Nitric oxide, chemical abbreviation NO, is composed of one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the body that helps to control the circulation of the blood, regulating activities of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and other organs. Nitric oxide transmits messages between the nerve cells, helping to stimulate the endocrine system and increase blood flow, thus delivering more nutrients to muscles. This action not only increases muscle growth, but also reduces inflammation, which is important for muscles that are under stress. As such, nitric oxide, which is produced in conjunction with L-argenine, is a favorite with body builders. As nitric oxide affects the biology of living cells, it is often used with an oxygen blend in critical care to help with pulmonary and capillary dilation in neo-natal patients. Nitric oxide is also known to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, help with penile erection and prevent the arteries from becoming clogged. Nitric oxide has another special function--helping fireflies to turn on their lights.
What to Look for
Exercise increases the production of nitric oxide, but many body builders take extra supplements to amplify the benefits. Protein powders as well as tablet form supplements fortified with amino acids, including argenine, can help to power up the muscles. These are best used in sustained release form as they help to deliver the amino acids more efficiently. Supplements that contain nitric oxide can also be used to stimulate brain receptors, which makes them good for strengthening memory. Nitric oxide can also be used for women during labor as it relaxes the muscle walls of the uterus, helping to ease birth and for people with gastric ailments as it relaxes the smooth muscles on the walls of the intestinal tract. Nitroglycerin, which generates nitric acid, is often used to relieve the pain of angina by relaxing the arteries. If you are looking to maintain an erection for longer periods of time, Viagra has become a popular prescription drug, assisting in the release of nitric acid from the nerve endings close to the blood vessels in the penis.
Common Pitfalls
Too much nitric acid can lead to symptoms such as weakness, nausea and diarrhea and a deficiency of nitric oxide can cause physical weakness and extreme fatigue. If you are taking a supplement that contains argenine or nitric acid, take a small dose for one week, increasing slowly over time until you feel the benefits without any trace of side affects. Be sure to consult your health-care provider before you embark on a nitric acid supplement program of any kind. Nitric oxide should not be confused with nitrous oxide, which is a general anesthetic or with nitrogen dioxide, which is a poisonous air pollutant.
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