Water Intake for Low Blood Pressure

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Satish R. Raj

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 day

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

We will test the null hypothesis that there is no diurnal (morning to afternoon)variability in the blood pressure response to the ingestion of water 16 oz.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Water, Watermelon Juice, Citrulline-rich Watermelon Juice for low blood pressure?

Research shows that watermelon juice, which is rich in L-citrulline, can improve blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels, which helps blood vessels relax. A systematic review found that L-citrulline supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in people with higher initial blood pressure readings. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to consume watermelon juice or L-citrulline for blood pressure or vascular health?

Research shows that watermelon juice and L-citrulline, which are found in watermelon, are generally safe for human consumption and may help improve blood pressure and vascular function. These studies did not report any significant safety concerns. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

How does water intake differ from other treatments for low blood pressure?

Water intake for low blood pressure is unique because it is a simple, non-drug approach that involves increasing fluid consumption to help raise blood pressure levels. Unlike medications or supplements, this method relies on the body's natural response to increased fluid volume, which can help improve blood circulation and stabilize blood pressure without the need for chemical interventions. ^{1 2 3 5 7}

Research Team

Satish R Raj, MD MSCI

Principal Investigator

Vanderbilt University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who experience orthostatic intolerance, which means they feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up due to low blood pressure. Pregnant individuals cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I feel dizzy or faint when standing up.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants ingest 16 oz of water to test blood pressure response

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Water

Trial Overview The study aims to determine if drinking 16 fluid ounces of water affects blood pressure differently in the morning compared to the afternoon, challenging the belief that there's no variation.

Participant Groups

Group I: 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

water 16 oz

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Satish R. Raj

Lead Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

690+

Findings from Research

Watermelon juice supplementation significantly increased plasma levels of l-citrulline, l-arginine, and nitrite, which are associated with improved nitric oxide bioavailability, but it also raised resting blood pressure compared to control conditions.

Despite the benefits in muscle oxygenation during moderate-intensity exercise, watermelon juice did not enhance time-to-exhaustion during severe-intensity exercise, suggesting it may not be effective for improving endurance performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans. Bailey, SJ., Blackwell, JR., Williams, E., et al.[2018]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of watermelon supplementation on aortic blood pressure and wave reflection in individuals with prehypertension: a pilot study. [2011]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Two weeks of watermelon juice supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability but not endurance exercise performance in humans. [2018]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daily 100% watermelon juice consumption and vascular function among postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Watermelon (Rind, Flesh, and Seeds) Bioactive Components in Human Plasma: A Pilot Study to Investigate the Relationship to Endothelial Function. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of L-citrulline supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of L-citrulline and watermelon supplementation on vascular function and exercise performance. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of watermelon supplementation on aortic hemodynamic responses to the cold pressor test in obese hypertensive adults. [2014]