Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Exercise Performance: Implications for Taekwondo Athletes

Presently, very little is known about the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplements on Taekwondo performance. Research into this area should focus on supplements that can potentiate the function of those physiological systems that optimize peak performance during Taekwondo competition (e.g., anaerobic and aerobic metabolism, power production, and O2 delivery). One candidate that may meet these criteria is dietary nitrate (NO3-). In general, NO3- supplements (consumed acutely or chronically) have been shown to decrease the O2 cost of exercise, prolong the onset of fatigue, increase O2 delivery, reduce the work of the heart, enhance blood flow to contracting muscle, improve neuromuscular efficiency, and improve peak force production in healthy humans. However, the effects of NO3- on performance in elite athletes have been less obvious. Reasons for these differential responses are unclear, but factors such as dose, duration of supplementation, intensity and duration of training, and exercise mode may be intervening factors.