Evidence supporting the use of: Beet nitrate
For the health condition: Exercise
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Beet nitrate, primarily sourced from beetroot juice or powder, is scientifically validated for its potential to enhance exercise performance. The key bioactive in beetroot is dietary nitrate (NO3-), which is converted in the body to nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in vasodilation, improving blood flow, reducing oxygen cost during exercise, and enhancing mitochondrial efficiency in muscle cells. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that beetroot supplementation can improve exercise endurance and performance, especially in high-intensity and endurance sports. For example, a 2013 meta-analysis in the journal Sports Medicine found that beetroot juice supplementation (providing 300-600 mg nitrate) significantly improved time-to-exhaustion and time-trial performance in both trained and recreational athletes. The effect is most pronounced in sub-elite athletes, with elite athletes showing more variable results. Benefits are generally seen with both acute and chronic supplementation, though the magnitude of effect can vary based on individual response, dose, and exercise type. The scientific consensus is that beet nitrate is a valid ergogenic aid, with moderate to strong evidence supporting its use for improving exercise capacity, particularly in aerobic activities. However, the effect size may not be clinically meaningful for all individuals, and more research is needed in diverse populations and specific athletic contexts.
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