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Cited by 451Cardiovascular and exercise physiologyExercise and Physiological ResponsesMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise Performance

Open access
Jones, Andrew M.·2014·Sports Medicine
DOI 10.1007/s40279-014-0149-yPMC PMC4008816
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Abstract

Dietary nitrate is growing in popularity as a sports nutrition supplement. This article reviews the evidence base for the potential of inorganic nitrate to enhance sports and exercise performance. Inorganic nitrate is present in numerous foodstuffs and is abundant in green leafy vegetables and beetroot. Following ingestion, nitrate is converted in the body to nitrite and stored and circulated in the blood. In conditions of low oxygen availability, nitrite can be converted into nitric oxide, which is known to play a number of important roles in vascular and metabolic control. Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite concentration and reduces resting blood pressure. Intriguingly, nitrate supplementation also reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise and can, in some circumstances, enhance exercise tolerance and performance. The mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects are reviewed and practical guidelines for safe and efficacious dietary nitrate supplementation are provided.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite, lowers resting blood pressure, reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, and can improve exercise tolerance and time-trial performance in some settings. Effects are less consistent in highly trained endurance athletes and depend on factors such as training status, exercise intensity/duration, and supplementation duration.

Key findings

  • In early studies, sodium nitrate (0.1 mmol/kg body mass/day for 3 days) elevated resting plasma nitrite by 82%, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 8 and 6 mmHg, reduced the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise by 5%, and improved gross efficiency from 19.7 ± 1.6 to 21.1 ± 1.3% and delta efficiency from 22.1 ± 1.6 to 22.9 ± 1.9%.
  • Beetroot juice studies reported elevated plasma nitrite by 95%, reduced systolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg, reduced steady-state oxygen uptake by 5%, reduced the high-intensity slow component by 23%, and increased time to exhaustion by 16% (9.7 ± 2.4 to 11.3 ± 3.4 min) and by 25% in knee-extensor exercise (9.8 ± 1.3 to 12.2 ± 1.8 min).
  • Performance effects were mixed: acute beetroot juice improved 4-km and 16.1-km cycling time trials by 2.8% and 2.7%, and 6 days of concentrated beetroot juice improved 10-km time trial time (15.9 ± 0.3 vs. 16.1 ± 0.3 min) and power (294 ± 12 vs. 288 ± 12 W); however, several studies in highly trained endurance athletes (VO2max approximately 60–70 ml/kg/min) found no ergogenic effect, including no difference in a 50-mile time trial (136.7 ± 5.6 vs. 137.9 ± 6.4 min).
  • Mechanistic evidence includes a 19% increase in mitochondrial P/O ratio correlated with reduced whole-body oxygen uptake during submaximal cycling (r = −0.80), altered Ca2+ handling and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle, and a 38% increase in muscle blood flow in nitrate-fed rats.

Methods

  • Narrative review of the evidence base for inorganic nitrate and exercise performance, focusing entirely on young, healthy, physically active individuals exercising in normoxia.
  • Synthesizes human and animal studies using varied protocols, including sodium nitrate (e.g., 0.1 mmol/kg body mass/day), beetroot juice (e.g., 0.5 L/day; 5.2–6.2 mmol nitrate), and approximately 5–9 mmol nitrate/day for 1–15 days.
  • No primary data collection, systematic search strategy, or meta-analysis is described.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the dose–response relationship has yet to be established, acute supplementation effects are inconsistent, and the precise conditions in which nitrate is ergogenic are not firmly established.
  • The paper states that whether longer-term nitrate supplementation supports, augments, or hinders training adaptations is unknown, and long-term safety of high-nitrate vegetable products is not established.
  • Evident from the text: this is a narrative review without a described systematic search or risk-of-bias assessment, and its scope is restricted to young, healthy, physically active individuals in normoxia, so findings may not generalize to older, clinical, or hypoxic-exercise populations.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s40279-014-0149-y

Cites

80 of 80 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 162 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationcitation

    Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces resting blood pressure.

    “Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite concentration and reduces resting blood pressure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [13] Webb AJ, Patel N, Loukogeorgakis S, et al. Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite. Hypertension. 2008;51:784–90. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] Cosby K, Partovi KS, Crawford JH, et al. Nitrite reduction to nitric oxide by deoxyhemoglobin vasodilates the human circulation. Nat Med. 2003;9:1498–505. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [30] Larsen FJ, Ekblom B, Sahlin K, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on blood pressure in healthy volunteers. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:2792–3. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationcitation

    Nitrate supplementation reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise.

