Suplementação com nitrato e desempenho em atletas de endurance: revisão integrativa

Abstract

for endurance sports due to its ability to increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and improve oxygen utilization efficiency. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on endurance athletes’ performance through an integrative literature review. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases using descriptors related to nitrate, sports performance, and endurance modalities. Randomized clinical trials published between 2015 and 2025 involving healthy adult athletes were included. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. Most protocols used beetroot juice as the main nitrate source, with doses ranging from 8 to 12.8 mmol/day, administered acutely or chronically (3 to 8 days). Four studies reported positive ergogenic effects, particularly among physically active or recreational individuals and during high-intensity, short-duration exercises. The remaining studies showed no significant differences in performance variables, especially among highly trained athletes and during prolonged endurance events. It is concluded that dietary nitrate may provide modest ergogenic benefits depending on training status and exercise intensity, and its use should be individualized and contextualized according to the athlete’s modality and performance demands.