Associations between Vegetable Nitrate Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Mortality: A Systematic Review.

Consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables increases nitric oxide bioavailability, lowers blood pressure, and improves endothelial function. These effects could also translate into reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. This systematic review aimed to investigate the associations between habitual vegetable nitrate intake and CVD incidence and mortality. A secondary aim was to identify factors that moderate the relationship between vegetable nitrate intake and CVD incidence/mortality. Seven databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and APA PsycINFO) were searched from inception to 13 February 2023. Observational studies quantifying vegetable nitrate intake in participants aged 18+ years through self-reported dietary exposure and assessing incidence or mortality from CVD overall, or individual CVD subtypes, were eligible. Five studies including a total of 63,155 participants were included. There was an inverse association between vegetable nitrate intake and most reported CVD outcomes. Reported risk reductions tended to plateau at moderate intake, suggesting a possible ceiling effect. The risk of bias across all studies was low. The results of this systematic review suggest a potential role for vegetable nitrate in reducing CVD risk and mortality. Further randomised controlled trials are now required to corroborate these findings.

Understanding engagement in diet and dementia prevention research among British South Asians: a short report of findings from a patient and public involvement group.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a global public health challenge. Evidence suggests that individuals from South Asian communities are an at-risk group for dementia, partly as a result of early and cumulative exposure to known dementia risk factors, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. There needs to be more culturally appropriate community engagement to increase awareness of dementia and identify better strategies to encourage participation in dementia-related research. METHODS: We aimed to better understand the barriers and facilitators towards engaging with, and participating in, diet and dementia related research among British South Asians. This was achieved using a public and patient involvement (PPI) approach. A community-based, engagement event involving information sharing from experts and roundtable discussions with South Asian communities (n = 26 contributors) was held in June 2023 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Collaboration from preidentified PPI representatives (n = 3) informed the content and structure of PPI activities, as well as recruitment. Data were synthesised using template analysis, a form of codebook thematic analysis. This involved deductively analysing data using relevant a priori themes, which were expanded upon, or modified, via inductive analysis. RESULTS: The findings highlighted the importance of trust, representation and appreciation of cultural barriers as facilitators to engagement in diet and dementia risk reduction research. Consideration of language barriers, time constraints, social influences and how to embed community outreach activities were reported as driving factors to maximise participation. CONCLUSIONS: This PPI work will inform the design and co-creation of a culturally adapted dietary intervention for brain health in accordance with the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research guidance for developing complex interventions.