    “Intriguingly, nitrate supplementation also reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise and can, in some circumstances, enhance exercise tolerance and performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [35] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise. Acta Physiol. 2007;191:59–66. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [44] Vanhatalo A, Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, et al. Acute and chronic effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure and the physiological responses to moderate-intensity and incremental exercise. Am J Physiol. 2010;299:1121–31.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationreasoning

    Nitrate supplementation can enhance exercise tolerance and performance in some circumstances.

    “Intriguingly, nitrate supplementation also reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise and can, in some circumstances, enhance exercise tolerance and performance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Fulford J, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of walking and running: a placebo-controlled study. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:591–600. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Bailey SJ, et al. Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:1125–31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationcitation

    Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite concentration.

    “Dietary nitrate supplementation increases plasma nitrite concentration and reduces resting blood pressure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [35] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise. Acta Physiol. 2007;191:59–66. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [46] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Fulford J, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of walking and running: a placebo-controlled study. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:591–600. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Premisecitation

    Nitric oxide plays important roles in vascular and metabolic control.

    “In conditions of low oxygen availability, nitrite can be converted into nitric oxide, which is known to play a number of important roles in vascular and metabolic control.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Stamler JS, Meissner G. Physiology of nitric oxide in skeletal muscle. Physiol Rev. 2001;81:209–37. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 10
  • May combine two claims. 40
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 3

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Following bolus nitrate ingestion, plasma nitrate peaks after 1-2 h and plasma nitrite peaks after 2-3 h, returning to baseline after about 24 h.

    “Following bolus nitrate ingestion, plasma nitrate concentration ([nitrate]) peaks after 1–2 h and plasma [nitrite] peaks after 2–3 h, after which both gradually fall, arriving back at baseline values after about 24 h [13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Webb AJ, Patel N, Loukogeorgakis S, et al. Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite. Hypertension. 2008;51:784–90. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Larsen et al. (2007) found that 3 days of sodium nitrate supplementation (0.1 mmol/kg body mass/day) elevated resting plasma nitrite by 82% and reduced resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 8 and 6 mmHg.

    “In that study, nine well trained subjects consumed 0.1 mmol/kg body mass (BM) per day of sodium nitrate or a placebo for 3 days before completing a continuous incremental cycle ergometer test. Nitrate supplementation significantly elevated resting plasma [nitrite] (by 82 %) and reduced resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (by 8 and 6 mmHg).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [35] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise. Acta Physiol. 2007;191:59–66. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Following ingestion, nitrate is converted in the body to nitrite and stored and circulated in the blood.

    “Following ingestion, nitrate is converted in the body to nitrite and stored and circulated in the blood.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8] Spiegelhalder B, Eisenbrand G, Preussmann R. Influence of dietary nitrate on nitrite content of human saliva: possible relevance to in vivo formation of N-nitroso compounds. Food Cosmet Toxicol. 1976;14:545–8. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] Dejam A, Hunter CJ, Schechter AN, et al. Emerging role of nitrite in human biology. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2004;32:423–9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Lundberg JO, Govoni M. Inorganic nitrate is a possible source for systemic generation of nitric oxide. Free Radic Biol Med. 2004;37:395–400. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    A basic tenet of human exercise physiology is that the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise at a given work rate is immutable, irrespective of age, health, and fitness status, and insensitive to known physical, nutritional, or pharmacological interventions.

    “The findings of Larsen et al. [35] are remarkable because a basic tenet of human exercise physiology is that the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise at a given work rate is immutable, that is, essentially fixed, irrespective of age, health, and fitness status, and insensitive to known physical, nutritional, or pharmacological interventions [36].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] Poole DC, Richardson RS. Determinants of oxygen uptake. Implications for exercise testing. Sports Med. 1997;24:308–20. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Larsen et al. (2007) found no difference in blood lactate, heart rate, ventilation, or respiratory exchange ratio between nitrate and placebo for any submaximal work rates.

    “There was no difference in blood [lactate], heart rate, ventilation, or respiratory exchange ratio between nitrate and placebo for any of the submaximal work rates”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [35] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise. Acta Physiol. 2007;191:59–66. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ingested inorganic nitrate circulates in plasma, and about 25% is taken up by the salivary glands and concentrated in saliva.

    “Ingested inorganic nitrate circulates in the plasma, and a portion (~25 %) is taken up by the salivary glands and concentrated in the saliva [8].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Spiegelhalder B, Eisenbrand G, Preussmann R. Influence of dietary nitrate on nitrite content of human saliva: possible relevance to in vivo formation of N-nitroso compounds. Food Cosmet Toxicol. 1976;14:545–8. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Inorganic nitrate is present in numerous foodstuffs and is abundant in green leafy vegetables and beetroot.

