Current evidence shows that nitrate supplementation can lower subjective perceptions of exertion during exercise in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1] Therefore, nitrate might improve exercise tolerance in this population. However, while some trials have found that nitrate/beetroot juice can increase the distance people with COPD can walk,[2][3][4] all of the current evidence compiled in systematic reviews and meta-analyses shows large variability in the effect of nitrate on exercise capacity between studies.[5][1][6] Consequently, while there is potential for nitrate supplementation to improve exercise capacity in people with COPD, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy.[5][1][6]
Does nitrate improve exercise tolerance and exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
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•Last Updated: April 23, 2025
Supplementing with nitrate may lower perceived exertion and potentially improve exercise tolerance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and some studies have reported increased walking distance. However, the overall evidence shows significant variability in its effects on exercise capacity, which means that further high-quality research is necessary to clarify its efficacy.