Evaluating the Impact of Various Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Forms on Microbiological Markers of Oral Health and Acceptability Among Adult Participants

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different dietary nitrate supplements affect markers related to oral health in adults aged 18 to 65 years. This study compares beetroot supplements in two forms—freeze-dried crystals and juice—against a placebo to understand their impact on saliva pH, oral microbiome, and other microbiological and immunological indicators. The study also explores how easy and acceptable it is to include these nitrate supplements in daily diets. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group receiving a nitrate-free placebo juice, a group receiving beetroot juice containing about 400 mg of nitrate daily, and a group receiving beetroot crystals with a similar nitrate content. The intervention lasts four weeks, during which participants maintain their usual diets while taking the assigned supplement daily. Throughout the study, saliva samples and tongue swabs are collected before and after the intervention period, with additional saliva samples taken at home over three consecutive days during the second week. Participants complete questionnaires at the start and end of the study to assess oral health markers, dietary nitrate intake, acceptability of the supplements, and compliance. The main outcomes measured include saliva pH and oral microbiome changes after four weeks, along with other salivary and oral health indicators.

Evaluating the Impact of Various Dietary Nitrate Supplements on Oral Health