    “Inorganic nitrate is present in numerous foodstuffs and is abundant in green leafy vegetables and beetroot.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [2] Bryan NS. Nitrite in nitric oxide biology: cause or consequence? A systems-based review. Free Radic Biol Med. 2006;41:691–701. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Lundberg JO, Gladwin MT, Ahluwalia A, et al. Nitrate and nitrite in biology, nutrition and therapeutics. Nat Chem Biol. 2009;5:865–9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Hord NG, Tang Y, Bryan NS. Food sources of nitrates and nitrites: the physiologic contact for potential health benefits. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90:1–10. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Some swallowed nitrite is reduced to NO in the acidic environment of the stomach, but a substantial amount enters the systemic circulation and elevates plasma nitrite concentration.

    “Some of the swallowed nitrite is reduced to NO in the acidic environment of the stomach, but a substantial amount of nitrite enters the systemic circulation, elevating the plasma nitrite concentration ([nitrite]) [11, 12].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [11] Dejam A, Hunter CJ, Schechter AN, et al. Emerging role of nitrite in human biology. Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2004;32:423–9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Lundberg JO, Govoni M. Inorganic nitrate is a possible source for systemic generation of nitric oxide. Free Radic Biol Med. 2004;37:395–400. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Larsen et al. (2007) found significant improvements in gross efficiency (from 19.7 ± 1.6 to 21.1 ± 1.3%) and delta efficiency (from 22.1 ± 1.6 to 22.9 ± 1.9%) over the four lowest work rates following nitrate supplementation.

    “Over the four lowest work rates, there were significant improvements in gross efficiency (calculated as the work output per unit energy expended, from 19.7 ± 1.6 to 21.1 ± 1.3 %) and delta efficiency (calculated as the change in work output per unit change in energy expended, from 22.1 ± 1.6 to 22.9 ± 1.9 %) following nitrate supplementation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [35] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen cost during exercise. Acta Physiol. 2007;191:59–66. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bailey et al. (2009) found that 6 days of beetroot juice (5.6 mmol nitrate/day) elevated plasma nitrite by 95% and reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 8 mmHg.

    “On days 4–6 of the supplementation periods, plasma [nitrite] was significantly elevated following nitrate intake compared with placebo (95 %), and systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced (by an average of 8 mmHg).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Cermak et al. (2012) found that 6 days of concentrated beetroot juice (8 mmol nitrate/day) significantly improved 10-km cycle time trial performance (15.9 ± 0.3 vs. 16.1 ± 0.3 min) and power output (294 ± 12 vs. 288 ± 12 W) in trained male cyclists.

    “Time trial performance (15.9 ± 0.3 vs. 16.1 ± 0.3 min) and power output (294 ± 12 vs. 288 ± 12 W) were significantly improved after beetroot juice compared with placebo supplementation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [49] Cermak NM, Gibala MJ, van Loon LJ. Nitrate supplementation’s improvement of 10-km time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:64–71. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Larsen et al. (2010) concluded that dietary nitrate reduces oxygen uptake during maximal exercise using a large active muscle mass but with a trend towards improved performance due to enhanced muscle energetic function.

    “The authors concluded that dietary nitrate reduces during maximal exercise using a large active muscle mass but with a trend towards improved performance due to enhanced muscle energetic function.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg JO, et al. Dietary nitrate reduces maximal oxygen consumption while maintaining work performance in maximal exercise. Free Radic Biol Med. 2010;48:342–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Murphy et al. found that at 1.8 km into the 5-km run, rating of perceived exertion was significantly lower and running speed over the last 1.8 km was 5% faster in the beetroot trial.

    “At 1.8 km into the 5-km run, the rating of perceived exertion was significantly lower and running speed over the last 1.8 km of the 5-km distance was 5 % faster in the beetroot trial.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50] Murphy M, Eliot K, Heuertz RM, et al. Whole beetroot consumption acutely improves running performance. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112:548–52. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Assuming other factors remain unchanged, an improvement in muscle efficiency would enable a greater work output for the same energy cost and translate into improved exercise performance.

