INTRODUCTION:

CrossFit is a predominantly intermittent sport of high intensity and with a strong endurance component. For this reason, beet juice is one of the foods that has been widespread as a supplement to improve performance. Several investigations had results in modalities that involve resistance exercises, strength and power exercises. This is due to its content in nitrates that have beneficial effects in vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the muscle fibers and promoting gas exchange and regulation of the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation, in addition to promoting rapid muscle recovery.

OBJECTIVES:

This review article aims to understand what are the performance variables (strength, power or endurance) influenced by the beet juice, as well as the differences between chronic or acute supplementation.

METHODOLOGY:

Bibliographic research was carried out in the SCIELO and PUBMED databases, using as inclusion criteria: articles published since 2012 and written in Portuguese or English. Articles whose sample were children or elderly, performed in vitro or in animals, studies in which the direct effects of beet juice were not determined and in which academic credibility has not been recognized, were excluded.

RESULTS:

The analysis of the studies reveals the inconsistency of results regarding the influence of dietary nitrate on the various components that influence performance.

CONCLUSIONS:

CrossFit is a physical exercise of minutes, in which each variable can make a difference, therefore the use of nitrates in responsive individuals can be an asset, although its effectiveness has not been proven.

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