Nitric oxide is a gas naturally found in the body; its function is conveying information between cells. One of its main jobs is increasing blood flow by dilating blood vessels, and that's why it's sometimes given in supplement form to heart patients, orally and intravenously. In at least one study it's been shown to be effective for lowering blood pressure.
The supplement one takes is not nitric acid but arginine (or L-arginine), an amino acid that's a building block for the production of the gas. (Arginine is in foods such as spinach, sesame seeds, crab, shrimp, and white meat turkey.) Since some studies have linked taking arginine supplements to increased blood flow and human growth hormone production, some who exercise very much — are convinced that taking oral arginine supplements will improve their performance and strength.
The supplements don't appear to have any serious side effects, says Dr. Gary Green, a clinical professor in the UCLA School (although he cautions that other supplements combined with arginine could cause a reaction). But some studies, he adds, beg to differ about those performance-enhancing abilities.
NO (Nitric Oxide) gives more blood to organs when needed. When your arms need more blood supply for movement or for warmth, for example, the brain signals the blood vessels in the arms to release NO.
After a meal, NO sends more blood to your stomach to help you digest the food. It controls blood pressure, giving more blood when you exercise, and reducing the flow of blood when our body is at rest.
Nitroglycerin works to help chest pain by releasing NO gas, which dilates the blood vessels in the heart.
Increasing Nitric Oxide levels can deliver continuous muscle benefits like:
Faster gains in lean mass
Greater strength
Providing better muscle recovery
Increasing endurance
NO regulates the muscle tone of blood vessels to have a major impact on controlling blood pressure.
NO stops blood platelet cells from grouping together in a clot to help prevent blockages in the blood vessels.
NO controls the action of almost every orifice from swallowing to defecation.
NO helps the immune system fight viral, bacterial and parasitic infections as well as tumors.
NO transmits messages between nerve cells.
NO seems to be associated with the process of learning, memory, sleeping, feeling pain, and maybe even depression.
NO has been shown to be a mediator in inflammation and rheumatism.
NO is one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known and is additionally exceptional due to the fact that it is a radical gas. It is a key vertebrate biological messenger, playing a role in a variety of biological processes. Nitric oxide, known as the 'endothelium-derived relaxing factor', or 'EDRF', is biosynthesized endogenously from L-arginine, oxygen and NADPH by various nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. Reduction of inorganic nitrate may also serve to make nitric oxide. The endothelium (inner lining) of blood vessels uses nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, thus resulting in vasodilation and increasing blood flow. Nitric oxide is highly reactive (having a lifetime of a few seconds), yet diffuses freely across membranes. These attributes make nitric oxide ideal for a transient paracrine (between adjacent cells) and autocrine (within a single cell) signaling molecule.
The production of nitric oxide is elevated in populations living at high altitudes, which helps these people avoid hypoxia by aiding in pulmonary vasculature vasodilation. Effects include vasodilatation, neurotransmission, modulation of the hair cycle, production of reactive nitrogen intermediates. Nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite serve as vasodilators because they are converted to nitric oxide in the body.
You also find that Nitric Oxide Supplements widen blood vessels, offer protection to the heart from damage and increase the supply of oxygen to the body. It is also possible to establish regular electrical impulses and Nitric Oxidermal rhythm to the heart through Nitric Oxide.
The immune system is also benefited from Nitric Oxide as the immune cells generally release Nitric Oxide to kill bacteria, and both parasitic and viral infections. The production of the blood cells in the bone marrow is enhanced with Nitric Oxide supplements, wherein the number of immune boosting “Killer T-Cells” is increased. Nitric Oxide is also a great mediator for both rheumatism and inflammation as it helps to relieve pain. In fact, the drug morphine produces Nitric Oxide which is basically a Nitric Oxiden-addictive and an important part of the drug. In addition to all of this, Nitric Oxide supplements also help in widening the blood channels that lead to skeletal muscles, so those using Nitric Oxide as a supplement tend to gain lean muscle mass faster and experience increased endurance. It is also very beneficial in the muscle recovery of the full body.
Nitric Oxide is also responsible for the transmission of messages between the nerve cells and is connected with the processes of memory, sleeping and learning. Nitric Oxide nutritional supplements help in stimulating the brain and helps in modulating numerous functions that range from behavior to gastrointestinal activity. Nitric Oxide supplements help in the reduction of tumor growth and in the process, increases immune response against cancerous cells.
Nitric oxide, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-arginine, in literally involved in all cells to help keep you fit and healthy.