    “Assuming that the other factors remain unchanged, an improvement in muscle efficiency would be expected to enable a greater work output for the same energy cost and translate into improved exercise performance [37, 38].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [37] Coyle EF. Integration of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 1995;23:25–63. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] Jones AM, Carter H. The effect of endurance training on parameters of aerobic fitness. Sports Med. 2000;29:373–86. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • The authors state this as an assumption: Other determinants of endurance exercise performance, such as maximal oxygen uptake and its fractional utilization, remain unchanged when muscle efficiency improves.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Beetroot juice contains other compounds that may be independently bioactive or act synergistically with nitrate, including antioxidants (betaine and vitamins) and polyphenols, resveratrol and quercetin.

    “In addition to nitrate, beetroot juice also contains other compounds that may be independently bioactive or that may act synergistically with nitrate, including antioxidants (betaine and vitamins) and the polyphenols, resveratrol and quercetin [45].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] Wootton-Beard PC, Ryan L. Combined use of multiple methodologies for the measurement of total antioxidant capacity in UK commercially available vegetable juices. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2012;67:142–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Peacock et al. found that consumption of 614 mg (~10 mmol) potassium nitrate 2.5 h before exercise neither reduced submaximal oxygen uptake during a low-intensity warm-up nor enhanced 5-km running performance compared with placebo in ten highly trained cross-country skiers (maximal oxygen uptake 70 ml/kg per minute).

    “Similarly, Peacock et al. [53] found that the consumption of 614 mg (~10 mmol) of potassium nitrate 2.5 h before exercise neither reduced submaximal during a low-intensity warm-up nor enhanced 5-km running performance compared with placebo in ten highly trained cross-country skiers (, 70 ml/kg per minute).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53] Peacock O, Tjonna AE, James P, et al. Dietary nitrate does not enhance running performance in elite cross-country skiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44:2213–9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bailey et al. (2010) confirmed that beetroot juice consumption reduced submaximal oxygen uptake during low-intensity knee extensor exercise, reduced the slow component, and increased time to exhaustion by 25% (from 9.8 ± 1.3 to 12.2 ± 1.8 min) during high-intensity exercise.

    “In a subsequent study using knee extensor exercise, Bailey et al. [41] confirmed that, compared with placebo, beetroot juice consumption reduced submaximal during low-intensity exercise, reduced the slow component, and increased time to exhaustion by 25 % (from 9.8 ± 1.3 to 12.2 ± 1.8 min) during high-intensity exercise.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] Bailey SJ, Fulford J, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances muscle contractile efficiency during knee-extensor exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2010;109:135–48. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bailey et al. (2009) found that during moderate-intensity exercise, steady-state oxygen uptake was reduced by 5% after beetroot juice.

    “During moderate-intensity exercise, steady-state was reduced by 5 %.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Collectively, both acute and more chronic dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycle efficiency and time trial performance, at least for events of approximately 5-30 min duration in trained but sub-elite cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake of approximately 53-63 ml/kg per minute).

    “Collectively, these studies suggest that both acute [48] and more chronic [49] dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycle efficiency and time trial performance, at least for events of approximately 5–30 min duration in trained but sub-elite cyclists ( of approximately 53–63 ml/kg per minute).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [48] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Bailey SJ, et al. Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:1125–31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] Cermak NM, Gibala MJ, van Loon LJ. Nitrate supplementation’s improvement of 10-km time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:64–71. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The effect size in time to exhaustion tests is considerably greater than in time trials; for example, a 15% improvement in time to exhaustion might translate into a 1% improvement in time trial performance over an equivalent duration.

    “For example, a 15 % improvement in time to exhaustion following a given intervention might be expected to translate into a 1 % improvement in time trial performance over an equivalent duration [47].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] Hopkins WG, Hawley JA, Burke LM. Design and analysis of research on sport performance enhancement. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31:472–85. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Wilkerson et al. found no significant difference in 50-mile time trial performance between beetroot juice and placebo (136.7 ± 5.6 vs. 137.9 ± 6.4 min), although there was a tendency for the ratio of power output to oxygen uptake to be higher following nitrate supplementation.

    “There was no significant difference in time trial performance between treatments (beetroot juice 136.7 ± 5.6 vs. placebo 137.9 ± 6.4 min), although there was a tendency for the ratio of power output to to be higher following nitrate supplementation (Fig. 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [54] Wilkerson DP, Hayward GM, Bailey SJ, et al. Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on 50 mile time trial performance in well-trained cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:4127–34. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    Lansley et al. (2011) found that the oxygen cost of treadmill walking and moderate-intensity treadmill running were significantly reduced after beetroot juice supplementation.

