Q12 Nitrates

Question 1

Mechanism

Answer 1

When nitrates are consumed they reduce to nitric oxide (NO)

NO is a signally molecule which vasodiltes smooth muscle (blood vessels), improving circulation

This reduces overall cardiovascular strain and enhances body’s ability to deliver oxygen to working muscles

Reduced whole body O2 cost, correlates to reduced ATP cost so less accumulation of ADP

Question 2

Dose/ Timing?

Answer 2

Generally consumed as beetroot shots

Needs more research but appears that chronic dosing is more effective than acute
- potentially 15 days

Dose response relationship occurs

• at lower dose, exercise economy improves
• at higher dose performance improves

Improvements in rowing performance at 8.4mmol but not 4.2mmol

8.5mmol is equivalent to 140ml of concentrate beetroot juice

Question 3

Positive Circumstances

Answer 3

Small but significant improvement in time to exhaustion from meta analysis across variety of sports and abilities

No major side effects

Greater benefit to older athletes

benefit to general health and general population

Benefits cognitive function, crucial for decision making

Question 4

Negative Circumstances

Answer 4

Non-significant results in meta-analysis in time trial results which are closer to real life sporting events

Minor side effects

• red pee
• one individual found GIT discomfort

Results not as promising for highly trained athletes, more in less trained and older athletes