Nitrate

Nitrate (NO3-) is found in several foods (e.g., green leafy vegetables and beetroot). In the human body, dietary nitrate is used to produce nitric oxide, which plays a major role in regulating vascular function. Nitrate supplements are claimed to improve blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance.

Quick Answer

What it is

Nitrate (NO3-) is found in several foods (e.g., green leafy vegetables and beetroot). In the human body, dietary nitrate is used to produce nitric oxide, which plays a major role in regulating vascular function.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Blood Pressure (High Blood Pressure)
  • Grade B: Jump Height
  • Grade B: Exercise Capacity (Anaerobic Exercise Performance)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Nitrate

Quick Facts: Nitrate

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:13
  • Research Outcomes:67
  • Grade B Findings:8
  • Key Effect:Aerobic Exercise Performance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B8
C4
D1
13 conditions Β· 67 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Cognitive Decline
1 study
↓Improves
?
Plasma Nitrate
↑Improves
B
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Plasma Nitrate
↑Improves
?
Vascular Function
↑Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
Pulse Wave Velocity
1 study
↓Improves
B
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Dyspnea
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
3 studies
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
↑Improves
?
Vascular Function
↑Improves
B
Jump Height
Small Increase
6 studies
small↑Improves
?
Peak power output (PPO)
↑Improves
?
Strength
↑Improves
?
Sprint Performance Metrics
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
B
Jump Height
Small Increase
6 studies
small↑Improves
?
Peak power output (PPO)
↑Improves
?
Strength
↑Improves
?
Sprint Performance Metrics
5 studies
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
B
Exercise Capacity
Small Improvement
small↑Improves
?
Peak power output (PPO)
↑Improves
?
Maximal isometric voluntary contraction
8 studies
↑Improves
?
Jump Height
6 studies
↑Improves
?
Strength
↑Improves
?
Sprint Performance Metrics
5 studies
↑Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Small Improvement
2 studies
small↑Improves
D
Blood Lactate (Exercise)
No effect
23 studies
none
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Uptake
10 studies
↑Improves
?
Peak power output (PPO)
↑Improves
?
Maximal isometric voluntary contraction
8 studies
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
B
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Small Improvement
2 studies
small↑Improves
?
Rating of Perceived Exertion
↑Improves
?
Heart Rate
↓Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
↑Improves
C
Aerobic Exercise Metrics
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Anaerobic Capacity
↑Improves
?
Blood Pressure
↓Improves
?
Exercise Performance During Hypoxia
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
↑Improves
?
Power Output
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Glycemic Control
1 study
↑Improves
?
Plasma Nitrate
↑Improves
?
Vascular Function
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Cognitive Decline
1 study
↓Improves
?
Functionality in Elderly or Injured
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
↑Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Cognitive Decline
1 study
↓Improves
?
Functionality in Elderly or Injured
1 study
↑Improves
?
Oxygen Cost of Exercise
↑Improves
?
Exercise Capacity
↑Improves
?
Exercise Performance During Hypoxia
↑Improves
?
Exercise Performance During Hypoxia
↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

Research Citations (29)

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