    “The oxygen cost of treadmill walking and moderate-intensity treadmill running were significantly reduced.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [46] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Fulford J, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of walking and running: a placebo-controlled study. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:591–600. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Vanhatalo et al. (2010) found that steady-state oxygen uptake during moderate-intensity exercise was significantly reduced by approximately 4% 2.5 h after beetroot juice intake compared with pre-supplementation control, and remained significantly reduced after 5 and 15 days of supplementation compared with placebo.

    “The steady-state during moderate-intensity exercise was significantly reduced (by approximately 4 %) 2.5 h after beetroot juice intake compared with pre-supplementation control, and it remained significantly reduced after 5 and 15 days of supplementation compared with placebo (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [44] Vanhatalo A, Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, et al. Acute and chronic effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure and the physiological responses to moderate-intensity and incremental exercise. Am J Physiol. 2010;299:1121–31.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bond et al. found that 6 days of beetroot juice supplementation conferred a likely benefit to mean repetition time (0.4%, 95% confidence limits ±1.0%) and an almost certain benefit for repetitions 4-6 (1.7%, 95% confidence limits ±1.0%) in well trained rowers.

    “The authors concluded that beetroot juice supplementation conferred a likely benefit to mean repetition time compared with placebo (0.4 %, 95 % confidence limits ±1.0 %) and an almost certain benefit for repetitions 4–6 (1.7 %, 95 % confidence limits ±1.0 %).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [51] Bond H, Morton L, Braakhuis AJ. Dietary nitrate supplementation improves rowing performance in well-trained rowers. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:251–6. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Lansley et al. (2011) found that beetroot juice significantly improved 4-km performance by 2.8% and 16.1-km performance by 2.7% compared with placebo.

    “Consequently, compared with placebo, beetroot juice significantly improved 4-km performance (2.8 %) and 16.1-km performance (2.7 %).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [48] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Bailey SJ, et al. Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:1125–31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Cermak et al. (2012) found that whole-body fuel selection and plasma lactate, glucose, and insulin concentrations did not differ between treatments.

    “Whole-body fuel selection and plasma lactate, glucose, and insulin concentrations did not differ between treatments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [49] Cermak NM, Gibala MJ, van Loon LJ. Nitrate supplementation’s improvement of 10-km time-trial performance in trained cyclists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:64–71. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    Bailey et al. (2009) found no alteration in blood lactate, heart rate, ventilation, or respiratory exchange ratio for either moderate- or high-intensity exercise.

    “Consistent with the study of Larsen et al. [35], nitrate did not alter blood [lactate], heart rate, ventilation, or respiratory exchange ratio for either moderate- or high-intensity exercise.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2009;107:1144–55. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    An alternative explanation for the coincident reductions in steady-state and PCr is that nitrate supplementation simultaneously improves muscle oxygenation (thus sparing muscle PCr) and improves mitochondrial efficiency (thus lowering ).

    “An alternative explanation for the coincident reductions in steady-state and PCr is that nitrate supplementation simultaneously improves muscle oxygenation (thus sparing muscle PCr) [70] and improves mitochondrial efficiency (thus lowering ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [70] Wilson DF. Factors affecting the rate and energetics of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1994;26:37–43. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Nitrate supplementation, which may reduce both the ATP and oxygen cost of muscle contraction, simultaneously increases muscle oxygen delivery.

    “Those studies [71, 72] indicate that nitrate supplementation, which may reduce both the ATP and oxygen cost of muscle contraction [41, 59, 61], simultaneously increases muscle oxygen delivery.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [71] Ferguson SK, Hirai DM, Copp SW, et al. Impact of dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice on exercising muscle vascular control in rats. J Physiol. 2013;591:547–57. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [72] Ferguson SK, Hirai DM, Copp SW, et al. Effects of nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice on contracting rat skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen pressure dynamics. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2013;187:250–5. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [41] Bailey SJ, Fulford J, Vanhatalo A, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances muscle contractile efficiency during knee-extensor exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol. 2010;109:135–48. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Hernández A, Schiffer TA, Ivarsson N, et al. Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle. J Physiol. 2012;590:3575–83. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011;13:149–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Highly trained subjects would be expected to have greater skeletal muscle capillarization, perhaps minimizing any hypoperfusion of metabolically active tissue during exercise, and therefore reducing the requirement for NO production through the reduction of nitrite.

    “Highly trained subjects would be expected to have greater skeletal muscle capillarization [58], perhaps minimizing any hypoperfusion of metabolically active tissue during exercise, and therefore reducing the requirement for NO production through the reduction of nitrite.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [58] Jensen L, Bangsbo J, Hellsten Y. Effect of high intensity training on capillarization and presence of angiogenic factors in human skeletal muscle. J Physiol. 2004;557:571–82. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    These effects on intracellular Ca2+ handling result in significantly increased contractile force at 50 Hz or less and a faster rate of force development at 100 Hz stimulation.

