Here's a breakdown of the mechanism:

Nitrate to Nitric Oxide Conversion:

• Ingestion: When you consume beetroot powder (or whole beets), the nitrates are absorbed into your bloodstream.
• Salivary Reduction: A significant portion of these nitrates are then actively extracted and concentrated in your saliva.
• Bacterial Conversion: Bacteria in your mouth (specifically on the tongue) convert nitrates (NO3-) into nitrites (NO2-).1 This is a crucial step!
• Acidic Conversion (Stomach & Tissues): When these nitrites are swallowed, some are converted into nitric oxide (NO) in the acidic environment of the stomach.2 The remaining nitrites are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can be further reduced to NO in various tissues, especially under conditions of low oxygen (like during intense exercise)

The Role of Nitric Oxide (NO):

Nitric oxide is a powerful signalling molecule with several key effects that benefit athletic performance and, consequently, your cycling threshold:

• Vasodilation and Improved Blood Flow: NO is a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and widen blood vessels. This leads to increased blood flow to working muscles.
• Enhanced Mitochondrial Efficiency: NO is believed to improve the efficiency of mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of your cells. Mitochondria are responsible for aerobic energy production (using oxygen).
• Improved Muscle Contraction and Force Production: Research suggests NO can influence skeletal muscle contractile proteins and calcium handling within muscle cells. This can lead to stronger and more efficient muscle contractions.
• Delayed Fatigue and Lactate Clearance: While not directly "stopping" lactate production, by improving oxygen delivery and metabolic efficiency, Stamox can help delay the point at which lactate accumulates rapidly. It also aids in the removal of metabolic byproducts.

How this translates to a higher threshold:

By promoting these physiological changes, Stamox effectively reduces the oxygen cost of exercise and increases your body's efficiency at higher intensities. This allows you to:

• Sustain higher power outputs for longer: Your body is better equipped to fuel and clear waste from your muscles.
• Experience less perceived exertion at a given intensity: What felt hard before might now feel more manageable.
• Push your lactate threshold higher: Your body becomes more adept at managing lactate, allowing you to ride faster before significant accumulation occurs.

Important Considerations:

• Dosage and Timing: The optimal dosage and timing for beetroot powder can vary. Studies often suggest consuming a significant dose of nitrates (1-2 tablespoons of Stamox) 2-3 hours before exercise for acute benefits. Some athletes also practice "nitrate loading" for a few days leading up to an event. Stamox beetroot powder is a convenient way to consume beetroot for performance benefit, being a concentrated dose. Aim to consume Stamox 2-3 hours before training or racing.
• Individual Variability: The effects can vary from person to person, as does anything. For example elite athletes, who already have highly optimized physiological systems, might see less dramatic improvements compared to moderately trained individuals. Therefore you may want to increase the dosage of Stamox. However this can be tested yourself, and it would be beneficial to monitor your use and effect on your body.
• Oral Hygiene: Using antibacterial mouthwash can actually diminish the benefits, as it kills the bacteria responsible for converting nitrates to nitrites.