As it can be seen, Nitric Oxide is a great supplement that is responsible for the improvement of the functioning of many systems of the body. In addition to all of these benefits, Nitric Oxide is rich in B-sitosterol, ursolic, glycosides, plant sterols and anthrquinoidenes. It is also rich in potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and C and iron. The fact that Nitric Oxide helps in the increase of blood flow is what makes it a great supplement for those very physical active. This is because with increased blood flow, it is possible for the blood to deliver more nutrients to the muscles, moreover, since it helps in the reduction of inflammation, it is beneficial for physical active persons as it helps in reducing the pain muscles have with extreme stress.
Nitric oxide side effects can be very dangerous. Nitric oxide is a compound that people use for various reasons, some of which might not necessarily be safe. Nitric oxide is a very small molecule, made simple from one oxygen atom and one nitrogen atom to form NO. If taken in small amounts, the effect on the body is relatively mild, but when taken in large amounts, nitric oxide can become toxic very quickly, and can even contribute to vascular collapse. Some general nitric oxide side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Headaches
Blood Pressure Fluctuations
But it really depends on how you're taking the nitric oxide supplement. Nitric oxide supplements are very different.
Nitric oxide is what is known as a vasodilator, meaning that it widens the arteries and veins and allows more blood flow. This effect can be great in certain circumstances, but can also be very dangerous. Overuse of the drug can cause fatal side effects. The more serious nitric oxide side effects that have been reported are:
Irregular Heart Beat, AKA Arrhythmia
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
Severe Dips in Blood Pressure
Nitric Oxide supplements usually have the amino acid arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate, where overdose is possible at times. Too much of this amino acid may lead to diarrhea, nausea and weakness. When taking Nitric Oxide, there are no clear dosing guidelines that have to be followed. You have to find out for yourself the ideal dosage for yourself through tolerance mapping.
However there are also noted Nitric Oxide side effects. It is known to produce neurotoxicity through the development of Olney’s lesions which is damage to the posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices of the brain found in an experiment done in rodents.
Most people use this type Nitric Oxide as supplements for much exercising. There are several cases noted where misuse of this products brought on severe damage to the body and often times even led to death. The noted side effects are headache and nausea, fatigue or extreme weakness and diarrhea. Others also complain of fainting spells, discomfort due to rapid heart rate, palpitations, dry mouth, skin irritation and water retention in the body. There are also several side effects when this product is taken in large doses such as wheezing, breathing problems, itching, vomiting, tremors, hives, asthma, severe sweating and tremors. An extreme high amount of Nitric oxide is being produced in the body when a person suffers from poisoning, as a result leading the person to have a low blood pressure that may result to death. When a person suffers from a stroke, the nerve cells stop receiving the right amount of oxygen, letting the body to produce Nitric Oxide which causes death in a person.
Nitric Oxide is known to have hematologic side effects such as methemoglobinemia, cardiovascular effects such as hypotension, respiratory side effects such as atelectasis and stridor, renal side effects such as hematuria and metabolic side effects such as hyperglycemia. Other side effects reported are withdrawal symptoms, sepsis, infection, cellulitis and headaches.
Generally the use of Nitric Oxide is known to cause short term effects such as short term decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability and manual dexterity. Long term exposure can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, numbness and reproductive side effects. Biologically, Nitric Oxide is known to deactivate the cobalamin form of B12 by oxidation so naturally people who are exposed to this product or gas may manifest symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency including sensory neuropathy, myelopathy and encephalopathy. There is also a study done that shows adverse reproductive effects among pregnant females as a result from chronic exposure to this product or gas.
The first, and most important ingredient, is arginine. It’s often packaged as L-Arginine or AAKG (Arginine Alpha Ketogluterate) in nitric oxide supplements. This is the amino acid that initiates the the NO gas drive into your muscles, thanks to its ability to open up your veins and increase blood flow to the muscles.
AAKG research studies have shown that arginine and its variations are extremely safe, even after doses that far exceed what is typically found in your average pre-workout supplement. Nitric Oxide is a naturally occurring molecule in your system, and getting your body to produce more of it has not shown any highly negative side effects. Go too far above and beyond the recommended doses, though, and you might get gastrointestinal distress.
Most pre-workout supplements contain some form of creatine. Despite what some people may think, creatine has been proven to be extremely safe and effective, even over long-term usage. We always recommend going with standard creatine monohydrate, as it’s the most common form of creatine, is inexpensive, and has had the most safety research done upon it.
However, taking too much creatine may cause side effects of diarrhea or cramping, but that often only comes when taking very large loads of the substance – far more than is typically put in nitric oxide supplements. But it’s still important to drink plenty of water when using creatine, and be careful if you’re adding more creatine to your post-workout drink.
