RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NITRATE SUPPLEMENTATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE: an integrative review

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.15931012308129

• Palavras-chave: “Nitrate”; “Sports Performance”; “Supplementation”.

• Keywords: “Nitrate”; “Sports Performance”; “Supplementation”.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Nitric oxide emerges as a multifunctional signaling molecule that regulates cardiovascular, metabolic and contractile processes. Its enhanced synthesis through the support of exogenous intake of nitrate, one of its precursors, represents a promising field of investigation, highlighting its implications within sports performance, improving muscle bioenergetic capacity. Objective: To elucidate the complex relationship between nitrate supplementation and sports performance, exploring its impact on athletic performance. Methodology: This is an integrative review of the literature carried out through research in the Medline and Pubmed databases, with the descriptors “Nitrate”, “Exercise Performance” and “Supplementation”. Discussion: The sample for this review consisted of 6 articles that met the inclusion criteria. It was assessed that all the articles that constitute the sample of this study point out several benefits in relation to nitrate supplementation to improve sports performance. The ergogenic aid in question proved to be effective in reducing O2 expenditure during performance and also in increasing the maximum volume of oxygen consumption (VO2 maximum), representing a promising result. Conclusion: There is evidence of a beneficial relationship between chronic nitrate supplementation and sports performance.