Evidence supporting the use of: Beet
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris), particularly in the form of beetroot juice, is commonly used as an ergogenic (performance-enhancing) aid for athletic performance and exercise. The scientific support for this use is grounded in the high concentration of dietary nitrates found in beets. Upon consumption, these nitrates are converted in the body to nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise. Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that beetroot supplementation can improve exercise performance, particularly in endurance sports like running and cycling. Benefits include increased time-to-exhaustion, improved cardiovascular efficiency, and reduced perceived exertion. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews published in reputable journals (e.g., Sports Medicine, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition) generally support a moderate benefit, especially in recreationally active individuals and trained athletes performing submaximal aerobic exercise. However, the effect size varies, and benefits are less pronounced in elite athletes or for short-duration, high-intensity efforts. While the evidence base is robust and consistent, individual responses vary, and more research is needed to clarify optimal dosing and long-term safety. Overall, beetroot is a well-supported, evidence-based ergogenic aid with a solid foundation in scientific research.

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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine