Approximately 10% of the world's population have a particular genetic makeup (known as the TT genotype) that may increase their risk of having higher blood pressure. Previous work conducted by the investigators research group at the University of Ulster, in collaboration with clinical colleagues from across Northern Ireland, in premature CVD patients and hypertensive adults generally has demonstrated that a dietary level of riboflavin (1.6mg/d) decreases blood pressure, specifically in those with the TT genotype. To date, the blood pressure lowering effects of higher doses of riboflavin in individuals with the TT genotype is not known. The aim of this study is to investigate whether supplementation with riboflavin at a low dose supplemental level (10mg/d) can decrease blood pressure more effectively than the dietary level (1.6mg/d) by optimising riboflavin status and normalising MTHFR activity. This aim will be achieved by conducting a double-blind placebo-controlled intervention study over a 16 week period. Participants will be recruited from cohorts screened for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. Those identified with the TT genotype (homozygous for the polymorphism) that wish to participate in this research will be asked to attend a baseline and week-16 appointment and will be asked to take a daily riboflavin (1.6 or 10mg/d) or placebo capsule for the duration of the study. At each appointment a blood sample will be taken and blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference will be measured. If the results of this study show that intervention with a higher dose of riboflavin can lower blood pressure more effectively in individuals with the TT genotype this will have important implications for those responsible for the management of blood pressure. The findings will be of particular relevance in populations with a higher prevalence of the polymorphism.
Name: Placebo comparator
Description: 2 week placebo washout + 16 weeks intervention (placebo)Type: Dietary SupplementTreatment 1
Name: 1.6mg riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Description: 2 week placebo washout + 16 weeks intervention (1.6mg riboflavin per day)Type: Dietary SupplementTreatment 2
Name: 10mg riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Description: 2 week placebo washout + 16 weeks intervention (10mg riboflavin per day)Type: Dietary SupplementTreatment 3
Description: The aim of this study is to investigate whether a low dose supplemental level (10mg/d) of riboflavin can decrease blood pressure more effectively than the dietary level (1.6mg/d) by optimising riboflavin status and normalising MTHFR activity.
Measure: Blood Pressure Time: 16 weeksDescription: Indicator of Vitamin B2 status
Measure: Erythrocyte Glutathione Reductase Activation Coefficient (EGRAC) Time: 16 weeksAllocation: Randomized
Parallel Assignment
There is one SNP
Participants will be recruited from cohorts screened for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. --- C677T ---