Dietary nitrate supplementation for preventing and reducing the severity of winter infections, including COVID-19, in care homes (BEET-Winter): a randomised placebo-controlled feasibility trial

Key summary points Aim To assess the feasibility of supplementing dietary nitrate (NO substrate) intake in care home residents. Findings Expressions of interest by care homes were not realised during the alpha COVID-19 wave of infections. Background dietary nitrate was < 30% of acceptable daily intake; most residents received a majority of their nitrate supplementation and supplementation increased urinary and salivary nitrate concentrations. Message Recruiting UK care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic was partially successful and supplemented dietary nitrate was tolerated and elevated urinary nitrate concentrations.