Nitric oxide supplements and creatine are two of the most popular supplements used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve exercise performance. Nitric oxide supplements boost nitric oxide in the body, a gas molecule that increases blood and nutrient flow to muscles, especially during exercise. Creatine boosts the production of ATP, the main source of energy that muscles use for activity. Increasing ATP allows you to train harder for longer. Although both supplements seem to be effective, concerns have been raised about their safety.
Nitric Oxide and L-arginine
Most nitric oxide supplements on the market contain the amino acid L-arginine, since it's converted by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase to nitric oxide in the body. L-arginine may produce side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. In addition, high urea levels and high potassium are also other potential side effects, according to MayoClinic.com. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce or eliminate the dosage of the nitric oxide supplement you're taking.
Creatine and Liver
Creatine is a compound made in the liver and people have suggested that creatine supplementation would put added stress on the liver that could result in liver damage. However, research doesn't support this claim. Scientists at Truman State University observed that healthy football players consuming 5 to 20 g of creatine up to approximately six years experienced no adverse effects on liver function compared with those who had a placebo, according to findings published in the December 2002 issue of "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism."
Creatine and Kidney Health
The other concern regarding creatine supplementation is its effects on kidney function. Researchers at the University of Nottingham Medical School in the United Kingdom observed that healthy subjects taking 20 g of creatine for five days followed by 3 grams daily for nine weeks showed no adverse effects on kidney function. The research was reported in the August 2000 issue of the "British Journal of Sports Medicine."
Caution
Nitric oxide supplements and creatine seem to be safe for those who have healthy kidney and liver function. However, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that creatine supplementation may increase kidney dysfunction in those with a history of kidney disease or ongoing kidney problems, according to research reported in the 2004 issue of the "Journal of Herb Pharmacotherapy." Therefore, consult your health care provider before taking supplements, particularly if you have unhealthy kidneys and liver.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine (L-arginine); July 2011
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Effects of Long-term Creatine Supplementation on Liver and Kidney Functions in American College Football Players; D.L. Mayhew et al.; December 2002
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; Dietary Creatine Supplementation Does Not Affect Some Haematological Indices, or Indices of Muscle Damage and Hepatic and Renal Function; T.M. Robinson et al.; August 2000
- "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy"; Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Renal Function; W.M. Yoshizumi and C. Tsourounis; 2004
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