The Effects of an Acute Dose of a Betalain-Rich Supplement on Repeated Sprint Cycling Performance and Recovery

Abstract

Background: Betalains are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant pigments occurring naturally in beetroot and prickly pear and have physiological effects that imply potential as ergogenic supplements through decreased oxidative stress, enhanced vascular function, and accelerated recovery after hard exercise. The majority of studies, though, have utilized chronic supplementation or endurance exercise, leaving few insights into the acute action of a betalain-rich concentrate (BRC) in high-speed sprint performance and neuromuscular recovery. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish whether an acute dose of a BRC could enhance performance and recovery during repeated sprint cycling. Methods: Seven Drexel University participants (3 males, 4 females) performed two experimental conditions BRC and placebo (PLA) in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design incorporating a seven-day washout period. Participants consumed a single 100 mg dosage of BRC or PLA two hours prior to exercise. Participants completed a repeated sprint exercise (RSE), consisting of three 30 s Wingate sprints followed by countermovement jump (CMJ) measurements performed pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and five minutes after recovery. Results: Descriptive statistics indicated slightly greater sprint power and CMJ performance in the BRC condition than with PLA. Repeated measures ANOVA established significant within-subject exercise effects: peak power (PP) reduced incrementally over sprints (p < 0.001, η² = 0.801), and CMJ height fell significantly after exercise and partially recovered after five minutes (p < 0.001, η² = 0.761). No significant interactions or treatment effects were found. Conclusion: Acute BRC supplementation failed to improve repeated sprint performance and short-term neuromuscular recovery in recreationally active individuals. These results indicate that BRC may not produce immediate ergogenic effects, with effects more likely being a result of chronic administration, greater dosages, or in elite athletic groups. The principal limitations of this study are the small sample size, the acute dose regimen, and the brief recovery period analyzed. Future studies ought to include larger samples, extended supplementation durations, and incremental dose methodologies to define the role of betalains in sports nutrition and recovery science. Keywords: Red beetroot, supplementation, sprint cycling, neuromuscular recovery, ergogenic aids