Abstract
BackgroundNitrate supplementation is thought to improve performance in endurance sports.ObjectiveTo meta-analyze studies evaluating the effect of nitrate supplementation on endurance sports performance among adults.Data sourcesWe searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL without language restrictions.MethodsWe included studies that: 1) compared nitrate supplementation with placebo; 2) enrolled adults engaging in an endurance-based activity; and 3) reported a performance measure or surrogate physiologic outcome. We evaluated risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and pooled data with a random-effects model. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to evaluate confidence in estimates.ResultsWe included 73 studies (n = 1061). Nitrate supplementation improved power output (MD 4.6 watts, P < 0.0001), time to exhaustion (MD 25.3 s, P < 0.00001), and distance travelled (MD 163.7 m, P = 0.03). We found no significant difference on perceived exertion, time trial performance and work done. Nitrate supplementation decreased VO2 (MD − 0.04 L/min, P < 0.00001) but had no significant effect on VO2max or blood lactate levels.ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that dietary nitrate supplementation benefits performance-related outcomes for endurance sports.
Highlights
Nitrate supplementation is thought to improve performance in endurance sports
While the exact mechanism underlying the ergogenic benefits of nitrate supplementation has not yet been established, it has been proposed that dietary nitrate, once ingested, is reduced to nitric oxide (NO)
We presented all outcomes as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)
Summary
Nitrate supplementation is thought to improve performance in endurance sports. The performance of athletes training and competing in sports such as distance running, triathlons, swimming, biking and rowing depends on their endurance capacity [2, 3]. Different macronutrients and micronutrients have been used as ergogenic aids to potentially improve performance [4]. Nitrates are thought to potentially improve athletic performance. While the exact mechanism underlying the ergogenic benefits of nitrate supplementation has not yet been established, it has been proposed that dietary nitrate, once ingested, is reduced to nitric oxide (NO). NO was thought to be generated by oxidation of L-arginine, resulting in endogenous production of nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-).
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