Presentation 1: Biomarkers of Nitrite, Nitrate, and Nitric Oxide Status in Athletes
Nitric oxide controls and regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery to every cell in the body. This simple molecule also controls mitochondrial function and ATP production. Consequently, it has become extremely important in sports performance. Inorganic nitrate found in green leafy vegetables and beets has gained popularity as an ergogenic aid in many athletes. However, the data are equivocal at best on the benefits of beets and/or nitrate for improving performance. The complex pathway to metabolize inorganic nitrate to nitrite and nitric oxide may explain the mixed results in clinical trials. Firstly, there is a wide variation in the amount of nitrate found naturally in vegetables and in commercial products. Secondly, nitrate reducing bacteria in the oral cavity are required for nitrate metabolism. Thirdly, stomach acid is required to convert salivary nitrite to nitric oxide in the gastric lumen. Therefore, any studies that do not quantify nitrate or account for mouthwash use, antibiotic use or antacid use will not yield positive results. This lecture will elucidate the pathways of production of nitric oxide and understand what goes wrong is people that cannot make nitric oxide and then reveal safe and effective strategies to restore nitric oxide production to optimize human nutrition and enhance performance.
Presentation 2: Biomarkers of Bone Health in Athletes
Exercise has been shown to have both acute and long-term effects on the skeleton, and bone biomarkers are one way to assess changes in skeletal health in athletes. This session will provide an overview of currently used bone biomarkers, the effects of diet and/or exercise on bone biomarkers, and a discussion on the current recommendations for the timing and frequency of testing. Consideration will be given for different kinds of sports (e.g., strength and power versus endurance) and exercise intensity.