Dietary Nitrate and High-Intensity Training in Hypoxia
Author Information
Author(s): Sousa Ana, Chambion-Diaz Marie, Pialoux Vincent, Carin Romain, Viana João Luís, Milheiro Jaime, Reis Víctor Machado, Millet Grégoire
Primary Institution: Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development – CIDESD, University of Maia, UMaia, Maia, Portugal
Hypothesis
Enhancing NO production via the NO3− – NO2− – NO pathway, by dietary NO3− supplementation, would mitigate oxidative stress under hypoxic conditions.
Conclusion
Dietary nitrate supplementation very slightly mitigates the detrimental effects of high-intensity training under hypoxic conditions on oxidative stress and antioxidant markers.
Supporting Evidence
- Oxidative stress is increased during high-intensity training in hypoxia.
- Nitrate supplementation can enhance nitric oxide production.
- Participants showed no significant changes in certain oxidative stress markers.
- Only the control group showed an increase in GPX activity post-intervention.
- MDA levels increased in both hypoxia and control groups but not in the placebo group.
- Recovery times were significantly better in the control group compared to others.
Takeaway
This study looked at how eating nitrate can help athletes train better in low-oxygen environments. It found that while it helps a little, it doesn't completely fix the problems caused by training in those conditions.
Methodology
Thirty trained participants performed 12 high-intensity interval training sessions over 4 weeks, with blood samples collected before and after the intervention.
Potential Biases
Participants may have identified their group allocation, potentially influencing results.
Limitations
The effects of nitrate supplementation were modest and may require higher doses for significant benefits.
Participant Demographics
Thirty trained male subjects, average age 36.2 years, with over 10 years of training experience.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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