Effects of the combination of nitrate and citrulline in high-performance athletes

Summary of the article published in the US National Library of Medicine.

About the investigation

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with placebo group (PLAG), citrulline group (CITG), beetroot extract group (BRG) and group with combination of beetroot extract and citrulline (CIT-BRG) with 3g of citrulline and 2.1g of beetroot extract (300mg of nitrate) during 9 weeks of controlled training.

The sample consisted of 32 male amateur triathletes with more than 5 years of triathlon experience. Age ranged from 28 to 36 years, BMI between 20.48 and 24.36 kg/m2 and body fat between 6.75 and 8.85%.

The athletes consulted with a nutritionist, doctor, and physiotherapist to receive the best possible individualized follow-up. They do not smoke, drink alcohol, have no illnesses, and do not take any medications. Two weeks before the study, they stopped taking supplements to avoid interfering with the results.

The tests performed to compare performance were: horizontal jump test (HJUMP), hand dynamometer test (DYN), abdominal tests (1-MAT), Cooper test (12-minute treadmill test where the distance covered is marked and respiratory capacity and VO2 max are evaluated using a formula), and anthropometric evaluationtrica.La The comparison was performed at T1 (start of the study) and T2 (end of the study)

Results found by the study

Anthropometric evaluation showed no significant differences between the groups during the determined time period; however, an increase in muscle mass was observed between T1 and T2 in the group that was supplemented with beetroot extract and citrulline (CIT-BRG).

When observing the performance differences between the groups at T1 and T2, no significant differences were found between the groups in the HJUMP, DYN, 1-MAT tests, or between the groups.

When we focused on the difference between T1 and T2 for each group, an improvement in the performance of the CIT-BRG group was observed in the following tests: 1-MAT, HJUMP, and Cooper Test. All groups showed better results on the DYN test at T2.

From this study, we can conclude that combined supplementation of Citrulline and beetroot extract (nitrate), for 9 weeks, increases VO2max and muscle power.

Link to the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=PMC8772988

Discover the Xtratus Super Beet here!