    “These striking effects on intracellular Ca2+ handling resulted in significantly increased contractile force at 50 Hz or less and a faster rate of force development at 100 Hz stimulation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Hernández A, Schiffer TA, Ivarsson N, et al. Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle. J Physiol. 2012;590:3575–83. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Highly trained subjects may have higher plasma nitrite values than sedentary or lesser trained subjects, such that the response to a standard dose of nitrate may be diminished.

    “Moreover, highly trained subjects may have higher plasma [nitrite] values than sedentary or lesser trained subjects [57], such that the response to a standard dose of nitrate may be diminished.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [57] Poveda JJ, Riestra A, Salas E, et al. Contribution of nitric oxide to exercise-induced changes in healthy volunteers: effects of acute exercise and long-term physical training. Eur J Clin Invest. 1997;27:967–71. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Nitrate supplementation results in a 19% increase in the mitochondrial P/O ratio, which is closely correlated (r = −0.80) with the reduction in whole-body during submaximal cycling.

    “Nitrate supplementation resulted in a 19 % increase in the mitochondrial P/O ratio (the amount of oxygen consumed per ATP produced), which was closely correlated (r = −0.80) with the reduction in whole-body during submaximal cycling.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011;13:149–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The net result is a higher ratio of oxygen delivery to oxygen utilization, which would be expected to reduce muscle metabolic perturbation and be conducive to muscle fatigue resistance.

    “The net result is a higher ratio of oxygen delivery to oxygen utilization, which would be expected to reduce the muscle metabolic perturbation and be conducive to muscle fatigue resistance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Muscle oxygen delivery is substantially elevated in low oxidative, highly fatigable fibers, such that oxygen might be considered more appropriately distributed across and within active muscles.

    “Muscle oxygen delivery was therefore substantially elevated in the low oxidative, highly fatigable fibers, such that oxygen might be considered to be more appropriately distributed across and within the active muscles.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Highly trained subjects are likely to have high NOS activity, which might render the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway relatively less important for NO production.

    “Highly trained subjects are likely to have high NOS activity [56], which might render the nitrate–nitrite–NO pathway relatively less important for NO production.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] McConell GK, Bradley SJ, Stephens TJ, et al. Skeletal muscle nNOS protein content is increased by exercise training in humans. Am J Physiol. 2007;293:R821–8.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Following nitrate supplementation, the expression of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is reduced, reducing leak respiration and improving the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation.

    “Following nitrate supplementation, the expression of adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), a protein involved in mitochondrial proton conductance, was reduced, thus reducing leak respiration and improving the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [61] Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011;13:149–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Evidence for positive effects of nitrate supplementation on both mitochondrial efficiency and muscle contractile function has recently been presented.

    “Evidence for positive effects of nitrate supplementation on both mitochondrial efficiency [61] and muscle contractile function [59] has recently been presented.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [61] Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011;13:149–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Hernández A, Schiffer TA, Ivarsson N, et al. Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle. J Physiol. 2012;590:3575–83. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In rats fed beetroot juice for 5 days, exercising blood pressure and blood [lactate] are significantly lower and muscle blood flow is 38% higher than in placebo-fed rats.

    “Exercising blood pressure and blood [lactate] were significantly lower following nitrate feeding, and there was a striking (38 %) increase in muscle blood flow between nitrate-fed and placebo-fed rats.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [71] Ferguson SK, Hirai DM, Copp SW, et al. Impact of dietary nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice on exercising muscle vascular control in rats. J Physiol. 2013;591:547–57. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This redistribution might be expected to reduce substrate-level phosphorylation, improve metabolic control and exercise efficiency, and be advantageous to performance.

    “This might be expected to reduce substrate-level phosphorylation, improve metabolic control and exercise efficiency, and be advantageous to performance [40].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] Jones AM, Grassi B, Christensen PM, et al. Slow component of O2 kinetics: mechanistic bases and practical applications. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:2046–62. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Dietary nitrate has the potential to reduce blood pressure, lower the oxygen cost of exercise, and, at least in some circumstances, enhance exercise capacity.

    “From the above review, it appears clear that dietary nitrate has the potential to reduce blood pressure, lower the oxygen cost of exercise, and, at least in some circumstances, enhance exercise capacity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This may be related to the lower intensity of such exercise and the associated reduced likelihood of the development of local mismatching of perfusion to metabolic rate in muscle.

