Inorganic Nitrate Capsule: Starting from the 16th week of gestation and continuing for 22 weeks (154 days) or until delivery, whichever comes first, participants will consume a daily capsule containing 400 mg of inorganic nitrate. Participants will maintain standard preeclampsia prophylaxis (acetylsalicylic acid 100mg nightly until 36 weeks of gestation and calcium carbonate 1000mg daily until delivery) and regular antihypertensive treatment.
Placebo Capsule: From the 16th week of gestation and lasting 22 weeks (154 days) or until delivery, participants will consume a daily capsule containing sodium chloride with the nitrate replaced by plant-based flour, design to mimic the appearance of the active capsule. Participants will maintain standard preeclampsia prophylaxis (acetylsalicylic acid 100mg nightly until 36 weeks of gestation and calcium carbonate 1000mg daily until delivery) and regular antihypertensive treatment.
Study summary
High blood pressure during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and baby. A combination of factors, including advancing maternal age, rising obesity rates, and metabolic health issues, have amplified the prevalence of this condition. While conventional medicines are available, safety during pregnancy remains a concern. Recent studies suggest that inorganic nitrate might be a safer alternative. The power of nitrate lies in its ability to stimulate the body's production of a compound that aids in dilating and relaxing blood vessels. Preliminary studies conducted on mice and a select group of pregnant women have yielded encouraging results. Early tests indicated that after consuming inorganic nitrate, there was a reduction in blood pressure and an improvement in the health of the mother's uterine artery-a vital vessel responsible for nourishing the fetus. Our study aims to investigate the effects of inorganic nitrate supplementation on pregnant women from the start of their pregnancy and continuing it throughout their term. If our findings are positive, it could revolutionize how we approach blood pressure management during pregnancy, paving the way for healthier futures for both mothers and babies.
Eligibility
Sex
FEMALE
Min age
18 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women diagnosed with chronic hypertension (systolic blood pressure above 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation) as defined by the Brazilian Network for Studies on Hypertension in Pregnancy (RBEHG, Brazilian acronym) Protocol and Chronic Hypertension/Preeclampsia by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO, Brazilian acronym) Protocol.
* Patients on monotherapy with methyldopa as treatment at the time of inclusion.
* Women with less than 16 weeks of gestation confirmed by first-trimester ultrasonography confirming gestational age.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Multiple pregnancies, age below 18 years old, inability to provide informed consent, or history of low adherence to medication therapy.
* Patients with uncontrolled chronic hypertension, with blood pressure values above 160x110mmHg.
* History of food allergies, especially hypersensitivity to beetroot.
* Users of illicit drugs, smokers, or alcohol abusers.
* Diagnosis of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure (moderate to severe), moderate to severe liver failure, chronic renal insufficiency (with plasma creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m² of body surface), pre-existing type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
* Pregnant women who frequently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nasal decongestants, and anorectics before getting pregnant; users of proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists or any other medication that interferes with stomach pH, starting 2 weeks before the beginning and continuing throughout the remainder of the study.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Blood Pressure Control in Chronic Hypertensive Pregnant Women with Inorganic Nitrate Supplementation Compared to Placebo. — From baseline (16th week) up to delivery Blood pressure will be assessed using semiautomatic equipment, measuring systolic and diastolic pressures in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABMP) will be employed at the beginning of the clinical trial. Lower readings indicate better blood pressure control, while higher readings suggest poorer control.
Increased Antihypertensive Medication Requirements in Patient Groups — From baseline (16th week) up to delivery The investigators will monitor both the inorganic nitrate group and the placebo group for any need to increase the dosage of antihypertensive medications, frequency or introduce a new agent.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - USP
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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