Effectiveness of Nitrate Intake on Recovery from Exercise-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Recovery between efforts is critical to achieving optimal physical and sports performance. In this sense, many nutritional supplements that have been proven to improve recovery and physical and physiological performance are widely used. Supplements such as nitrates (NO), including organic foods such as beets, promote muscle recovery and relieve fatigue. This study aimed to comprehensively summarise the available literature on the effect of NO consumption on exercise-related fatigue and muscle damage.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). From a total of 1634 studies identified, 15 studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

Based on the review, NO intake provokes physiological and metabolic responses that could potentially boost exercise-related recovery. NO could improve recovery indicators related to strength, pain, inflammation, and muscle damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the relative proven effectiveness of NO on recovery after aerobic and anaerobic efforts, based on the heterogeneity of the procedures (e.g., dosage, chronic vs. acute intake, participants' characteristics, variables and outcomes), it could be premature to suggest its extended use in sports.