The role of the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway during hypoxia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12922/jshp.0027.2013Keywords:
Nitrate Supplementation, Oxygen Cost, High Altitude, PerformanceAbstract
Recently, dietary nitrate has been shown to reduce oxygen cost during submaximal sea level exercise. The conversion of nitrate to nitrite to nitric oxide has been implicated as an oxygen independent pathway, and as such, may be a potent ergogenic aid during hypoxic conditions as occurs during high altitude exposure. Several studies have noted improved vascular and myocardial function/outcomes when NO was activated prior to ischemia or reperfusion injury. Therefore, increased NO formation/availability during incidence of hypoxia or otherwise impaired blood flow may reduce neuronal damage, improve cognition, and further improve motor function in individuals experiencing ischemic conditions. Consuming dietary nitrate may result in increased NO formation as nitrate consumption has previously been shown to increase plasma nitrite (an in vivo marker of NO production). Increased NO formation during incidence of hypoxia may negate some of the negative consequences of the reduced oxygen diffusion gradient between blood and tissues.
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