The Role of Selected Nutritional Supplements (Nitrate/Beetroot Juice, Caffeine, Creatine, and Beta-Alanine) in Improving Physiological and Athletic Performance of Soccer Players: A Research Synthesis Study

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22080/jaep.2026.31145.2246

Abstract

Objectives: Modern sports nutrition has considerable potential to optimize performance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate recovery in soccer players. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize and integrate the available scientific evidence regarding the performance effects, physiological mechanisms, research limitations, and practical implications of four major supplements—nitrate (beetroot juice), caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine—in professional soccer.
Methods: This research synthesis study was conducted based on articles published between 2020 and 2025. Relevant studies were retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases. In total, 41 scientific articles published within the 2020–2025 period were comparatively reviewed following methodological quality assessment, data extraction, and qualitative thematic analysis.
Results: The findings indicated that nitrate and creatine, when consumed according to appropriate supplementation protocols, provide the strongest supportive evidence for improvements in anaerobic performance (such as repeated power output capacity) and intermittent activities. Caffeine demonstrated strong ergogenic effects; however, these effects were dose-dependent and accompanied by substantial inter-individual variability. In contrast, beta-alanine required longer supplementation periods to elicit favorable physiological and performance responses.
Conclusion: Overall, targeted and evidence-based use of nutritional supplements can be effectively incorporated into preparation, training, and rehabilitation programs in professional soccer, contributing to enhanced performance and reduced player fatigue.

Keywords

Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology
Volume 21, Issue 42
December 2025
Pages 93-108

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 21 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 03 May 2026

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