Sick of Nitrates? Try Anthocyanins

Josh Elston-Carr Josh Elston-Carr

If you’ve used beetroot juice, you know the drill: high nitrate intake increases nitric oxide production and supports blood flow, but the earthy taste and potential for stomach upset can make it difficult to use consistently. Nitrates are one of the IOC’s five supplements with strong evidence for a performance benefit, but the experience isn’t always quite as appealing.

But now there is another option.

New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanins, the active ingredient in our FLYCARB ANTHOSYSTEM, can support blood flow through similar nitric oxide pathways, while emerging research suggests they may offer a broader range of benefits for athletic performance, recovery and metabolic health.

Why Anthocyanins Are Worth a Look

  • Increase Fat Oxidation: Research suggests anthocyanins can increase the proportion of fat used as fuel during steady-state exercise, potentially helping preserve glycogen stores for when you need to push the pace.
  • Support Blood Flow: Anthocyanins can activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), supporting vascular function, blood flow and oxygen delivery.
  • Support Recovery: Their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help manage exercise-induced oxidative stress and support recovery between sessions.
  • Great Taste, Easy to Use: Forget the earthy beetroot shot. Blackcurrant anthocyanins deliver a naturally fruity flavour without the heavy taste or volume of beetroot juice.

Power Your Training with FLYCARB ANTHOSYSTEM

We designed FLYCARB ANTHOSYSTEM to harness the potential of New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanins as part of a complete race-day nutrition strategy.

It combines targeted anthocyanin intake with carbohydrate delivery to support vascular function, fuel utilisation and recovery across a five-day loading strategy, finishing with a race-day serving of carbohydrate and anthocyanins in one drink.

Want to dive into the clinical research behind the formula? We’ve summarised the evidence in an easy-to-read guide.

👉 Check out The Purple Paper to explore the science behind FLYCARB ANTHOSYSTEM and see how anthocyanins could fit into your fueling strategy.

👉 Convinced Already? Head over to the Anthosystem page to buy your first pack.

Back to blog