Supplements can help you maximize your workout regimen and the time you put in at the gym. A nitric oxide supplement is a pre-workout product containing L-arginine, an amino acid that elevates the level of nitric oxide your body produces. Manufacturers also sell nitric oxide products as NO or NO2. By elevating the level of nitric oxide your body produces, manufacturers of these supplements claim it will increase the amount of blood sent to your muscles. Always speak with a medical professional prior to taking any nitric oxide supplement.
What Is Nitric Oxide?
Nitric oxide is a free form gas that produced in your body. Additionally, according to "Nitric Oxide and the Cardiovascular System," nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that regulates different physiological and cellular functions in your body. Originally, doctors termed nitric oxide endothelium derived relaxing factor and though that the gas was a protein like most signaling molecules. Further, nitric oxide is a molecule with a half-life of a few seconds produced from enzymes called nitric oxide synthases. The production of nitric oxide takes place when L-arginine converts into L-citruline.
What It Does
Nitric oxide increases blood flow. According to "Nitric Oxide: Biology and Pathobiology," increasing the blood flow to your muscles facilitates muscle growth as part of a resistance training program such as weight lifting. Further, the increased blood flow delivers nutrients to your muscles when you work out. This further supports the growth of your muscles. Nitric oxide also acts as an anti-inflammatory, and can increase your immune functions.
Uses
Your body requires nitric oxide to carry out key physiological functions. If you are an athlete, nitric oxide can provide you additional energy during your workouts. Additionally, nitric oxide facilitates faster recovery after your workouts. Further, nitric oxide provides bodybuilders with a pump feeling during workouts, enabling you to accomplish more repetitions or sets. Deficiencies in nitric oxide manifest several ways including difficulties in maintaining an erection, physical weakness and acute fatigue.
Dosage and Side Effects
Before you take nitric oxide supplements, speak with a medical professional and discuss all the supplements you currently take. Many of the ingredients found in nitric oxide supplements are also found in other supplements you may currently take. Taking too much of a specific ingredient can result in an overdose of that ingredient and lead to health problems. For example, arginine, an amino acid found in nitric oxide supplements, is also found in many other supplement products. An arginine overdose can cause diarrhea, nausea and weakness. The Food and Drug Administration has not established dosing guidelines for health supplements. Therefore, it is important that your discuss the use and dosage of any supplements you want to take with a medical professional.
References
- "Nitric Oxide, Second Edition: Biology and Pathobiology"; Louis J. Ignarro; 2009
- "Nitric Oxide and the Cardiovascular System (Contemporary Cardiology)"; Joseph Loscalzo and Joseph A. Vita; 2010
- "Nitric Oxide, Part A: Sources and Detection of NO; NO Synthase, Volume 268 (Methods in Enzymology)"; John N. Abelson, Melvin I. Simon and Helmut Sies; 1996
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