Beet It Nitrate

Overview

Beet It Nitrate is a concentrated beetroot juice supplement designed to deliver precise doses of dietary nitrate, primarily for enhancing athletic performance.¹² It belongs to the class of nitrate-rich supplements derived from beets, which are naturally high in nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide to improve blood flow and oxygen efficiency.³ The product line includes Nitrate 400 shots (400mg nitrate per 70ml serving) and Nitrate 3000 concentrate (3000mg per 250ml bottle, equivalent to 7 servings).¹² Historically, beetroot juice gained popularity in sports nutrition after research in the 2010s showed nitrates boost endurance, with Beet It products used in over 200 studies and endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus for doses of 300-500mg.²⁶ Traditionally, beets have been consumed for vitality, but modern formulations ensure consistent nitrate levels despite natural variability in beets.⁴

Forms and Variations

Beet It Nitrate is available in two main forms: Nitrate 400 shots (70ml single-serve bottles with 400mg nitrate) and Nitrate 3000 concentrate (250ml bottle with 3000mg nitrate, providing 7 servings of 400mg when diluted).¹² Shots are pocket-sized, convenient for pre-exercise use, made from 95% beet juice and 5% lemon juice for flavor and preservation.⁵ The concentrate requires dilution (e.g., 33ml in 150ml water for one serving) and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or oats.¹ Both are Informed Sport certified, tested for 250+ banned substances, ensuring safety for athletes.²³ Choose shots for portability and precision; concentrate for cost-effectiveness and multiple servings. Variations ensure reliable nitrate delivery, addressing beet nitrate inconsistencies.⁴⁶

Dosage and Administration

The standard dose is 400mg nitrate (one Nitrate 400 shot or 33ml of Nitrate 3000 concentrate diluted in 150ml water), taken 1-3 hours before exercise or up to 6 days prior for competition loading.¹² For higher needs, 2 servings (800mg) may be used, aligning with IOC recommendations of 310-560mg daily.⁶ Consume 1-2 servings daily during training periods. Best practices include taking on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, avoiding mouthwash (which kills nitrate-reducing bacteria), and pairing with carbohydrates if needed.³ Nitrate 3000 provides flexibility for smoothies or meals. Always follow product instructions; athletes should confirm batch testing via Informed Sport.²

Scientific Research and Mechanism of Action

Dietary nitrates from Beet It Nitrate are absorbed, converted to nitrite by oral bacteria, then to nitric oxide (NO) in the body, promoting vasodilation, improving blood flow, and reducing oxygen cost of exercise by 5%.³ Key studies, including 12 papers cited in the 2018 IOC consensus using Beet It Nitrate 400, show 4-25% improvement in time to exhaustion, 1-3% in time trials under 40 minutes, and 3-5% in high-intensity team sports.² It enhances type II muscle fiber function and delays fatigue by 5-16%.³ A NIH study notes variability in beet products but confirms Beet It delivers consistent ≥5mmol (about 310mg) nitrate needed for effects.⁴ Research supports benefits in endurance, explosive power, and time trials for runners, cyclists, and triathletes.³ Current evidence is strong for recreational to elite athletes, though more long-term studies are needed.⁶

Benefits and Potential Uses

Proven benefits include enhanced endurance by improving cardiorespiratory efficiency and oxygen utilization, ideal for runners, cyclists, triathletes, and team sports.²³ It boosts time trial performance (1-3%), explosive power in sprints/jumps, and high-intensity intermittent exercise (3-5%).²³ Research shows delayed fatigue (5-16%) and better muscle oxygenation.³ Potential uses extend to reducing blood pressure via vasodilation and supporting cardiovascular health, though primarily studied for exercise.⁴ Effective for events lasting 12-40 minutes; loading protocols (up to 6 days) maximize NO stores.¹ Awards like "Best Pre-workout Product" (2020) affirm efficacy.² Not a replacement for training, but a reliable ergogenic aid for performance optimization in healthy adults.⁶

Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects are mild, including pink/red urine or stool (beeturia, harmless), stomach upset, or loose stools from high sugar content (16g per shot).⁵

Risks include low nitrite levels (<0.5% of nitrate), minimizing methemoglobinemia concerns.⁴ High doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Contraindications for those with low blood pressure (due to vasodilatory effects) or beet allergies. Use caution if prone to kidney stones (oxalates in beets). Not recommended for children under 18 without supervision. Pregnant/lactating individuals should consult doctors due to limited data.³ Informed Sport certification reduces contamination risks.²

Interactions and Precautions

No major medication interactions reported, but nitrates may enhance effects of blood pressure or erectile dysfunction drugs (e.g., sildenafil), risking hypotension.³ Avoid antibacterial mouthwashes, as they disrupt oral bacteria needed for nitrate conversion.³ Precautions for hypotensive individuals, those on antihypertensives, or with gastrointestinal disorders. Athletes should verify Informed Sport batches before competition.² Pre-surgery: inform doctors due to blood pressure effects. Not for acute nitrate-sensitive conditions like acute hypotension. Consult healthcare providers if diabetic (16g sugars/shot) or on proton pump inhibitors affecting stomach acid.⁵

Impact on Biomarkers

Beet It Nitrate elevates plasma nitrite and nitric oxide levels post-ingestion, correlating with performance gains.³ May lower systolic blood pressure by 3-5 mmHg via vasodilation.⁴ Increases salivary nitrite. No significant impact on standard blood tests like glucose or lipids at typical doses, but high potassium (850mg/shot) noted.⁵ Improves exercise efficiency metrics like VO2 max utilization.

Overdose and Toxicity

Over-supplementation risks are low at >2000mg nitrate daily; symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, or hypotension.⁴ Safe upper limit around 10mg/kg body weight daily (e.g., 700mg for 70kg adult), per EFSA guidelines for food nitrates. Beet It products stay below this. Toxicity rare from natural sources; seek medical help for severe GI distress or blue skin (methemoglobinemia, unlikely).³ Discontinue if adverse effects occur.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.