Purpose Citrulline (CIT) and beetroot extract (BR) have separately shown benefits in rowing performance-related outcomes.
However, effects of combined supplementation remain to be elucidated. The main purpose of this research was to study the
effects of 1 week of daily co-supplementation of 3.5 g BR (500 mg NO3
−) plus 6 g CIT on aerobic performance, maximal
strength, and high-intensity power and peak stroke in elite male rowers compared to a placebo and to a BR supplementation.
Methods 20 elite rowers participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial completing 1 week
of supplementation in each group of study: Placebo group (PLAG); BR group (BRG); and BR + CIT group (BR-CITG).
3 main physical tests were performed: aerobic performance, Wingate test and CMJ jump, and metabolic biomarkers and
physiological outcomes were collected.
Results The Wingate all-out test showed no between-condition differences in peak power, mean power, relative power, or
fatigue index (P > 0.05), but clearance of lactate was better in BR-CITG (P < 0.05). In the performance test, peak power
differed only between PLAG and BR-CITG (P = 0.036), while VO2peak and maximum heart rate remained similar. CMJ
jumping test results showed no between-condition differences, and blood samples were consistent (P > 0.200).
Conclusion Supplementation with 3.5 g of BR extract plus 6 g of CIT for 7 days improved lactate clearance after Wingate
test and peak power in a performance test. No further improvements were found, suggesting longer period of supplementation
might be needed to show greater benefits.
