Nitric Oxide Supplements

Nitric oxide is one of the more effective performance boosting supplements available. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that relaxes the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, causing them to widen and allow more blood to flow to muscles. And that also means the delivery of more nutrients like amino acids and glucose, which enhance energy production during workouts and blunt fatigue.

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of NO boosters. The first study was done on arginine AKG and found that subjects taking it before workouts for eight weeks significantly increased their strength on the bench press. Other studies on arginine confirmed that arginine increases muscle strength, blunts muscle fatigue, and allows subjects to train longer and with more intensity than control groups. Nitric Oxide is also mainly responsible for inducing the “pump” during workouts.

Nitric oxide has become extremely popular in bodybuilding circles. Nitric oxide is a free-form gas produced by the body to help cells communicate with each other. At the molecular level, it’s composed of the amino acid arginine, chemically connected to the compound alpha-ketoglutarate (itself synthesized from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine).

Nitric oxide is produced within the flat endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels. When endothelial cells are stimulated – for example, during muscle contraction – nitric oxide is synthesized and released. Once released, nitric oxide diffuses across the endothelial cell membrane into the adjacent smooth muscle tissue of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and widen (a process called vasodilation).

Bodybuilders have added nitric oxide to their kitbags for two reasons:

1. To boost recovery
2. To reduce joint and muscle pain

Nitric oxide increases blood flow, and many bodybuilders believe increased blood flow delivers more nutrients to the muscle cells, thus helping them grow during the adaptation and recovery phase. The anti-inflammation properties of nitric acid are also valued, since intense training is hard on the joints and muscles.

What Are the Benefits of Nitric Oxide Supplements?

1. Increased Recovery Rates
2. Reduced Fatigue Levels During Higher Rep Protocols
3. Enhanced Endurance Performance
4. Increased Availability Of Energy
5. Increased Glucose Use
6. Increased Muscle Pump

Nitric Oxide Supplements and Side Effects

It may surprise you to learn that most nitric oxide supplements don’t contain nitric oxide. Instead, they contain the precursor, arginine. Now, the body evolved to use amino acids in proportion and balance, as earlier discussed, and the long-term risks associated with high dosages of individual amino acids are unknown. Many users have reported experiencing nausea and diarrhea when supplementing with more than 5 to 10 grams of arginine per day. Consult your doctor before taking this—and any other—supplement.

Top 10 nitric oxide supplements

1. Myonox
2. OxyPump
3. Nitric Oxide Top Sellers Kit
4. MusclePharm Assault
5. N.O. Xplode
6. C4 Extreme
7. MuscleTech – NeuroCore
8. CreaVar
9. Animal Stak
10. NO2 Black Full Cycle