    “This may be related to the lower intensity of such exercise and the associated reduced likelihood of the development of local mismatching of perfusion to metabolic rate in muscle (i.e. loci that are relatively hypoxic and acidic).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The efficacy of nitrate might well depend on factors such as the type of subject, including age, diet, and health and fitness status; the intensity, duration, and nature of the exercise challenge; and the dose applied and duration of the nitrate supplementation regimen.

    “For example, the efficacy of nitrate might well depend on factors such as the type of subject, including age, diet, and health and fitness status; the intensity, duration, and nature of the exercise challenge; and the dose applied and duration of the nitrate supplementation regimen.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Acute nitrate intake may rapidly influence vascular tone and peripheral tissue oxygenation, but more time may be necessary to permit changes in mitochondrial and contractile proteins to influence exercise performance.

    “Acute nitrate intake may rapidly influence vascular tone and peripheral tissue oxygenation [33, 44], but more time may be necessary to permit changes in mitochondrial and contractile proteins to influence exercise performance [59, 61].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [33] Kenjale AA, Ham KL, Stabler T, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances exercise performance in peripheral arterial disease. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:1582–91. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [44] Vanhatalo A, Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR, et al. Acute and chronic effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure and the physiological responses to moderate-intensity and incremental exercise. Am J Physiol. 2010;299:1121–31.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [59] Hernández A, Schiffer TA, Ivarsson N, et al. Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle. J Physiol. 2012;590:3575–83. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab. 2011;13:149–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The effects of acute nitrate supplementation on performance are less consistent, with some studies showing a positive effect and others showing no effect.

    “The effects of acute supplementation on performance are less consistent, with some studies showing a positive effect [33, 48, 50, 73] and others showing no effect [52–54, 74].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 8 sources checked
    • cites [33] Kenjale AA, Ham KL, Stabler T, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances exercise performance in peripheral arterial disease. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110:1582–91. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] Lansley KE, Winyard PG, Bailey SJ, et al. Acute dietary nitrate supplementation improves cycling time trial performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:1125–31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [50] Murphy M, Eliot K, Heuertz RM, et al. Whole beetroot consumption acutely improves running performance. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112:548–52. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [73] Wylie LJ, Mohr M, Krustrup P, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation improves team sport-specific intense intermittent exercise performance. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113:1673–84. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [52] Cermak NM, Res P, Stinkens R, et al. No improvement in endurance performance following a single dose of beetroot juice. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22:470–8. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [53] Peacock O, Tjonna AE, James P, et al. Dietary nitrate does not enhance running performance in elite cross-country skiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2012;44:2213–9. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [54] Wilkerson DP, Hayward GM, Bailey SJ, et al. Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on 50 mile time trial performance in well-trained cyclists. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2012;112:4127–34. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [74] Christensen PM, Nyberg M, Bangsbo J. Influence of nitrate supplementation on V O 2 kinetics and endurance of elite cyclists. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2013;23:e21–31. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The expert consensus view is that nitrate supplementation with vegetable products such as beetroot juice is very unlikely to be harmful.

    “The expert consensus view is that nitrate supplementation with vegetable products such as beetroot juice is very unlikely to be harmful [78, 79].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [78] Lundberg JO, Larsen FJ, Weitzberg E. Supplementation with nitrate and nitrite salts in exercise: a word of caution. J Appl Physiol. 2011;111:616–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [79] Jones AM, Bailey SJ, Vanhatalo A, et al. Reply to Lundberg, Larsen, and Weitzberg. J Appl Physiol. 2011;111:619. source

      Not checked in the free run.

46 of 46

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Other determinants of endurance exercise performance, such as maximal oxygen uptake and its fractional utilization, remain unchanged when muscle efficiency improves.

    “Assuming that the other factors remain unchanged, an improvement in muscle efficiency would be expected to enable a greater work output for the same energy cost and translate into improved exercise performance [37, 38].”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Any harmful effect of nitrosation requires the presence of secondary amines in the saliva or stomach.

    “It is pertinent to note that any possible harmful effect of nitrosation (which assumes the presence of secondary amines in the saliva or stomach) is very effectively inhibited [77] by the antioxidants that accompany nitrate in vegetables [45].”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    5–9 mmol nitrate can readily be consumed within the normal diet.

