Nitric oxide is a gas that the body creates naturally. Nitric oxide is composed of one atom of nitrogen bonded to one atom of oxygen, with the chemical formula NO. This molecule contains an unpaired electron, making it a free radical. Its role within the body is as a messenger in many pathological and physiological processes, and is created by the body in response to exercise. However, nitric oxide supplements on the market are in actuality L-arginine, an amino acid that functions as the building block for nitric oxide.
Side Effects
There are no documented nitric oxide side effects; however, L-arginine does have side effects. Some common side effects of L-arginine include nausea, diarrhea, weakness and fatigue. The website Drugs.com describes the more serious side effects associated with this supplement. Hematologic, or blood-related, side effects include methemoglobinemia, defined as high levels of hemoglobin in the blood. Cardiovascular effects include hypotension, commonly called low blood pressure. Respiratory side effects include atelectasis, a partial or complete lung collapse; and stridor, a wheezing sound resulting from a blockage in the upper airway. Renal side effects include hematuria, defined as red blood cells in the urine. Metabolic side effects include hyperglycemia. Other side effects include withdrawal, sepsis, infection and cellulitis.
Safety Concerns
MedlinePlus, a website by the National Institutes of Health, has declared L-arginine to be possibly safe for the majority of the population, if taken at appropriate dosages, by mouth for a short term. It appears to be safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women; however, it would be safer for these populations if they avoided the supplement, since it has not been studied enough to make a definitive recommendation. L-arginine is possibly safe for children and infants when prescribed by a physician, but high doses can cause serious side effects and even death.
Drug Interactions
There can be drug interactions that occur with L-arginine, so it is important to discuss all medications and supplements with a physician before adding them to the diet. Major interactions can occur with high blood pressure medications (antihypertensive drugs), and medications that increase blood flow to the heart (nitrates). Moderate side effects can occur with the medication Sildenafil (Viagra), and the supplement xylitol.
Nitric Oxide and Athletics
Many bodybuilders take nitric oxide hoping to improve their performance and strength. A "Los Angeles Times" article, “What can nitric oxide do for me?” describes multiple articles where the supplementation of this substance did not alter either endurance performance or blood levels of human growth hormone. It appears that this supplement will not increase athletic performance, unless the athlete has an arginine deficiency, which would be very rare.
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