The objective of the current study is to assess the effect of 6-day dietary nitrate ingestion on high intensity intermittent sports performance in recreational soccer players.

Oral ingestion of nitrate (NO3-) in the form of both nitrate salts and concentrated red beetroot juice has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure at rest and to improve exercise performance during cycle time trials. Furthermore, a positive exercise performance effect of nitrate ingestion has been observed in recreational athletes during intermittent exercise. However, this was achieved after acute supplementation with a substantial dose of dietary nitrate. Whether similar ergogenic effects of nitrate supplementation can be achieved with a more conventional 6-day nitrate supplementation protocol with a lower daily dose remains to be established. Based on the gaps in current literature, our main goal will be to gain further insight into the effects of a 6-day nitrate supplementation protocol on high intensity intermittent exercise performance in recreational athletes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy P
• Players of the first two senior selection teams of a regional soccer club competing at the 3rd KNVB level or higher
• Training ≥2 days a week
• 18-40 years
• Male

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of medication
• Injury prohibiting them from performing the exercise protocol effectively
• Smoking
• Currently supplementing diet with nitrate
• Lactose intolerance