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

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7-Keto-DHEA
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adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
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Agmatine
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alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
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amino acids
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
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arginine creatine
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Arginine silicate
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
ba ji tian
bacillus subtilis
BCAA
bee pollen
Beef Protein
beet
beta-alanine
bicarbonate
black ginger
black tea
bovine
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
brown rice protein
Bulbine natalensis
caffeine
Camellia sinensis
capsaicinoids
capsiate
capsicum
capsinoids
cardarine
casein
cistanche
citrate malate
cocoa
coconut
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Ribose
deer velvet
dihydrocapsiate
ecdysteroids
ecdysterone
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
eleuthero
elk antler
Ephedra
ephedrine
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
Fadogia agrestis
ginseng
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glucose
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Glycerol
Glycocyamine
GMS-ribose
green tea
guanidinoacetic acid
guarana
Guaranine
guayusa
Higenamine
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
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Isoleucine
isomaltulose
jiaogulan
ketone salts
kola nut
L-alanine
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L-arginine
l-carnitine
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maca
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