Competitive SwimmerNCT07662460
The Effect of Beetroot Powder on Exercise Performance in Competitive Swimmers
A study testing Beetroot Powder in people with Competitive Swimmer and Beetroot Powder, run by Halic University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Swimming requires high energy in a short time and involves overcoming water resistance. Besides regular training, swimmers use supplements to enhance performance, correct nutrient deficiencies, and speed recovery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 24 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Competitive Swimmer, Beetroot Powder
- What is being tested?
- Beetroot Powder
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 21 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 22 Dec 2025to 1 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 24 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Voluntary participation with parental consent
- Age range: 18-24 years
- Participation in a training program for at least 18 hours per week
- No history of chronic disease
- Not currently using any sports supplements, food supplements, or medications
- Not following a special diet
Who cannot join
- Irregular training participation
- Presence of chronic diseases
- Failure to cease the use of food supplements one week prior to the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Kartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Eah
Istanbul, Kartal
About this study
Swimming requires high energy in a short time and involves overcoming water resistance. Besides regular training, swimmers use supplements to enhance performance, correct nutrient deficiencies, and speed recovery. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) classifies supplements by evidence level, with nitrate in Group A. Nitrate aids vasodilation and muscle performance via conversion to nitric oxide (NO).
About 25% of dietary nitrate converts to nitrite by oral bacteria, then to NO in the stomach-a valuable oxygen-independent pathway. NO improves exercise by enhancing oxygen efficiency, muscle contraction, and affecting type II fibers. Timing, dose, nitrate source, and individual traits influence its effect. Beetroot, rich in nitrate, is practical as juice for storage and consumption.
Read more
Beetroot gels and juices raise plasma nitrate 1-3 hours post-consumption, effective during 10-17 minute exercises. Some studies found no improvement in short-distance swimming, but others reported dose-dependent benefits. Meta-analyses recommend 5-14.9 mmol nitrate ≥150 minutes before acute exercise, and 5-9.9 mmol for chronic intake. Highly trained athletes may need ≥6-8 mmol NO₃-.
JECFA and the European Commission set acceptable daily intake (ADI) at 0-3.7 mg/kg body weight nitrate ion, safe for all ages.
No long-term, controlled studies exist on beetroot powder's effect in swimmers. To address this, a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind crossover study was designed to evaluate beetroot powder supplementation's impact on competitive swimmers' performance, potentially contributing valuable knowledge.
Read the detailed description
- Study Design and Participants: This study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design to investigate the effects of beetroot supplementation. Based on a power analysis conducted with a 5% error level and a statistical power of 0.95, a sample size of 36 participants was determined to be sufficient. The study was conducted over a one-year period at the Galatasaray Swimming Club following approval from the institutional ethics committee, and all participants provided written informed consent. Inclusion criteria required voluntary participation with parental consent, an age range of 18-24 years, participation in a structured training program for at least 18 hours per week, no history of chronic disease, no current use of sports or food supplements/medications, and no adherence to a special diet. Conversely, exclusion criteria included irregular training attendance, the presence of chronic diseases, and a failure to cease the use of food supplements one week prior to the study.
- Product Development and Standardization: Three types of beetroot powder were selected from the Turkish market and analyzed by a laboratory accredited under the TURKAK TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, utilizing the HPLC-DAD method in accordance with NMKL No. 165. Based on these analyses, 1.5 g of beetroot powder, corresponding to a 10 mmol nitrate intervention, was used for product development at the Haliç University Nutrition Principles Laboratory. A base mixture of water, gelatin, pectin, starch, and stevia was heated to 85-90°C for homogenization and cooled to 55-60°C. The intervention product contained 1.5 g of beetroot powder, while the placebo product included food coloring to match the visual characteristics of the intervention. Products were prepared 24 hours before each session, stored in opaque, food-safe packaging at 0-4°C, and coded by an independent researcher using a random number generator to ensure triple-blind conditions.
- Experimental Procedure and Controls: Participants were instructed to maintain their habitual dietary intake throughout the study and were provided with a list of nitrate-rich foods to avoid. To prevent interference with oral nitrate-to-nitrite reduction, participants were strictly instructed to abstain from mouthwash, chewing gum, sweets, stimulants, and alcohol on all intervention days. The study consisted of five visits. Visit 1 involved providing study information and obtaining informed consent, while Visit 2 included baseline anthropometric assessments and randomization. Visit 3 involved data collection, including food record retrieval, a standardized warm-up, a 200-m freestyle performance test, and post-test measurements of blood lactate, heart rate, and fatigue. A two-week washout period was implemented between intervention phases to eliminate potential carry-over effects, followed by Visits 4 and 5, where the crossover intervention was conducted by repeating the established testing protocols with the alternative condition.
