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Could intramuscular storage of dietary nitrate contribute to its ergogenic effect? A mini-review
Jean Nyakayiru Luc Van Loon Lex B. Verdijk
Jean Nyakayiru
Luc Van Loon
Lex B. Verdijk
Abstract
Extensive research performed over the past 10 years has resulted in dietary nitrate being considered a nutritional supplement that can improve exercise performance. However, there is still limited insight in the metabolic fate of dietary nitrate following the appearance of nitrate and nitrite in the circulation. Recent observations in humans suggest the storage of nitrate in skeletal muscle tissue. This short review discusses the possibility of nitrate being stored and utilized in human skeletal muscle tissue, and why confirming this may increase our understanding of how the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway improves exercise performance. Further insight in skeletal muscle nitrate storage and metabolism may provide answers to current gaps in knowledge, such as the ergogenic benefit of acute vs multiday dietary nitrate supplementation, as well as the suggested muscle fiber-type specific effects on exercise performance. In this mini-review, specific questions that need further exploration are also discussed.
Keywords
nitric oxide, nitrite, ergogenic aid, beetroot juice
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Free Radical Biology & Medicine
Book
Volume
152
Issue
Page Range
295-300
Article Number
ACU Department
Centre for Exercise and Nutrition
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open