Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake during aerobic exercise: a systematic review and
Gang Qin1, Sungmin Kim1,2,3
1Major in Sport Science, College of Performing Arts and Sport, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Beetroot juice (BRJ) is a dietary source of inorganic nitrate that may increase nitric oxide bioavailability and influence aerobic exercise capacity. Previous reviews have included scattered evidence on maximal or peak oxygen uptake in the context of overall exercise performance. This review assessed the effect of BRJ supplementation on VO₂max/VO₂peak in healthy adults.
Methods:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover placebo-controlled trials was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. A total of six databases were searched from inception to 31 January 2026. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to involve terms such as healthy adults, BRJ or beetroot-derived nitrate supplementation, an incremental or graded aerobic exercise test, a placebo comparator, and reporting of VO₂max or VO₂peak. Pooled effects were calculated as Hedges' g under a random-effects model.
Results:
Thirty-eight studies involving 703 participants were included in the quantitative synthesis. BRJ produced a small statistically significant improvement in VO₂max/VO₂peak compared with placebo (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37], p < 0.001; I2 = 48.3%). Effects were larger in recreationally active participants (SMD = 0.38) and were not clearly demonstrated in highly trained athletes (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI [-0.09, 0.23]). Standard nitrate doses of 6.4-12.8 mmol NO₃- and supplementation lasting at least 3 consecutive days showed the most consistent effects. Funnel plot asymmetry suggested possible small-study effects; after trim-and-fill adjustment, the pooled estimate was attenuated but remained statistically significant (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [0.07, 0.31]).
Conclusion:
BRJ supplementation is associated with a small improvement in VO₂max/VO₂peak, particularly in recreationally active adults. The effect may be smaller after adjusting for publication bias, and evidence in highly trained athletes remains limited and uncertain. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as moderate.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. PROSPERO registration: CRD420261414721.
More Related Videos
09:33Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Wearable Devices to Identify Central Versus Peripheral Limitations During Exercise
Published on: December 19, 2024
07:09Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Oxygen Transport in the Blood
01:24Muscle Recovery and Fatigue