- Data Collection: Sociodemographic and lifestyle data, including age, sex, education, nutritional habits, and training characteristics, were recorded. Anthropometric measurements included body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, height, BMI, and hand grip strength measured by a digital dynamometer. Performance was assessed through a 200-m maximum-effort freestyle swimming test. Physiological assessments included fingertip blood lactate concentration and heart rate (resting, maximum, and average). Finally, subjective fatigue was evaluated using the Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Conditions
- Competitive Swimmer, Beetroot Powder
- Being tested
- Beetroot Powder, Placebo
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Beetroot PowderDietary supplement
1.5 g of beetroot powder (equivalent to 10 mmol nitrate) administered as a jelly candy.
PlaceboOther
Color-matched, nitrate-free jelly candy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot then Placebo | Experimental | Participants in this arm will first receive 1,5 grams of beetroot powder contain jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. After a 14-day washout period, they will receive placebo jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Beetroot Powder; Other: Placebo |
| Placebo then Beetroot | Placebo comparator | Participants in this arm will first receive placebo jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. After a 14-day washout period, they will receive 1,5 grams of beetroot powder contain jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. Receives: Dietary Supplement: Beetroot Powder; Other: Placebo |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in 200-meter swim performance time
The duration (in seconds) required for the participant to complete a 200-meter freestyle swim, measured using a Seiko stopwatch.
Measured: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Blood lactate concentration
Blood lactate levels (mmol/L) measured from capillary blood samples collected 3 minutes after completion of 200-meter swim test.
Measured: Immediately post-exercise on the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Perceived Fatigue
Participant's self-reported fatigue level assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale, ranging from 0 (no fatigue) to 10 (extreme fatigue), completed immediately after the swim test.
Measured: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Heart Rate Change
Maximum heart rate during the 200m swim, heart rate at 1 minute post-performance, and mean heart rate during the test, recorded using a Polar sports watch with an integrated wrist-based optical heart rate monitor.
Measured: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Change in Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale (AFBYÖ) Scores
The 19-item Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale (PPCFS) is a 5-point Likert-type instrument used to assess athletes' perceived fatigue levels after each training session. The scale consists of two subscales: the Perceived Physical Fatigue (PPF) subscale, which includes the first 8 items with a total score range of 8 to 40, and the Perceived Cognitive Fatigue (PCF) subscale, which includes the remaining 11 items with a total score range of 11 to 55. The total score of the scale ranges from 19 to 95, where higher scores in either the subscales or the total score indicate increased levels of physical and cognitive fatigue, respectively.
Measured: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Daily Energy and Nutrient Intake
Dietary intake was monitored through 24-hour dietary records kept by participants for 24 hours prior to each measurement day. Ingredient quantities for composite dishes were calculated using the "Standard Food Recipes" manual. Subsequently, total daily energy and nutrient intakes were analyzed and quantified using the Nutrition Information System (BeBİS) software.
Measured: Collected during the 24-hour period prior to the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (both beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Jun 2026
- Study start22 Dec 2025
- Primary completion22 May 2026
- Study completion1 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Competitive SwimmerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Halic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aysun Köktürk Bayram, Halic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07662460
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-08/318
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 16 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to concerns regarding participant confidentiality and the small sample size, which may increase the risk of re-identification.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Beetroot Powder on Exercise Performance in Competitive Swimmers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07662460
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-08/318
- Conditions
- Competitive Swimmer, Beetroot Powder
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Halic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Swimming requires high energy in a short time and involves overcoming water resistance. Besides regular training, swimmers use supplements to enhance performance, correct nutrient deficiencies, and speed recovery. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) classifies supplements by evidence level, with nitrate in Group A. Nitrate aids vasodilation and muscle performance via conversion to nitric oxide (NO).
About 25% of dietary nitrate converts to nitrite by oral bacteria, then to NO in the stomach-a valuable oxygen-independent pathway. NO improves exercise by enhancing oxygen efficiency, muscle contraction, and affecting type II fibers. Timing, dose, nitrate source, and individual traits influence its effect. Beetroot, rich in nitrate, is practical as juice for storage and consumption.
Beetroot gels and juices raise plasma nitrate 1-3 hours post-consumption, effective during 10-17 minute exercises. Some studies found no improvement in short-distance swimming, but others reported dose-dependent benefits. Meta-analyses recommend 5-14.9 mmol nitrate ≥150 minutes before acute exercise, and 5-9.9 mmol for chronic intake. Highly trained athletes may need ≥6-8 mmol NO₃-.
JECFA and the European Commission set acceptable daily intake (ADI) at 0-3.7 mg/kg body weight nitrate ion, safe for all ages.
No long-term, controlled studies exist on beetroot powder's effect in swimmers. To address this, a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind crossover study was designed to evaluate beetroot powder supplementation's impact on competitive swimmers' performance, potentially contributing valuable knowledge.
