Oxystorm Red Spinach Extract
Also known as: Red Spinach Extract (RSE), Oxystorm Red Spinach Extract, Super Spinach supplement, Nitrate-rich red spinach extract, Amaranthus extract, Amaranthus dubius/hypochondriacus (Red Spinach Extract)
Overview
Red Spinach Extract (RSE) is a concentrated dietary supplement derived from red spinach species (*Amaranthus dubius* and *Amaranthus hypochondriacus*), standardized for a high nitrate (NO3−) content, typically around 9%. As a plant-based source of inorganic nitrate, RSE serves as a precursor for nitric oxide (NO) production in the body. It is primarily used to enhance exercise performance, improve muscle endurance, increase oxygen utilization, and support cardiovascular health through vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide. RSE contains significantly higher nitrate levels than beetroot powder and is also rich in potassium and antioxidants, while being devoid of sugars and oxalates. Its rapid pharmacokinetics result in peak plasma nitrate levels within 30–60 minutes post-ingestion. Research includes several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a systematic review, demonstrating statistically significant effects on exercise performance and physiological markers.
Benefits
Red Spinach Extract (RSE) supplementation leads to a significant increase in plasma nitrate and nitric oxide levels, with a single 1 g dose (~90 mg nitrate) increasing plasma NO by approximately 400% within 65–75 minutes. Multiple studies have observed improvements in ventilatory threshold (VT), a marker of aerobic endurance capacity. Short-term supplementation (6–15 days) with doses ranging from 1 to 4 g has enhanced peak power output and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). RSE can also reduce the time to complete endurance tasks, such as 4-km cycling time trials, with increased average speed and power output after 7 days of supplementation. Secondary benefits include decreased diastolic blood pressure and improved blood flow during resistance exercise. These benefits have been observed in young recreationally active adults, trained athletes, and middle-aged adults.
How it works
Red Spinach Extract (RSE) functions primarily through the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway. Dietary nitrate from RSE is converted into nitrite and subsequently into nitric oxide (NO), increasing systemic nitric oxide bioavailability. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise. This enhanced blood flow supports mitochondrial efficiency and muscle contractile function. The nitrate-derived NO indirectly supports the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway and modulates vascular smooth muscle tone via cyclic GMP signaling. RSE nitrate is rapidly absorbed, with plasma nitrate peaking within 30–60 minutes, and exhibits high bioavailability due to its standardized extract concentration.
Side effects
Red Spinach Extract (RSE) is generally safe and well-tolerated in doses up to 4 g/day for short to moderate durations (up to 11 weeks). No common side effects have been consistently reported in RCTs. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been significantly reported in studies. However, potential additive hypotensive effects may occur when combined with blood pressure-lowering medications due to vasodilation. Caution is advised in individuals with hypotension or those on nitrate/nitrite medications. Limited data exists for elderly, pregnant, or clinical populations, as most studies have been conducted in healthy adults. It is important to consider these factors when recommending RSE supplementation.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Red Spinach Extract (RSE) is approximately 1 g, standardized to ~90 mg nitrate, for acute effects on plasma nitrate and ventilatory threshold. Optimal dosage ranges from 1–4 g daily for short-term supplementation (up to 2 weeks) to improve endurance and power output. Studies have reported using up to 4.4 g/day (400 mg nitrate) without adverse effects, but no established upper limit exists, and caution is advised. RSE should be taken approximately 1 hour before exercise, as peak plasma nitrate occurs 30–60 minutes post-ingestion. It is available in powdered extract capsules or bars standardized for nitrate content. Avoid concurrent use of antibacterial mouthwash, which can impair nitrate to nitrite conversion.
FAQs
Is Oxystorm Red Spinach Extract safe for daily use?
Yes, short-term daily use up to 4 g/day is considered safe for healthy adults, with no significant adverse effects reported in controlled trials.
How soon before exercise should I take it?
It is recommended to take Red Spinach Extract approximately 60 minutes prior to exercise to coincide with peak plasma nitrate levels.
Will it improve my endurance?
Evidence supports that Red Spinach Extract can improve ventilatory threshold and time trial performance, indicating enhanced endurance capacity.
Is it better than beetroot extract?
Red Spinach Extract provides a higher nitrate content and faster plasma nitrate peak compared to beetroot extract, potentially offering more rapid and potent effects.
Are there any side effects?
No significant side effects have been reported in controlled trials of Red Spinach Extract supplementation at recommended dosages.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5969023/ – Moore et al. (2017) conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 15 recreationally active adults, finding that a single 1 g dose of Red Spinach Extract significantly increased plasma nitric oxide levels by 400% and improved ventilatory threshold. The study did not observe changes in VO2peak or time to exhaustion, but the well-controlled crossover design provides high-quality evidence for the acute effects of RSE on nitric oxide production and endurance markers.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/334186-improved-effect-of-spinach-extract-on-physical-performance-a-systematic-review-of-randomized-controlled-trials.pdf – Wen et al. (2025) performed a systematic review of four RCTs, including 94 participants, and found that spinach extract (mostly red) improved physical performance parameters such as speed, power, and endurance with doses of 1–2 g/day. The review highlights the potential of spinach extract to enhance exercise performance, though the limited number of RCTs and heterogeneity in protocols suggest the need for further research to confirm these findings.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/1176 – Townsend et al. (2022) conducted an RCT with 16 male Division I baseball players, supplementing them with 2 g/day of RSE for 11 weeks and found improved peak power in the Wingate test. The study did not observe changes in body composition or cardiovascular parameters. The small sample size and athlete-specific population limit the generalizability of the findings, but the controlled design provides moderate-quality evidence for the effects of RSE on power output in athletes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11012081/ – Gonzalez et al. (2021) conducted an RCT with recreationally active men and women, supplementing them with 1 g/day of RSE for 7 days and found reduced 4-km cycling time, increased power and speed, and lowered diastolic blood pressure. The short duration and moderate sample size are limitations, but the study provides good-quality evidence relevant to the general population, suggesting that RSE can improve endurance performance and cardiovascular function.
- https://getshifted.com/blogs/lab-notes/red-spinach-extract-the-new-nitrate-king – This blog post provides a general overview of red spinach extract, highlighting its high nitrate content and potential benefits for exercise performance. It suggests that RSE may be a more potent source of nitrates compared to beetroot juice, leading to faster and more significant increases in nitric oxide levels. While not a peer-reviewed research article, it offers a useful summary of the potential advantages of RSE based on available research.
