Viribay, AitorAlcántara Alcántara, Juan ManuelLópez Torre, IkerMielgo Ayuso, JuanCastañeda Babarro, Arkaitz2025-05-202025-05-202024-02-10Viribay, A., Alcantara, J. M. A., López, I., Mielgo-Ayuso, J., & Castañeda-Babarro, A. (2024). Impact of a short-term nitrate and citrulline co-supplementation on sport performance in elite rowers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 124(6), 1911-1923. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00421-024-05415-41439-631910.1007/S00421-024-05415-4https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14454/2780Purpose: 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.eng© The Author(s) 2024MetabolismOxide nitricPhysiologySupplementationjournal article2025-05-201439-6327