CompletedNot Applicable

Dose-response Effects of Dietary Nitrate on Running Time-to-exhaustion and Neuromuscular Fatigue: a Randomized Crossover Exploratory Pilot Study

Spain9 participantsStarted 2023-10-01

Plain-language summary

Background: Dietary nitrate is a natural compound found in vegetables such as beetroot and leafy greens. Previous research suggests that consuming nitrate before exercise may improve endurance and physical performance. However, it is still unclear whether higher doses provide greater benefits, particularly in recreationally trained individuals. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether different doses of dietary nitrate taken before exercise influence endurance performance and muscle fatigue during a running test in recreationally trained men. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study compared the effects of a placebo and three different doses of dietary nitrate consumed before exercise. On separate occasions, participants completed the same treadmill running test to exhaustion after ingesting the assigned supplement. Measures of muscle performance, blood lactate concentration, and perceived exertion were collected before and after exercise to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male adults aged 18 to 40 years. * Recreationally trained, performing endurance or combined endurance/resistance exercise at least 3 times per week for the previous 6 months. * Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) consistent with recreational training status. * Able to perform maximal treadmill running exercise. * Willing and able to comply with all study procedures. * Provided written informed consent before participation Exclusion Criteria: * Current smoking or use of nicotine products. * History of cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that could affect exercise performance or participant safety. * Current use of medications or dietary supplements known to influence nitric oxide metabolism or exercise performance (e.g., nitrate supplements, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, antibacterial mouthwash). * Allergy or intolerance to beetroot or any component of the study supplements. * Following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or habitually consuming a high-nitrate diet. * Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or strenuous physical exercise within the period restricted by the study protocol before each experimental visit. * Failure to comply with pre-test dietary or behavioral instructions. Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 30 days. * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with study participation or interpretation of the results.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Time to Exhaustion (TTE)

Timeframe: Baseline (single exercise session, approximately 2.5 hours after supplementation)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07735455

SponsorUniversidad Autonoma de Madrid

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-09-30

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