Investigating the role of beetroot in blood pressure regulation in pregnancy

Researchers from Saint Mary’s Hospital are looking for female volunteers to take part in a study looking at the role of oral bacteria in blood pressure regulation, in pregnant and non-pregnant women.

To be eligible you need to be:

• aged 16-45
• if pregnant, to be between 20-28 weeks of gestation at the time of study visit.
• if not currently pregnant, to have not been pregnant within the last 12 month
• be a non-smoker
• have not taken any antibiotics in the last 6 months, or have current oral disease.

Initially you would be required to attend a screening appointment (in person or over the phone), to ensure eligibility. 

Participants would then be required to attend one research visit at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, lasting approximately three to four hours in total.

Blood pressure measurements, saliva, tongue scraping and blood samples will be taken before and two to three hours after participants consume a high-nitrate drink (concentrated beetroot juice).

Participants will not be reimbursed for their participation in this study.

These studies are being undertaken by Thomas Willmott as part of a PhD project, under the supervision of Dr Jenny Myers, Dr Elizabeth Cottrell, Prof. Andrew McBain and Dr Gavin Humphreys.  If you would like further information about the study, or would like to take part, please contact Thomas Willmott (University of Manchester) or Sarah Lee (Research Midwife).