The Claim
In amateur male triathletes, beetroot nitrate supplementation increased plasma inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 56% and peroxynitrite by 60%, indicating activation of the nitric oxide pathway through enzymatic synthesis rather than solely through nitrate reduction.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In amateur male triathletes, consuming beetroot nitrate raised levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase by 56% and peroxynitrite by 60%, showing that the nitric oxide pathway was activated through enzymatic synthesis instead of only through nitrate reduction.
See the scientific wording
In amateur male triathletes, beetroot nitrate supplementation increased plasma inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by 56% and peroxynitrite by 60%, indicating activation of the nitric oxide pathway through enzymatic synthesis rather than solely through nitrate reduction.
When nitrate from beetroot enters the body, it triggers immune and vascular cells to produce more of an enzyme called iNOS, which makes large amounts of nitric oxide. This nitric oxide reacts with another molecule called superoxide, forming peroxynitrite, a signaling compound that confirms the nitric oxide pathway is active through enzyme-driven production, not just from converting dietary nitrate.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that when amateur triathletes took a beetroot supplement, their bodies made more of an enzyme (iNOS) that produces nitric oxide, along with more peroxynitrite — a molecule that forms when nitric oxide is active. This suggests the body is using its own enzymes to make more nitric oxide, not just converting the nitrate from beetroot directly.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
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