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Study on Antioxidants and Blood Vessel Function in Mental Health

This study is looking at how substances called oxidants, which can harm blood vessels, affect blood vessel health in people with and without mental health conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). You could be eligible if you are between 18 and 35 years old and are generally healthy, with or without PTSD or GAD. Participants will receive either an antioxidant cocktail (containing alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E) or a placebo (inactive pill). Researchers will measure how well your arm and leg blood vessels function at rest and during exercise. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 720 people.

Study design
This is an interventional study where participants will be randomly given either antioxidant pills or placebo pills. The study aims to enroll 720 participants.
What's involved
You would have three study visits over about two weeks. The first visit is less than an hour, and the next two visits are 2-3 hours each, involving various blood vessel tests and one blood draw.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your blood vessel function will be measured from the beginning of the study until the end of the final visit, which is about two weeks later.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04916327

Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 1

Recruiting
NAAges 18–35InterventionalBasic science
Virginia Commonwealth University
~720 participants
Updated 2026-07-01 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:AntioxidantPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Arm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)
Measured over Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Explore related trials

Generalized Anxiety DisorderPeripheral Vascular DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Virginia1

Study leadership

  • Ryan Garten, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Virginia Commonwealth University

Who to contact

Ryan Garten, PhD
[email protected]
(804) 828-1948
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

apparently healthy and free of overt cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
for PTSD group, a score of ≥ 33 on PCL-5 checklist
for GAD group, a score of ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
for Healthy Control group, a score of ≤ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist

Exclusion

taking medications that could influence cardiovascular function
current smokers who have recently quit smoking
illicit drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
pregnant women
significant calorie restriction or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
limited English proficiency

What this trial measures

  • Arm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks

    Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values

  • Leg Vascular Function (Passive Leg Movement Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks

    Change in Leg Blood Flow Values from Baseline

  • Arm Vascular Function in Response to Exercise (Handgrip Exercise Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks

    Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values