Work

The effect of dietary nitrate supplementation on resistance exercise performance: A dose–response investigation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Dietary nitrate (NO3 −) can enhance skeletal muscle contractile function and explosive-type exercise by modulating type II muscle fibers; however, limited attention has been directed at exploring the optimal dosing guidelines and potential performance-enhancing effects of NO3 − supplementation during resistance-type exercise. The purpose of our investigation was to examine potential dose–response effects of concentrated NO3 −-rich beetroot juice on neuromuscular performance during resistance exercise. Eighteen resistance-trained men were assigned in a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, to four conditions to consume beetroot juice containing: negligible NO3 − (PL); ~ 6 mmol NO3 − (BR-LOW); ~ 12 mmol NO3 − (BR-MOD); and ~ 24 mmol NO3 − (BR-HIGH). Participants completed 1 set of vertical countermovement jumps (CMJ), 2 sets × 3 repetitions of barbell back squats, and 2 sets × 3 repetitions of barbell bench press 2.5 h post-supplementation. Plasma [NO3 −] increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). Plasma [nitrite] ([NO2 −]) increased in all BR conditions compared to PL (P < 0.05), such that BR-MOD vs. BR-LOW (P < 0.01) and BR-LOW vs. PL (P < 0.01), but BR-HIGH was not different compared to BR-MOD (P > 0.05). Performance was not different between conditions in CMJ, 50% one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 75%1RM back squats, or 50%1RM and 75%1RM bench press (P > 0.05). The change in plasma [NO2 −] was significantly correlated with peak power (r = − 0.65, P = 0.003), mean power (r = − 0.52, P = 0.03), and mean velocity (r = − 0.48, P = 0.04) during 50%1RM back squats following BR-LOW vs. PL but not in other conditions (P > 0.05). This study indicates that dietary NO3 − does not impact resistance exercise performance at any of the doses assessed in the current study.

Source: European Journal of Applied Physiology

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-025-05779-1