Caffeine and other stimulants are often found in nitric oxide supplements. And yes, these stimulants can and do have some side effects when not used properly. They include irritability, loss of sleep, fatigue (from the caffeine crash), headache, skin irritation, higher blood pressure, dry mouth and water retention. If you are very caffeine sensitive, don’t start with a full dosage of your nitric oxide supplement. Also, don’t take it too close to bed if you’re planning on getting any sleep – we make sure not to take these products after 6pm or so, but it varies by person.
Caffeine is safe in small doses, but overdosing can occur if mixing pre-workout supplements with other stimulants, such as coffee. Additionally, caffeine is addictive, and you may get withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it for a few days. Such symptoms include fatigue and headaches – but they will pass.
The stimulants are the main reason why you should cycle pre-workout supplements. You need time for your adrenals to reset. Look up what a recommended dosage pattern might be for you. It typically takes me 2 weeks to completely flush caffeine from my system.
The other amino acids often found in nitric oxide supplements, such as Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) do not have any side effects. The one exception is with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) patients.
It’s also important to note that L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, and if your pre-workout product has too much of it, it may make you tired.
Beta Alanine, which is in several pre-workout supplements because of its ability to increase endurance and reduce fatigue, is shown to be safe. However, it does have the side effect of its user getting flushed, tingling skin. These “beta alanine tingles” are not completely understood, but blood toxicity studies have shown that it is still safe. Some people don’t like taking products containing beta alanine. Not everyone gets the tingles. Either way, it is a kind of side effect that you should be aware of when thinking about nitric oxide side effects.
If your pre-workout supplement contains maltodextrin or sugar, it’s important to note that you may be getting an undesired side effect from these substances – body fat! Carbohydrates, especially these high-glycemic carbs, lead to an insulin spike, which then leads to fat storage. This is a counterproductive side effect for anyone who is working out.
Many nitric oxide supplements also contain minerals such as magnesium, which may yield a few problems that you would call “nitric oxide side effects”, although those sides would be blamed on the magnesium itself (and the company who put so much magnesium in it!) – not the arginine and pump supplements. A common side effect of magnesium is that it loosens stools and can cause diarrhea. If you are sensitive to magnesium, you will want to opt for a pre-workout supplement that does not contain any.
Some of the products can contain nitrates. You need to follow the directions extremely closely. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much you should ingest of total nitrates. Otherwise, your blood pressure can drop too far, opening up to a host of other things.
Consuming more than the recommended dosages of these supplements will increase the severity and likelihood of these side effects. Most of the reported cases of side effects of using nitric oxide supplements are due to the intake of these supplements for extended periods. However, the nitric oxide supplement side effects either disappeared or became manageable after stopping the intake.
One last thing to consider is that when you cycle off of your pre-workout supplement, you should not take ANY other stimulants. Give your body time to reset! Unfortunately, you must deal with a few days of withdrawal when you cycle off, and that means a bit of headaches and lethargy, so grab some ibuprofen and hang in there. Not everyone gets the “caffeine hangover” though.
Sleeping issues are also common. The only way to solve this issue is to adjust the supplementation to a minimum of six hours before the bed time.
Most of the people feel that the benefits of nitric oxide outweigh the nitric oxide side effects.
Seems to be working March 04, 2011, From Canada
This product seems to be working. I take it before working out and it seems to give me a boost of energy. I have been a bit gassy but I'm not sure whether it's this product or other ... supplements I've been taking.
ok June 12, 2010, From Ohio
When you get older.you need help feeling better.I heard it good for the brain.and getting blood flow to other parts of the body too
Good February 01, 2011, From Texas
Noticeable increase in stamina, and recovery.
... March 08, 2011
This product helps my workouts amazingly...
Fantastic pre-workout supplement! January 21, 2011
Even felt the effects after the first use. This really works for the body in all the ways it says. I will never stop using and I recommend this to anyone wanting... more focus and extreme energy.
approved product November 03, 2011
Recently I started using this powerful NO and I am approving the results, strength, focus, vasodilation impressive approved.
Extreme Energy. January 10, 2011, From Turkey
Wonderful supplement,but if you take ... at evening time you can not fall a sleep.
Goog product July 05, 2011, From Turkey
Good product but after i using first box i had full energy but when i started second box , i couldn't get same effect what i took from first box. I couldn't give any real decision , its really work or not..
work out helper August 23, 2011
Good for working out, I personally dont take it as I think go natural herbs but my friend likes it, dont take it too close to working out it could make you feel sick
Great Supplement December 22, 2010, By ...
It's really working. It's one of the best pre-training product maybe the best one.
Extra energy November 04, 2011, From Brazil
This product helped me improve my strength in workouts. ...