Nitrate Supplementation May Help Increase Muscle Power

Nitrate is found in high concentrations in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and root vegetables such as beetroot. The body converts nitrate to nitric oxide which helps blood, nutrients, and oxygen to travel to every part of your body. A recent study suggests that supplementation with nitrate may help increase peak muscle power.

For their study, the researchers reviewed 19 clinical trials that included 268 participants. The trials evaluated the effect of nitrate supplementation on maximal neuromuscular power and power output in major muscle groups during exercise. The amount of nitrate used in the trials ranged from 6.4 to 15.9 mmol.

Nitrate supplementation was found to significantly increase maximal muscle power. Use of an acute dose of nitrate was found to be more effective then use of a multiple dose.

The study was conducted by researchers from Purdue University. It was published online ahead of print on October 9, 2021, in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.