Mixing nitrate (from beetroot juice) with vitamin C might help keep blood vessels healthy in young people, but more research is needed because this study was small.
Scientific Claim
Combining dietary nitrate with vitamin C may have protective effects on vascular function in healthy young adults, though this is based on preliminary findings from a small study.
Original Statement
“These preliminary findings suggest that combining dietary [Formula: see text] with vitamin C could have protective effects on vascular function in young adults and could represent an effective strategy for the maintenance of healthy cardiovascular trajectories.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The abstract uses 'could have protective effects' which is appropriate for a preliminary finding. However, the study is small (n=10) and the vascular outcomes showed no significant differences between groups, so the claim should be more cautious. 'May have' is better than 'could have' for probability language.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Effects of dietary nitrate and vitamin C co-ingestion on blood pressure and hand-grip strength in young adults.