosclerosis such as focal carotid plaque and common carotid intima media thickness (CCA-IMT) and falls remains understudied. This study examined the association between measures of carotid atherosclerosis and fall-related hospitalization over 11.5 years in community dwelling older women. METHODS AND RESULTS 1116 older women recruited in 1998 to a five-year randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of calcium supplementation in preventing fracture and who had undertaken B-mode ultrasound in 2001 (three years after the baseline clinical visit) were included in this study. The participants were followed for over 11.5 years as Perth Longitudinal Study of Ageing Women (PLSAW). Over the follow up period, 428 (38.4%) women experienced a fall-related hospitalization. Older women with carotid plaque had 44% a higher relative hazard for fall-related hospitalization (HR 1.44; 95%CI, 1.18 to 1.76) compared to those without carotid plaque. The association persisted after adjustment for established falls risk factors such as measures of muscle strength and physical function.Each SD increase in the mean and maximum CCA-IMT was also associated with a higher risk of fall-related hospitalizations (HR 1.10; 95%CI, 1.00 to 1.21 and HR 1.11; 95%CI, 1.01 to 1.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Measures of carotid atherosclerosis are associated with a higher risk of fall-related hospitalization independent of established falls risk factors. These findings suggest the importance of vascular health when considering falls risk.
-
3.
Three-dimensional food printing: its readiness for a food and nutrition insecure world.
Zhong, L, Lewis, JR, Sim, M, Bondonno, CP, Wahlqvist, ML, Mugera, A, Purchase, S, Siddique, KHM, Considine, MJ, Johnson, SK, et al
The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2023;(4):468-477
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a rapidly emerging technology offering unprecedented potential for customised food design and personalised nutrition. Here, we evaluate the technological advances in extrusion-based 3D food printing and its possibilities to promote healthy and sustainable eating. We consider the challenges in implementing the technology in real-world applications. We propose viable applications for 3D food printing in health care, health promotion and food waste upcycling. Finally, we outline future work on 3D food printing in food safety, acceptability and economics, ethics and regulations.
-
4.
Effects of Chewing Gum on Nitric Oxide Metabolism, Markers of Cardiovascular Health and Neurocognitive Performance after a Nitrate-Rich Meal.
Ong, S, Bondonno, NP, Downey, LA, Scholey, A, Smith, MA, Stough, C, Blekkenhorst, LC, Woodman, R, Croft, KD, Hodgson, JM, et al
Journal of the American Nutrition Association. 2022;(2):178-190
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular and neurocognitive responses to chewing gum have been reported, but the mechanisms are not well understood. Chewing gum after a nitrate-rich meal may upregulate the reduction of oral nitrate to nitrite and increase nitric oxide (NO), a molecule important to cardiovascular and neurocognitive health. We aimed to explore effects of chewing gum after a nitrate-rich meal on nitrate metabolism (through the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway), endothelial function, blood pressure (BP), neurocognitive performance, mood and anxiety. METHODS Twenty healthy men (n = 6) and women (n = 14) with a mean age of 48 years (range: 23-69) were recruited to a randomized controlled cross-over trial. After consumption of a nitrate-rich meal (180 mg of nitrate), we assessed the acute effects of chewing gum, compared to no gum chewing, on (i) salivary nitrate, nitrite and the nitrate reductase ratio (100 x [nitrite]/([nitrate] + [nitrite]); (ii) plasma nitrite, S-nitrosothiols and other nitroso species (RXNO); (iii) endothelial function (measured by flow mediated dilatation); (iv) BP; (v) neurocognitive performance; (vi) mood; and (vii) anxiety. RESULTS Consumption of the nitrate-rich meal resulted in a significant increase in markers of nitrate metabolism. A significantly higher peak flow mediated dilatation was observed with chewing compared to no chewing (baseline adjusted mean difference: 1.10%, 95% CI: 0.06, 2.14; p = 0.038) after the nitrate-rich meal. A significant small increase in systolic BP, diastolic BP and heart rate were observed with chewing compared to no chewing after the nitrate-rich meal. The study did not observe increased oral reduction of nitrate to nitrite and NO, or improvements in neurocognitive performance, mood or anxiety with chewing compared to no chewing. CONCLUSION Chewing gum after a nitrate-rich meal resulted in an acute improvement in endothelial function and a small increase in BP but did not result in acute effects on neurocognitive function, mood or anxiety.
