Nitric oxide (NO2) supplements use a combination of amino acids, plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals to boost nitric oxide generation in the body.
As a vasodilator, nitric oxide relaxes blood arteries to promote better circulation.
Importance of nitric oxide in our body
The body naturally produces nitric oxide (NO), a gas that is essential to many physiological processes. Here are a few of nitric oxide’s crucial functions in the body:
- Blood flow regulation: Nitric oxide is a strong vasodilator, which relaxes the blood vessel walls and boosts blood flow. The delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs depends on this mechanism.
- Immune system function: Nitric oxide improves white blood cell production and its capacity to annihilate invasive germs, which helps to control the immune system.
- Neurotransmission: NO functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain, facilitating neuronal communication and fostering memory and learning [1].
- Sexual function: Vasodilation, which is crucial for men’s optimal erectile function, is facilitated by nitric oxide, which also has a significant impact on sexual performance.
- Exercise performance: Due to their capacity to increase blood flow, boost oxygen supply to muscles, and improve endurance and performance, nitric oxide supplements are well-liked by athletes and fitness lovers.
7 proven health benefits of taking nitric oxide supplements
Supplements that increase nitric oxide (NO) are becoming increasingly popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness aficionados.
Here are seven benefits of NO supplements for your health:
1. Improves exercise performance
Strength, endurance, and performance may all be improved with better blood flow to the muscles during exercise. NO supplements can aid in postponing the onset of exhaustion and enhance total exercise capacity by improving oxygen transport to working muscles.
These supplements have been demonstrated to enhance performance during high-intensity activity, such as weightlifting, sprinting, and interval training [2].
Studies have also shown NO supplements to speed up post-exercise recovery, lessen muscular pain, and enhance overall exercise performance.
2. Reduces fatigue
Supplements high in nitric oxide (NO) have also been demonstrated to assist athletes in feeling less fatigued when exercising. This is due to nitric oxide’s role in controlling blood flow and oxygen delivery to active muscles [3].
The muscles’ increased need for oxygen and nutrients during exercise causes a buildup of metabolic waste products like lactic acid. This increase may result in exhaustion and pain, restricting the time and intensity of activity.
By increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to working muscles and lowering the accumulation of metabolic waste products, NO supplements can assist in lessening weariness.
They can also aid in delaying the onset of exhaustion after prolonged exercise by increasing muscle oxygenation. Several trials have shown them to increase stamina and lessen tiredness during high-intensity activity, such as running, cycling, and resistance training.
3. Lowers blood pressure
Nitric oxide supplements can help decrease blood pressure by improving blood flow and lowering blood flow resistance. Numerous studies have revealed that these supplements can significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially in those with hypertension.
According to one study, those with hypertension who took a nitric oxide supplement for eight weeks substantially reduced their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
In another study, one NO supplement can lower blood pressure in healthy people.
4. Improves cardiovascular health
Numerous cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and plaque accumulation in the arteries, are significantly influenced by inflammation. By decreasing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules and boosting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules, NO supplements can help to decrease inflammation.
Additionally, nitric oxide is crucial for enhancing blood vessel health. It can assist in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, stroke, and heart disease, by encouraging vasodilation and boosting blood flow [4].
NO supplements have been shown in several trials to enhance endothelial function or the blood vessels’ capacity to expand and contract in response to variations in blood flow.
Improving endothelial function is crucial for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment since it significantly predicts cardiovascular disease.
5. Increases muscle pumps
Muscle pumps happen when the blood flow to the muscles rises, supplying the muscles’ tissues with additional oxygen and nutrients. NO supplements can boost muscle blood flow by encouraging vasodilation and enhancing blood vessel performance.
By boosting muscle blood flow, NO supplements can promote muscular pumps, muscle development, and recuperation.
This can be very helpful for sportsmen and bodybuilders who want to create bigger, stronger muscles. Supplemental nitric oxide can promote muscle development, recuperation, and pumping.
6. Improves sexual function
Millions of men worldwide suffer from the prevalent ailment known as erectile dysfunction (ED). The inability to obtain or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual activity distinguishes it.
Poor blood supply to the penis, which can be brought on by conditions including age, diabetes, and hypertension, is one of the root causes of ED.
By encouraging vasodilation and boosting the synthesis of cGMP, a chemical that relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis and permits blood to flow into the erectile tissues, NO supplements can aid in improving blood flow to the penis [5].
7. Enhances cognitive function
The brain needs a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients for efficient operation. Memory loss, trouble concentrating, and decreased mental alertness are just a few of the cognitive decline symptoms resulting from poor blood supply to the brain.
By encouraging vasodilation and enhancing blood vessel function, NO supplements can aid in boosting blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. Improved memory, concentration, and mental sharpness are just a few benefits.
NO supplementation has been shown in several trials to enhance cognitive performance in both healthy and cognitively impaired people.
In one research, healthy older persons who took a nitric oxide supplement for six weeks had a considerable improvement in their cognitive performance.
How to take nitric oxide supplements
Nitric oxide supplements should be taken in various ways, depending on the product and the user’s needs. Following are some general guidelines:
- Read and abide by the manufacturer’s instructions: It’s critical to carefully read and abide by the instructions offered with the NO supplement you’re taking. They typically offer details on the suggested dosage, administration schedule, and any possible interactions or side effects.
- Take on an empty stomach: Nitric oxide pills work best when consumed on an empty stomach because the food might hinder their absorption [6]. The supplements can, however, be taken with meals if doing so relieves gastrointestinal pain from taking them on an empty stomach.
- Timing: Pre-workout nitric oxide supplements are frequently administered to improve exercise performance and muscle pumps. They can be consumed 20 to 30 minutes before exercise to allow absorption.
- Cycling: Nitric oxide supplements should be cycled to prevent the body from becoming resistant to them. In a normal cycling regimen, the supplement may be used for 4–8 weeks before the rest of 2 to 4 weeks.
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Before beginning any new supplement regimen, it is always best to speak with a medical professional, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.
Precautions on taking nitric oxide
Nitric oxide (NO) supplements are typically safe for most individuals. However, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Possible side effects: Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort in some people who take nitric oxide supplements. These adverse, transient, adverse effects can be reduced by beginning with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over time.
- Interactions with medications: Nitric oxide supplements may interfere with several medicines, including nitrates, blood pressure drugs, and treatments for erectile dysfunction. If you are on any drugs, speaking with a healthcare provider before using NO supplements is crucial.
- Allergies: Nitric oxide supplements may cause allergies in certain people, especially if they include substances like L-arginine or L-citrulline. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergic reaction symptoms, such as wheezing, hives, or swelling.
- Dosage: It’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations and not go overboard because large nitric oxide doses might have unfavorable side effects.
- Pre-existing problems: Before using nitric oxide supplements, those with certain medical disorders, such as low blood pressure, renal illness, or liver disease, should speak with a healthcare provider.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30500433/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465461/
[3] https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/nitric-oxide-supplements/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164974/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8109295/
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326381
Photograph: Vladdeep/Envato
The information included in this article is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this webpage is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
