The Effect of a Dietary Nitrate Supplementation in the Form of a Single Shot of Beetroot Juice on Static and Dynamic Apnea Performance.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of acute nitrate ([Formula see text])-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and pulmonary gas exchange during submaximal static and dynamic apnea. METHODS: Nine (six males and three females) trained apneists (age 39.6 ± 8.2 years, stature 170.4 ± 11.5 cm, and body mass 72.0 ± 11.5 kg) performed three submaximal static apneas at 60%, 70%, and 80% of the participant's current reported personal best time, followed by three submaximal (∼75% or personal best distance) dynamic apneas following the consumption of either a 70-ml concentrated BRJ (7.7 mmol [Formula see text]) or a [Formula see text]-depleted placebo (PLA; 0.1 mmol [Formula see text]) in double-blind randomized manner. HR and SpO2 were measured via fingertip pulse oximetry at the nadir, and online gas analysis was used to assess pulmonary oxygen uptake ([Formula see text]) during recovery following breath-holds. RESULTS: There were no differences (p < .05) among conditions for HR (PLA = 59 ± 11 bpm and BRJ = 61 ± 12 bpm), SpO2 (PLA = 83% ± 14% and BRJ = 84% ±9%), or [Formula see text] (PLA = 1.00 ± 0.22 L/min and BRJ = 0.97 ± 0.27 L/min). CONCLUSION: The consumption of 7.7 mmol of beetroot juice supplementation prior to a series of submaximal static and dynamic apneas did not induce a significant change in SpO2, HR, and [Formula see text] when compared with placebo. Therefore, there is no apparent physiological response that may benefit free divers as a result of the supplementation.