QOTW: To Supplement or Not?

Author:  Matt Dixon

Question of the Week

Q:  

I was told recently of some potential benefits of Nitric Oxide and supplementation.  I have seen the recent promotion of beet juice which, I assume, is related but would love to know your thoughts on the approach.

A:  

This is a good question and one that reminds me of a former Purple Patch professional who was highly successful, ultimately,  by not placing his focus too much on aspects of performance such as this. In fact, it was his approach and story that led us to first issue a rallying call across the pro squad and then to Purple Patch athletes at large:  Nail the basics!  I won’t dive into the murky details of the pro athlete’s over-complication right now, but I will tell you that his success bubbled out of simplifying so many things in the ever-chaotic world of training, equipment, and nutritional supplements.

With this in mind, there is indeed very interesting research to support potential supplementation of nitric oxide.  The promotion of powerful beet juice as a supplement for endurance athletes does, indeed, have some legs and could lead to a small boost.  Before you jump online and order a shipping container’s worth, continue reading. Anecdotally, there are also countless stories of a massive uptick in GI distress in training and racing with the inclusion of this supplement, so I would urge caution if you do decide to consume some.  More than this, I want to be absolutely crystal clear that the secret to your performance breakthrough is never going to be rooted in any piece of equipment, magical supplement, or a new set of intervals. It is always going to be rooted in repeatable and simple habits. Hard training, dosed appropriately, and managed in a busy life, then supported with good sleep and a backbone of proper fueling and hydration.  Rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat. Evolve and adapt based on what you see and how to react to different stimuli. Additions such as these nitric oxide supplements, or any supplements, simply distract from the main mission and lead to over complication at least 99% of the time.

Now, you may ask, “Why not get tested?”  Sure, if that is what want to do. Just ensure that you have your blood results reviewed by a true performance-minded sports medicine doctor.  The primary components of blood work they will look at will be blood values, vitamin D, IRON, and simple aspects like this. If your levels across the tested aspects are low, the solution is never (ever!) simply to add a supplement.  It would be to first address the habits and approach, and perhaps add a supplement to get the levels up. Without step one, then step two will never be effective. Let’s use an example of the most common vitamin suppressed in athletes:  Vitamin D. Low levels create a feeling of lethargy and under performance. If your levels are low, then a supplement will help, but this isn’t the solution.  Why are you low?  It is likely due to overstress (from training, sleep, life, etc.) and your solution needs to be via addressing your global recipe first.

So, nitric oxide, interesting?  Absolutely. Worth your focus and attention? Not until you repeatedly nail down a great personal recipe and have nearly all the answers to your performance.  Then you seek that “edge” so many are stupidly willing to pay for.

Best of luck,

Matt