Beetroot Supplementation and High Intensity Exercise

Ingested beetroot contains inorganic nitrate which is later converted to nitric oxide (NO) in the bloodstream. NO is an important signaling molecule with several physiological functions in the body including acting as a vasodilator, expanding arteries and improving blood flow. Beetroot juice contain inorganic nitrate and consumption of beetroot has been shown to improve skeletal muscle contractility and metabolism enhancing high-intensity exercise performance. Isotonic sports drinks contain carbohydrates and sodium, which also improve exercise performance by providing exogenous glucose for energy to the working muscle and central nervous system and enabling faster absorption of fluid into the bloodstream. The ingestion of exogenous nitrate and isotonic-carbohydrate drink are recognized strategies for promoting exercise performance but whether they can be effectively combined has not been shown. This study will compare the salivary nitrite response, muscle oxygenation and time-trial performance after ingestion of two isotonic drinks with high in nitrate or with no nitrate.