Mid Sweden University

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of acute nitrate (NO3-)-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), heart rate (HR), and pulmonary gas exchange during submaximal static and dynamic apnea. Methods: Nine (six males and three females) trained apneists (age: 39.6 +/- 8.2 years, stature: 170.4 +/- 11.5 cm, and body mass: 72.0 +/- 11.5 kg) performed three submaximal static apneas at 60%, 70%, and 80% of the participant's current reported personal best time, followed by three submaximal (similar to 75% or personal best distance) dynamic apneas following the consumption of either a 70-ml concentrated BRJ (7.7 mmol NO3-) or a NO3--depleted placebo (PLA; 0.1 mmol NO3-) in doubleblind randomized manner. HR and SpO(2) were measured via fingertip pulse oximetry at the nadir, and online gas analysis was used to assess pulmonary oxygen uptake ((V)over dotO2) during recovery following breath-holds. Results: There were no differences (p < .05) among conditions for HR (PLA = 59 +/- 11 bpm and BRJ = 61 +/- 12 bpm), SpO(2) (PLA = 83% +/- 14% and BRJ = 84% +/- 9%), or (V)over dotO2 (PLA = 1.00 +/- 0.22 L/min and BRJ = 0.97 +/- 0.27 L/min). Conclusion: The consumption of 7.7 mmol of beetroot juice supplementation prior to a series of submaximal static and dynamic apneas did not induce a significant change in SpO(2), HR, and (V)over dotO2 when compared with placebo. Therefore, there is no apparent physiological response that may benefit free divers as a result of the supplementation.