title: Dietary nitrate supplementation improves sprint and high-intensity intermittent running performance.
abstract: The influence of dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation on indices of maximal sprint and intermittent exercise performance is unclear.
  
  
  
  To investigate the effects of NO3-supplementation on sprint running performance, and cognitive function and exercise performance during the sport-specific Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 test (IR1).
  
  
  
  In a double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 36 male team-sport players received NO3--rich (BR; 70 mL·day-1; 6.4 mmol of NO3-), and NO3--depleted (PL; 70 mL·day-1; 0.04 mmol NO3-) beetroot juice for 5 days. On day 5 of supplementation, subjects completed a series of maximal 20-m sprints followed by the Yo-Yo IR1. Cognitive tasks were completed prior to, during and immediately following the Yo-Yo IR1.
  
  
  
  BR improved sprint split times relative to PL at 20 m (1.2%; BR 3.98 ± 0.18 vs. PL 4.03 ± 0.19 s; P < 0.05), 10 m (1.6%; BR 2.53 ± 0.12 vs. PL 2.57 ± 0.19 s; P < 0.05) and 5 m (2.3%; BR 1.73 ± 0.09 vs. PL 1.77 ± 0.09 s; P < 0.05). The distance covered in the Yo-Yo IR1 test improved by 3.9% (BR 1422 ± 502 vs. PL 1369 ± 505 m; P < 0.05). The reaction time to the cognitive tasks was shorter in BR (615 ± 98 ms) than PL (645 ± 120 ms; P < 0.05) at rest but not during the Yo-Yo IR1. There was no difference in response accuracy.
  
  
  
  Dietary NO3-supplementation enhances maximal sprint and high-intensity intermittent running performance in competitive team sport players. Our findings suggest that NO3-supplementation has the potential to improve performance in single-sprint or multiple-sprint (team) sports.
authors: Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK.
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Thompson
authors: Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK.
authors: Anni
authors: A
authors: Vanhatalo
authors: Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK.
authors: Harry
authors: H
authors: Jell
authors: NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Fulford
authors: Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo R&D, Barrington, IL, USA.
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Carter
authors: Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo R&D, Barrington, IL, USA.
authors: Lara
authors: L
authors: Nyman
authors: Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK.
authors: Stephen J
authors: SJ
authors: Bailey
authors: Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, UK. Electronic address: a.m.jones@exeter.ac.uk.
authors: Andrew M
authors: AM
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D027461:Beta vulgaris; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000067030:Fruit and Vegetable Juices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009566:Nitrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D009573:Nitrites / Q000097:blood; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D057190:Stroop Test; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates; D009573:Nitrites
keywords: Beetroot juice; Cognitive performance; Nitric oxide; Running speed