    “It should be emphasized that 5–9 mmol nitrate can readily be consumed within the normal diet and there is presently no evidence that additional nitrate intake produces greater benefits.”
3 of 3

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Dietary nitrate is sequentially reduced to nitrite and then to NO; this enhances oxygen delivery, reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, and improves endurance performance, likely due to improved mitochondrial efficiency and muscle perfusion.

    “Dietary nitrate is sequentially reduced to nitrite and then to NO. This enhances oxygen delivery, reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, and improves endurance performance. This is likely due to improved mitochondrial efficiency and muscle perfusion [41,42,43,44].”

    From Dietary Nitrate-Rich Vegetables as Natural Modulators of Health: Mechanisms and Benefits in Ageing Populations (2026) · cites this paper as [43]

    Split into 2 atoms — 1 confirmed, 1 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Short-term nitrate supplementation improves muscle oxygenation and reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, thereby enhancing muscular efficiency.

    “Short-term nitrate supplementation has been shown to improve muscle oxygenation and reduce the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, thereby enhancing muscular efficiency [43].”

    From Dietary Nitrate-Rich Vegetables as Natural Modulators of Health: Mechanisms and Benefits in Ageing Populations (2026) · cites this paper as [43]

    The section 'Nitrate Reduces Oxygen Cost of Exercise and Improves Exercise Tolerance' reports that three days of supplementation reduced oxygen cost at submaximal work rates and improved gross and delta efficiency. The 'Mechanisms' section discusses improved muscle oxygenation as an alternative explanation and reports increased muscle oxygen delivery in rat studies. The claim presents improved muscle oxygenation as an established effect of short-term supplementation without that qualification. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Nitrates can improve exercise performance in specific conditions.

    “There is also some evidence that nitrates can improve exercise performance in specific conditions [81, 82].”

    From Periodized Nutrition for Athletes (2017) · cites this paper as [82]

  • There is good evidence that nitrate/BJ supplementation can enhance sports performance in moderate caliber athletes and individuals among elite athlete populations, with emphasis on adequate protocols and sports/scenarios relying on less-oxidative type II muscle fibres and conditions of hypoxia or acidosis.

    “Nevertheless, there seems good evidence that nitrate/BJ supplementation can enhance sports performance in moderate caliber athletes and individuals among elite athlete populations [130], with emphasis on adequate supplementation protocols and sports or scenarios which rely on the recruitment of the lessoxidative type II muscle fibres, and local or environmental conditions of hypoxia or acidosis (e”

    From New strategies in sport nutrition to increase exercise performance (2016) · cites this paper as [130]

  • Reasons for elite athletes' lower responsiveness include greater dietary nitrate intake and/or greater capacity for arginine-derived NO production, as well as better genetic and training-supported muscle characteristics.

    “Reasons for this observation include a greater dietary nitrate intake and/or greater capacity for arginine-derived production of NO in highly trained individuals, as well as better genetic and training-supported characteristics in the muscle, which enhance oxygen delivery and buffer metabolic acidosis, thus reducing the conditions under which the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway may be important [130].”

    From New strategies in sport nutrition to increase exercise performance (2016) · cites this paper as [130]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • P/O ratio is described in the opposite direction from the claimed efficiency gain

    Minor

    The paper says nitrate increased the P/O ratio and defines that ratio as oxygen consumed per ATP produced. An increase in oxygen consumed per ATP would mean lower, not higher, mitochondrial efficiency, contradicting the passage's interpretation.

1 of 1

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Authors
Jones, A. M.
Affiliations
University of Exeter (GB)
Corresponding author
Jones, Andrew M.
ORCID
Jones, Andrew M.
Venue
Sports Medicine
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2014-05
Volume
44
Issue
S1
Pages
35-45
ISSN
  • 0112-1642 (ISSN-L)
  • 1179-2035
DOI
10.1007/s40279-014-0149-y
PMC
PMC4008816
OpenAlex
W2012172244
Semantic Scholar
59927dad5862ae7063e492a2c87cd093a2c9e60c
Cited by
442
References
80
Citations by year
2026: 47 · 2025: 32 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 43 · 2021: 50 · 2020: 42 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 37 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 27 · 2015: 28 · 2014: 10
FWCI
8.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Sports Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • PepsiCo
  • Gran Sasso Science Institute
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
dietary nitrate, inorganic nitrate supplementation, exercise performance, nitric oxide, nitrite, beetroot, leafy vegetables, oxygen cost of exercise, exercise tolerance, blood pressure, sports nutrition
MeSH terms
Energy Metabolism, Humans, Nitrates, Oxygen Consumption, Exercise, Exercise Tolerance, Muscle, Skeletal, Dietary Supplements, Athletic Performance, Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

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