The Effect of Dietary Nitrate on the Contractile Properties of Human Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute Beetroot Juice Supplementation Enhances Intermittent Running Performance but Does Not Reduce Oxygen Cost of Exercise among Recreational Adults

“…The ergogenic effect of NO 3 − supplementation has been attributed to its capacity to elevate plasma NO 2 − level with the subsequent reduction of circulating NO 2 − to NO [ 1 ]. Although plasma NO 2 − was not assessed after ~12.8 mmol of NO 3 − supplementation in the present study, doses of 6.4–16.8 mmol of NO 3 − have been consistently shown to enhance plasma NO 2 − by a magnitude that would be expected to enhance exercise performance [ 1 , 28 ]. Indeed, acute supplementation with similar and/or lower doses of NO 3 − has previously shown to enhance performance [ 9 , 45 ] and/or reduce VO 2 [ 9 , 10 , 46 , 47 ].…”

“…However, it has yet to be fully understood what specific mechanism may underline ergogenic potential of NO 3 − supplementation, and therefore, it is important to understand that these proposed mechanisms would work independently or in combination to contribute to enhance intermittent exercise performance following dietary NO 3 − supplementation. The ergogenic effect of NO − by a magnitude that would be expected to enhance exercise performance [1,28]. Indeed, acute supplementation with similar and/or lower doses of NO 3 − has previously shown to enhance performance [9,45] and/or reduce VO 2 [9,10,46,47].…”

“…The previous studies above which reported enhanced intermittent running performance applied short-term supplementation periods [ 16 , 17 , 18 ], but previous meta-analyses reported that there is no difference between acute (e.g., 2–3 h pre-exercise) and chronic dosing regimens (e.g., 1–15 days) of NO 3 − on endurance exercise [ 26 , 27 ]. In addition, more recent meta-analyses have revealed that the benefits of NO 3 − supplementation in power output generally are apparent following acute supplementation [ 14 , 28 ]. Despite consistent effects of NO 3 − supplementation on the Yo–Yo IR1 test after multiple-day supplementation, to date, its effect after acute supplementation is yet to be determined.…”

15N‐labeled dietary nitrate supplementation increases human skeletal muscle nitrate concentration and improves muscle torque production

“…32 Recent meta-analyses have highlighted the potential for dietary NO 3 − supplementation to enhance skeletal muscle force or power production during high-intensity exercise. 33,34 Acute NO 3 − ingestion has been reported to result in a ~ 5% increase in peak power during isokinetic dynamometry 35 and sprint cycling 36 whereas chronic (5-6 days) NO 3 − supplementation improved performance during a 30-s cycle sprint, 37 and 5-20-m running sprints. 38 Dietary NO 3 − supplementation also appears to enhance the intrinsic contractile properties of human skeletal muscle, as evidenced by increased force production at low frequencies of electrical stimulation, an increased rate of force development or a lower metabolic cost of force production.…”

Supplementation with Nitric Oxide Precursors for Strength Performance: A Review of the Current Literature

“…Despite some mixed evidence, several recent meta-analyses have indicated the potential for NO 3 − supplementation to benefit contractile properties of human skeletal muscle [ 106 ], improve maximal muscle power output by ~5% on average [ 107 ], improve markers of exercise-induced muscle damage [ 108 ], improve explosive exercise performance [ 109 ], and enhance weightlifting performance in resistance-trained males [ 110 , 111 ]. Table 3 provides an overview of the research examining the effects of NO 3 − supplementation on strength and power performance.…”