-
5.
Provision of non-invasive coronary and carotid vascular imaging results on changes in diet and physical activity in asymptomatic adults: A scoping review.
Radavelli-Bagatini, S, Gebre, AK, Kennedy, MA, Sim, M, Blekkenhorst, LC, Bondonno, CP, Jackson, B, Dimmock, J, Schlaich, MP, Hodgson, JM, et al
Frontiers in nutrition. 2022;:946378
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although a healthy diet and physical activity have been shown to prevent or delay cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalizations and deaths, most adults do not meet current guidelines. Provision of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid ultrasound (CUS) imaging results may motivate beneficial lifestyle changes. We scoped the existing literature for studies providing non-invasive vascular imaging results and reporting diet, physical activity, and/or anthropometric measures to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research. METHODS A systematic search was performed across three electronic databases, in line with PRISMA ScR guidelines and Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. RESULTS Twenty studies (thirteen observational and seven randomized controlled trials) examining the impact of provision of CAC/CUS imaging results on diet and/or physical activity behaviors were included. Nearly half the studies did not clearly state whether participants received dietary and physical activity advice along with vascular imaging results, and these were secondary outcomes in most studies, with data assessment and reporting being inconsistent. CONCLUSION Well-designed clinical trials with consistent and clear messaging based on detailed subjective and objective measures of diet and physical activity are needed to determine whether this approach may stimulate long-term dietary and physical activity change.
-
6.
Potential role of dietary nitrate in relation to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, cognition, cognitive decline and dementia: a review.
Rajendra, A, Bondonno, NP, Rainey-Smith, SR, Gardener, SL, Hodgson, JM, Bondonno, CP
Food & function. 2022;(24):12572-12589
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment for dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form. It is, therefore, imperative to focus on evidence-based preventive strategies to combat this extremely debilitating chronic disease. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and central nervous systems. Vegetables rich in nitrate, such as spinach and beetroot, are an important source of NO, with beneficial effects on validated markers of cardiovascular health and an association with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Given the link between cardiovascular disease risk factors and dementia, together with the important role of NO in vascular health and cognition, it is important to determine whether dietary nitrate could also improve cognitive function, markers of brain health, and lower risk of dementia. This review presents an overview of NO's role in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and central nervous systems; an overview of the available evidence that nitrate, through effects on NO, improves cardiovascular health; and evaluates the current evidence regarding dietary nitrate's potential role in cerebrovascular health, cognitive function, and brain health assessed via biomarkers.
-
7.
Vitamin K Intake and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Danish Diet Cancer and Health Study.
Bellinge, JW, Dalgaard, F, Murray, K, Connolly, E, Blekkenhorst, LC, Bondonno, CP, Lewis, JR, Sim, M, Croft, KD, Gislason, G, et al
Journal of the American Heart Association. 2021;(16):e020551
Abstract
Background Dietary vitamin K (K1 and K2) may reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk via several mechanisms. However, studies linking vitamin K intake with incident ASCVD are limited. We aimed to determine the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and ASCVD hospitalizations. Methods and Results In this prospective cohort study, participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, with no prior ASCVD, completed a food-frequency questionnaire at baseline and were followed up for hospital admissions of ASCVD; ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Intakes of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2 were estimated from the food-frequency questionnaire, and their relationship with ASCVD hospitalizations was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 53 372 Danish citizens with a median (interquartile range) age of 56 (52-60) years, 8726 individuals were hospitalized for any ASCVD during 21 (17-22) years of follow-up. Compared with participants with the lowest vitamin K1 intakes, participants with the highest intakes had a 21% lower risk of an ASCVD-related hospitalization (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI: 0.74-0.84), after multivariable adjustments for relevant demographic covariates. Likewise for vitamin K2, the risk of an ASCVD-related hospitalization for participants with the highest intakes was 14% lower than participants with the lowest vitamin K2 intake (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81-0.91). Conclusions Risk of ASCVD was inversely associated with diets high in vitamin K1 or K2. The similar inverse associations with both vitamin K1 and K2, despite very different dietary sources, highlight the potential importance of vitamin K for ASCVD prevention.
-
8.
Intake of Products Containing Anthocyanins, Flavanols, and Flavanones, and Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review.
