IHMC Researchers Investigate Exercise and Nitrate Supplementation to Combat Aging and Improve Healthspan
Researchers at the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) are conducting a new NIH-funded study, BOOST-X, to investigate whether adding a nitrate supplement to endurance and resistance training can further reduce all-cause mortality risk and reverse hallmarks of aging in adults over 59. This study builds on their ongoing five-year clinical trial, M³AX, which aims to demonstrate exercise's ability to improve healthspan and quality of life. Dr. Marcas Bamman, Senior Research Scientist at IHMC and Director of Healthspan, Resilience and Performance Research, leads the BOOST-X trial. The study will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with participants receiving either a nitrate supplement (beetroot juice) or a placebo. The goal is to enhance vascular and cardiorespiratory function, improve mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and lower oxidative stress, particularly for older adults who may have reduced nitric oxide synthesis and stiff arteries. The multi-site trial, involvi...
