Investigation of Six-Week Beetroot Juice Ingestion on VO 2 max in Female Soccer Players

Background: One of the beverages improving athletic performance is beetroot juice. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate if six weeks of beetroot juice ingestion can increase VO2max and improve the performance of female soccer players. Methods: 20 female soccer players (age: 23.13 ± 0.77 years) were selected and assigned into two groups: experimental (beetroot juice, n = 10) and control (placebo, n = 10). The Bruce test was first done to assess VO2max without drinking beetroot juice. Then, the experimental group started consuming 200 mL of the juice two hours before each training session for six weeks. Finally, the second Bruce test was performed after six weeks of beetroot juice ingestion. Results: There was a significant increase in VO2max in the experimental and control groups from pretest to posttest (P < 0.001). In addition, the results of independent samples t-test showed there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in VO2max (P < 0.001, t = 12.39). Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that beetroot juice positively affects performance and increases the maximum volume of oxygen consumption in female soccer players. Therefore, we can propose this juice to female soccer players to improve their performance.