Detailed description
- Study Design and Participants: This study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design to investigate the effects of beetroot supplementation. Based on a power analysis conducted with a 5% error level and a statistical power of 0.95, a sample size of 36 participants was determined to be sufficient. The study was conducted over a one-year period at the Galatasaray Swimming Club following approval from the institutional ethics committee, and all participants provided written informed consent. Inclusion criteria required voluntary participation with parental consent, an age range of 18-24 years, participation in a structured training program for at least 18 hours per week, no history of chronic disease, no current use of sports or food supplements/medications, and no adherence to a special diet. Conversely, exclusion criteria included irregular training attendance, the presence of chronic diseases, and a failure to cease the use of food supplements one week prior to the study.
- Product Development and Standardization: Three types of beetroot powder were selected from the Turkish market and analyzed by a laboratory accredited under the TURKAK TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, utilizing the HPLC-DAD method in accordance with NMKL No. 165. Based on these analyses, 1.5 g of beetroot powder, corresponding to a 10 mmol nitrate intervention, was used for product development at the Haliç University Nutrition Principles Laboratory. A base mixture of water, gelatin, pectin, starch, and stevia was heated to 85-90°C for homogenization and cooled to 55-60°C. The intervention product contained 1.5 g of beetroot powder, while the placebo product included food coloring to match the visual characteristics of the intervention. Products were prepared 24 hours before each session, stored in opaque, food-safe packaging at 0-4°C, and coded by an independent researcher using a random number generator to ensure triple-blind conditions.
- Experimental Procedure and Controls: Participants were instructed to maintain their habitual dietary intake throughout the study and were provided with a list of nitrate-rich foods to avoid. To prevent interference with oral nitrate-to-nitrite reduction, participants were strictly instructed to abstain from mouthwash, chewing gum, sweets, stimulants, and alcohol on all intervention days. The study consisted of five visits. Visit 1 involved providing study information and obtaining informed consent, while Visit 2 included baseline anthropometric assessments and randomization. Visit 3 involved data collection, including food record retrieval, a standardized warm-up, a 200-m freestyle performance test, and post-test measurements of blood lactate, heart rate, and fatigue. A two-week washout period was implemented between intervention phases to eliminate potential carry-over effects, followed by Visits 4 and 5, where the crossover intervention was conducted by repeating the established testing protocols with the alternative condition.
- Data Collection: Sociodemographic and lifestyle data, including age, sex, education, nutritional habits, and training characteristics, were recorded. Anthropometric measurements included body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis, height, BMI, and hand grip strength measured by a digital dynamometer. Performance was assessed through a 200-m maximum-effort freestyle swimming test. Physiological assessments included fingertip blood lactate concentration and heart rate (resting, maximum, and average). Finally, subjective fatigue was evaluated using the Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot then Placebo | Experimental | Dietary Supplement: Beetroot Powder, Other: PlaceboParticipants in this arm will first receive 1,5 grams of beetroot powder contain jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. After a 14-day washout period, they will receive placebo jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. |
| Placebo then Beetroot | Placebo comparator | Dietary Supplement: Beetroot Powder, Other: PlaceboParticipants in this arm will first receive placebo jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. After a 14-day washout period, they will receive 1,5 grams of beetroot powder contain jelly candy daily for 3 consecutive days. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 24 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Voluntary participation with parental consent
- Age range: 18-24 years
- Participation in a training program for at least 18 hours per week
- No history of chronic disease
- Not currently using any sports supplements, food supplements, or medications
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Irregular training participation
- Presence of chronic diseases
- Failure to cease the use of food supplements one week prior to the study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot Powder1.5 g of beetroot powder (equivalent to 10 mmol nitrate) administered as a jelly candy. | Dietary supplement | Beetroot then Placebo, Placebo then Beetroot |
| PlaceboColor-matched, nitrate-free jelly candy. | Other | Beetroot then Placebo, Placebo then Beetroot |
Primary outcome
Change in 200-meter swim performance time
Time frame: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
The duration (in seconds) required for the participant to complete a 200-meter freestyle swim, measured using a Seiko stopwatch.
Blood lactate concentration
Time frame: Immediately post-exercise on the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Blood lactate levels (mmol/L) measured from capillary blood samples collected 3 minutes after completion of 200-meter swim test.
4 secondary outcomes
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Perceived Fatigue
Time frame: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Heart Rate Change
Time frame: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Change in Perceived Physical and Cognitive Fatigue Scale (AFBYÖ) Scores
Time frame: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Daily Energy and Nutrient Intake
Time frame: Collected during the 24-hour period prior to the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (both beetroot or placebo supplementation).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Jun 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to concerns regarding participant confidentiality and the small sample size, which may increase the risk of re-identification.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Beetroot Powder in people with Competitive Swimmer and Beetroot Powder, run by Halic University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in 200-meter swim performance time (time frame: On the 3rd day of each 3-day intervention period (after beetroot or placebo supplementation).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Jun 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 2 Nov 2026.