Beetroot Juice Improves On-Water 500 M Time-Trial Performance, and Laboratory-Based Paddling Economy in National and International-Level Kayak Athletes

• DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0110
• Publication Date: 2014-09-08T15:56:54Z
• Authors: Peter Peeling; Gregory R. Cox; Nicola Bullock; Louise M. Burke
• Keywords: Time trial

We assessed the ingestion of a beetroot juice supplement (BR) on 4-min laboratory-based kayak performance in national level male (n = 6) athletes (Study A), and 500 m on-water time-trial (TT) international female 5) B). In Study A, participants completed three sessions ergometer, including 7 × 4 min step test, two maximal effort trials. Two half hours before warm-up each trial, received either 70 ml BR shot containing ~4.8 mmol nitrate, or placebo equivalent (BRPLA). The distance covered over TT was not different between conditions; however, average VO2 period significantly lower (p .04), resulting an improved exercise economy .05). B, field-based TTs, separated by days. shots ~9.6 supplementation enhanced 1.7% .01). Our results show that national-level athletes, commercially available (70 ml) nitrate during tasks predominantly reliant aerobic energy system. Furthermore, greater volumes (140 ml; nitrate) provided to international-level resulted enhancements field.