Chronic high-dose beetroot juice supplementation improves time trial performance of well-trained cyclists in normoxia and hypoxia

Abstract

Chronic high-dose beetroot juice supplementation improves time trial performance of well-trained cyclists in normoxia and hypoxia, Nitric Oxide (2019), doi:

A randomized controlled trial of nitrate supplementation in well-trained middle and older-aged adults

“…Previous studies have shown this level of consumption sufficient to increase NO 2 levels and improve exercise performance in younger highly trained athletes [13] and younger recreationally active men [5]. Following consumption of the high NO 3 beverage, plasma NO 3 and NO 2 levels were increased by 934 and 428 percent, respectively, similar to previously reported finding in both younger [15] and older adults [24].…”

“…These results would suggest that an improvement in exercise economy was not the mechanism responsible for the increase in exercise duration noted in some of our subjects. Rokkendal-Lausch et al reported similar findings in their young well-trained cyclists [15]. They found that while NO 3 supplementation did improve time trial performance, it had no effect on exercise economy as measured by the power output to V O 2 ratio.…”

“…While it is generally believed that NO 3 supplementation will improve exercise performance in younger recreationally active individuals, the results are equivocal when examining NO 3 supplementation and exercise performance in athletes [4]. There are studies showing improvements in performance with NO 3 supplementation in athletes [12][13][14][15], whereas others have failed to find improvements [7][8][9][10][11]. Interestingly, while Boorsma [8] and Christensen [10] both failed to find improvements in overall group mean performance, both studies…”

“…Research with healthy younger recreationally active adults has repeatedly shown that ingestion of dietary NO 3 can reduce the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise and improve exercise performance during high intensity exercise [5,6]. Conversely, research with younger, well trained endurance athletes is equivocal, as some studies have failed to demonstrate an improvement in exercise performance following NO 3 ingestion [7][8][9][10][11] while others have demonstrated an ergogenic benefit [12][13][14][15]. There are several potential reasons that have been suggested for the conflicting results between trained and untrained individuals.…”

The benefits and risks of beetroot juice consumption: a systematic review

“…In contrast, found that TT performance and power output improved after BRJ supplementation compared to placebo supplementation (7). Also Rokkedal-Lausch et al (2019) found an increase TT performance in hypoxia and normoxia after BRJ consumption (Rokkedal-Lausch et al 2019). Additionally, a study from McQuillan et al (2017) showed beneficial effects on a 4k-TT in well-trained cyclists (McQuillan et al 2017b).…”