What do nitric oxide supplements do?
Nitric oxide is a gas that’s made by your body, and one of its primary purposes is to promote vasodilation, or increased blood flow.
In the body, “nitric oxide is secreted by the endothelial cells, which line the inner walls of the blood vessels, and it communicates with the smooth muscle cells, triggering them to relax,” explains Nathan Jenkins, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia. This blood flow regulation plays a role in multiple body functions, including maintaining erections, controlling blood pressure, and more.
NO supplements, however, don’t actually contain nitric oxide — instead, they contain ingredients (or substrates) that are thought to give your body a nudge to produce more nitric oxide, such as L-arginine and L-citrulline.
Nitric oxide can lead to increased endurance and strength. Several studies have shown that nitric oxide can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to active muscles. The added nutrients can improve both muscle performance and recovery. (source)
Nitric oxide keeps your heart healthy. Evidence suggests that nitric oxide plays a significant role in blood pressure levels. (source) L-arginine found in nitric oxide boosters is known to help dilate your arteries resulting in lowered blood pressure. Note that if you’ve been diagnosed with low blood pressure, a nitric oxide supplement may not be safe.
Ingredients in the Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
There are several main active ingredients in the best nitric oxide supplements. We’ll take a closer look at some of the ingredients that are must-haves when it comes to choosing one that will work for both your needs and your wallet.
L-Arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that your body turns into the chemical nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then causes blood vessels to open wider resulting in improved blood flow. (source)
Many l-arginine strains have been developed with the goal of improving nutrient absorption, resulting in enhanced effects. Though efficacy is not yet proven, there are two main types of l-arginine; l-arginine and l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (A-AKG). So, what’s the difference?
Essentially, when a nitric oxide supplement has l-arginine AKG, you are getting two for one.
AAKG is added to many fitness supplements due to its superior ability to rapidly increase blood circulation. It is also a larger proponent of increased energy levels once it enters the Krebs cycle. (source)
Your body will break down both substances separately and allow them to work together to create the ideal performance.
If the nitric oxide booster you’ve decided on doesn’t have the added AKG strain, you can take it separately. It will work the same whether ingested together in one pill or on their own.
L-Citrulline
L-citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid that is found in certain foods. However, it is also produced in small amounts in the body. (source) It acts as a booster for nitric oxide and helps it perform better.
Once absorbed, our bodies change l-citrulline into l-arginine as well as nitric oxide. It then has the ability to open veins and improve blood circulation.
L-citrulline is used to help build muscles and improve overall athletic performance. However, some studies show that l-citrulline doesn’t work as well for well-trained athletes. (source) Instead it’s better to use this amino acid to help boost your initial training and performance.