Gardener, SL, Rainey-Smith, SR, Weinborn, M, Bondonno, CP, Martins, RN
Frontiers in aging neuroscience. 2021;:640381
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine human research studies published within the past 6 years which evaluate the role of anthocyanin, flavanol, and flavanone consumption in cognitive function, and to discuss potential mechanisms of action underlying any observed benefits. Evidence to date suggests the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, such as berries and cocoa, may have the potential to limit, or even reverse, age-related declines in cognition. Over the last 6 years, the flavonoid subgroups of anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavanones have been shown to be beneficial in terms of conferring neuroprotection. The mechanisms by which flavonoids positively modulate cognitive function are yet to be fully elucidated. Postulated mechanisms include both direct actions such as receptor activation, neurotrophin release and intracellular signaling pathway modulation, and indirect actions such as enhancement of cerebral blood flow. Further intervention studies conducted in diverse populations with sufficient sample sizes and long durations are required to examine the effect of consumption of flavonoid groups on clinically relevant cognitive outcomes. As populations continue to focus on adopting healthy aging strategies, dietary interventions with flavonoids remains a promising avenue for future research. However, many questions are still to be answered, including identifying appropriate dosage, timeframes for intake, as well as the best form of flavonoids, before definitive conclusions can be drawn about the extent to which their consumption can protect the aging brain.
-
9.
Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.
Connolly, EL, Sim, M, Travica, N, Marx, W, Beasy, G, Lynch, GS, Bondonno, CP, Lewis, JR, Hodgson, JM, Blekkenhorst, LC
Frontiers in pharmacology. 2021;:767975
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence highlights the strong potential for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to delay, and often prevent, the onset of chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions, and certain cancers. A possible protective component, glucosinolates, which are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, have been identified from preclinical and clinical studies. Current research suggests that glucosinolates (and isothiocyanates) act via several mechanisms, ultimately exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding cruciferous vegetables and their glucosinolates in relation to the specified health conditions. Although there is evidence that consumption of a high glucosinolate diet is linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases, future large-scale placebo-controlled human trials including standardized glucosinolate supplements are needed.
-
10.
The effects of vitamin K-rich green leafy vegetables on bone metabolism: A 4-week randomised controlled trial in middle-aged and older individuals.
Sim, M, Lewis, JR, Prince, RL, Levinger, I, Brennan-Speranza, TC, Palmer, C, Bondonno, CP, Bondonno, NP, Devine, A, Ward, NC, et al
Bone reports. 2020;:100274
Abstract
BACKGROUND High vegetable intake is associated with beneficial effects on bone. However, the mechanisms remain uncertain. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin K1, which is known to have large effects on osteoblasts and osteocalcin (OC) metabolism. OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of consumption of two to three extra serves of green leafy vegetables daily on bone metabolism. METHODS Thirty individuals (mean age 61.8 ± 9.9 years, 67% male) completed three experimental phases in a randomised controlled crossover design, each lasting four weeks, with a washout period of four weeks between phases (clinical trial registration: ACTRN12615000194561). The three experimental phases were: (i) increased dietary vitamin K1 by consuming green leafy vegetables (H-K; ~200 g/d containing 164.3 [99.5-384.7] μg/d of vitamin K1); (ii) low vitamin K1 by consuming vitamin K1-poor vegetables (L-K; ~200 g/d containing 9.4 [7.7-11.6] μg/d of vitamin K1); and (iii) control (CON) where participants consumed an energy-matched non-vegetable control. OC forms, total OC (tOC), carboxylated OC (cOC) and undercarboxylated OC (ucOC), were measured in serum pre- and post-intervention for each experimental phase using a sandwich-electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS Pre-intervention tOC, ucOC and ucOC:tOC levels were similar between phases (P > .05). Following H-K, but not L-K, tOC, ucOC and ucOC:tOC levels were significantly lower compared to pre-intervention levels (P ≤ .001) and compared to CON (~14%, 31% and 19%, respectively, all P < .05), while cOC remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS In middle-aged healthy men and women, an easily achieved increase in dietary intake of vitamin K1-rich green leafy vegetables substantially reduces serum tOC and ucOC suggesting increased entry of OC into bone matrix, where it may improve the material property of bone. In conjunction with previous epidemiological and randomised controlled trial data, these findings suggest that interventions to increase vegetable intake over extended periods should include bone end points including fracture risk.