In the world of sports performance, few compounds are as well-researched as nitrate. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, the goal is simple: increase Nitric Oxide (NO) levels to widen blood vessels, lower oxygen cost, and push through the "wall" of fatigue.

In direct head-to-head studies where researchers gave athletes the exact same amount of nitrate—one group via sodium nitrate and one via beetroot juice—the beetroot group consistently performed better.

• Lower Oxygen Cost: One notable study found that while both lowered oxygen use, beetroot juice reduced oxygen consumption during severe-intensity exercise by about 4% more than sodium nitrate.
• Time to Exhaustion: In some tests, only the beetroot juice significantly extended the time to exhaustion, while the pure nitrate salt did not, even at the same dosage.

Scientists believe this is due to the "Whole-Food Synergy." Beetroot isn't just nitrate; it contains a complex matrix of phytonutrients that don't exist in a lab-made salt:

• Vitamin C & Polyphenols: These antioxidants prevent the nitrate from turning into harmful compounds and instead ensure it converts efficiently into Nitric Oxide (NO).
• Betalains: These are the pigments that give beets their color. They have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help with muscle recovery and reducing oxidative stress during a workout.
• Bioavailability: Some evidence suggests that the presence of these polyphenols might actually increase how much nitrate your body absorbs and retains compared to a salt solution.

• Timing: 2–3 hours pre-exercise for peak plasma nitrite.
• Chronic Use: Chronic supplementation (up to 15 days) shows cumulative benefits, while single doses are effective for acute performance gains.

• Recommendations: Personalised dosing, timing adjustments, and combining with dietary strategies (e.g., low mouthwash use to preserve oral nitrate-reducing bacteria).
• Variable Efficacy: Effects depend on individual factors (e.g., baseline nitrite levels, training status, oral microbiome health).

"It's crucial to understand that nitrate is only one component contributing to Stamox's unique benefits.

You won't get the same results by simply taking nitrates on their own. The true power of Stamox comes from the synergistic blend of nitrates, antioxidants and its other natural compounds are working together." says Dr. Nils Reither

If your goal is maximum performance (hitting a new PR or finishing a race), a standardized beetroot powder is recommended.

You would have to drink a lot of "regular" beetroot juice to achieve a good effect, and the amount you need to drink will vary enormously.

There are many types of beetroot juice available for purchase. But the "strength" of these is not further described, defined and tested. You can use beetroot or beetroot juice, but the effect will be unpredictable and usually less effective, or have zero effect. It is simply not possible to create a predictable training program with regular beetroot juice.

Sodium nitrate is still a very effective second choice—they just lack the "extra gear" provided by the whole plant.