Keywords: nutrition, nitrate, vitamins, magnesium, weight loss, vascular wall function, cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of illness and mortality worldwide. Improving vascular wall function through healthy nutrition is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The studies described in this PhD thesis demonstrate that nitrate-rich beetroot juice and weight loss have a positive effect on vascular wall activity, while long-term magnesium supplementation can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by combating vascular wall stiffness. The use of fat-soluble vitamin D and E supplements does not impact on vascular wall activity in adults.