Effectiveness of beetroot juice derived nitrates supplementation on fatigue resistance during repeated-sprints: a systematic review

Abstract

In recent decades, the search for non-doping substances that enhance sports performance has increased. Ergogenic aids such as beetroot juice (BRJ) and BRJ rich in nitrates (NO₃⁻) are widely used to cause physiological benefits that may lead to physical improvements. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to explore the knowledge reported to date on the NO₃⁻ derived from BRJ intake effect on fatigue resistance during repeated sprints. A digital search was conducted following systematic review guidelines, and 18 studies met inclusion criteria from a total of 209 articles. In a third of the selected studies, the consumption of beet juice rich in NO₃⁻ contributes to an increase in nitrites in plasma that led to the rise in peak power, mean power, number of sprint repetitions, total work and time to task failure, and causes a decrease in fatigue index and sprints times. Some different dose has been proposed for both chronic and acute protocols. It seems that a chronic intake of ∼5–6 mmol of NO₃⁻ in 70 ml of BRJ, twice a day, for a minimum of 3–6 days could lead to a fatigue resistance improvement during repeated sprints. Besides, acute intake of NO₃⁻ 2.5–3 h before physical exertion or a dose of 250 ml/d to 500 ml/d of BRJ could lead to similar effective results. This systematic review presents some improvements (1.2–5.38%) in fatigue resistance during repeated sprints when consuming BRJ derived NO₃⁻. The in-field practical meaning of these results should be explored.

Keywords:

• Sports
• intake
• ergogenic aids
• anaerobic exercise
• power