A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 found that supplementation with nitrate did not increase the length of time people with heart failure could exercise or the distance they could walk.[1] However, currently only three randomized controlled trials have examined this topic,[1] so further research is needed to make conclusions about the effect of nitrate on exercise capacity in people with heart failure.
Does nitrate improve exercise capacity in people with heart failure?
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•Last Updated: April 23, 2025
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis reported that nitrate supplementation did not improve exercise duration or walking distance in participants with heart failure. However, only 3 randomized controlled trials have studied this topic, which indicates a need for further research.