Acute supplementation with beetroot juice improves endothelial function in HIV-infected individuals

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is linked to reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and impaired vascular function.
• Nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BJ) is known to enhance NO availability and improve vascular health in general populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of BJ ingestion on vascular function in HIV-infected individuals compared to healthy controls.
• To assess changes in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) following BJ consumption.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 13 HIV-infected patients and 18 healthy controls.
• Vascular measurements (FMD and PWV) were taken before and 120 minutes after ingestion of BJ or a placebo (PLA).
• Comparison of vascular parameters between groups, time points, and interventions.

Main Results:

• Baseline FMD was lower in HIV-infected individuals compared to healthy controls.
• BJ ingestion significantly improved FMD at 120 minutes in both HIV-infected and control groups.
• No significant changes in FMD were observed after placebo ingestion, and PWV remained unchanged across all conditions.

Conclusions:

• Acute supplementation with nitrate-rich BJ effectively improves endothelial function in both healthy individuals and those living with HIV.
• BJ represents a potential dietary intervention to mitigate vascular dysfunction associated with HIV infection.