Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the long-term (4 weeks) effect of a diet and beetroot juice supplementation on hematological parameters, glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes (GPx), and physical performance in elite fencers. 
 
 METHODS: The study included 20 fencers and was conducted during the preparatory phase. Fencers underwent the fitness VO2max test at baseline - (B) and after two stages of implementation of the dietary recommendations – the first 4 weeks without beetroot juice (D) and the second with 26 g/d of freeze dried beetroot juice supplementation (D&J). At B and after D and D&J fasting blood samples were collected. 
 
 RESULTS: After D and D&J activities of GPx were significantly higher than those in B (p < 0.000, p = 0.005 – respectively). After D&J versus D significant increased red blood cells count (p = 0.038) and hemoglobin (p = 0.029), as well as decreased platelet count (p = 0.007), were observed. Additionally, after D&J versus B a higher level of mean platelet volume (p = 0.043), energy (p = 0.001), and carbohydrate intake (p < 0.000) were observed and a lower level of red cell distribution width (p = 0.006).
 
 CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that long-time consumption of beetroot juice may improve some hematological parameters (red blood cells count, hemoglobin, platelet count, mean platelet volume) - one of the key elements of physical performance. However, seems to be that this effect is largely determined by an appropriate level of energy and nutrients intake.
Highlights
MethodsThe study included 20 fencers and was conducted during the preparatory phase. Fencers underwent the fitness VO2max test at baseline - (B) and after two stages of implementation of the dietary recommendations – the first 4 weeks without beetroot juice (D) and the second with 26 g/d of freeze dried beetroot juice supplementation (D&J)
Red beetroot - Beta vulgaris var. rubra is known as a rich source of inorganic nitrate (NO3−)
The recruited elite fencers 10 female and 10 male fencers in dried beetroot juice supplementation (D&J) drank beetroot juice dissolved in water in an amount of one glass per day and followed dietary recommendations
Summary
The study included 20 fencers and was conducted during the preparatory phase. Fencers underwent the fitness VO2max test at baseline - (B) and after two stages of implementation of the dietary recommendations – the first 4 weeks without beetroot juice (D) and the second with 26 g/d of freeze dried beetroot juice supplementation (D&J). At B and after D and D&J fasting blood samples were collected
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