Sodium Nitrate Supplementation Does Not Enhance Performance of Endurance Athletes

• DOI: 10.1249/mss.0b013e3182687e5c
• Publication Date: 2013-01-04T20:30:26Z
• Authors: RAÚL BESCÓS; VENTURA FERRER-ROCA; PEDRO A. GALILEA; ANDREU ROIG; FRANCHEK DROBNIC; ANTONI SUREDA; MIQUEL MARTORELL; ALFREDO CORDOVA; JOSEP A. TUR; ANTONI PONS
• Keywords: Crossover study; Dietary Nitrate; Sodium nitrate; Time trial

Purpose Supplementation with inorganic nitrate has been suggested to be an ergogenic aid for athletes as nitric oxide donor. The purpose of this study was determine whether ingestion sodium benefits well-trained performing a 40-min exercise test in laboratory conditions. In addition, we investigated the effect supplement on plasma levels endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitrated proteins. Methods Thirteen trained participated randomized, double-blind, crossover study. They performed cycle ergometer distance-trial after two 3-d periods dietary supplementation (10 mg·kg−1 body mass) or placebo. Results Concentration (256 ± 35 μM) nitrite (334 86 nM) increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared placebo (nitrate: 44 11 μM; nitrite: 187 43 nM). terms performance, there were no differences either mean distance 26.4 1.1 km; placebo: 26.3 1.2 P = 0.61) power output 258 28 W; 257 0.89) between treatments. Plasma ET-1 just (4.0 0.8 pg·mL−1) (2.4 0.4 This increase greater group. Levels proteins did not differ treatments preexercise, 91% 23%; postexercise, 81% 95% 20%; 99% 19%). Conclusion Sodium improve performance endurance athletes. concentration nitrate.