When it comes to Nitric Oxide (NO), I consider myself an expert. But I have a unique perspective. For more than 3 decades, I have raced more than 300 endurance events. Truth be told, I have experienced the benefits of a wide range of nitric oxide boosters. These formulas are something to behold. Interestingly, nitric oxide products provide benefits to not only athletes, but to young and old alike.
That said, why do I espouse about nitric oxide the way I do? Over the past 3 decades I have bolstered my knowledge on the science behind nitric oxide and it is compelling to say the least.
In a nutshell, Nitric oxide is a gas naturally found in the body. Its function is to help the 50 trillion cells in the body communicate with each other by transmitting signals throughout the entire body. Nitric Oxide is required for key physiological body functions. It is useful in treating a variety of health challenges, including insomnia, obesity, diabetes and libido. It is because of these benefits that Nitric Oxide boosters have profound mass appeal.
Depending on the requirement, Nitric Oxide can act as a hormone, a neurotransmitter and an intracellular messenger. People who exercise regularly or perform rigorous physical activities need a higher amount of Nitric Oxide, as it allows for increased blood flow. Signs of Nitric Oxide deficiency include extreme fatigue and physical weakness.
Nitric oxide has the following benefits, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Increases endurance and strength
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves sleep quality
- Regulates blood pressure and increases blood flow to the sexual organs by dilating arteries
- Enhances memory by transmitting information between nerve cells in the brain
- Assists the immune system at fighting off harmful bacteria
The desire to increase nitric oxide in the body has almost become an obsession for athletes of all kinds. Nitric Oxide booster sections are growing in health food stores and these formulas are becoming increasingly innovative. Athletes and exercise enthusiasts take Nitric Oxide supplements to support increased blood flow and oxygen to the skeletal muscle for increased performance. Furthermore, Nitric Oxide also facilitates the removal of exercise-induced lactic acid build-up which reduces fatigue and recovery time. In fact, a wide range of demographics, including seniors, are using these products now because of their extreme efficacy. Retailers and e-trailers are stocking an increased number of Nitric Oxide products. Many contain the following nutrients which are often part of comprehensive Nitric Oxide formulas:
Flavonoid Root
A breakthrough extract that significantly improves cardiovascular health. This extract is supported by new science that provides unmatched antioxidant properties and powerful cardiovascular health benefits, including increased flow of oxygen-rich blood.
Recently, the results from a 94-person double-blind, placebo controlled study were published in the scientific journal Food and Nutrition Research (April 2016). The study examined the effect of a unique Flavonoid Root Extract on the thickness of the artery wall using CIMT (carotid intima-media thickness). CIMT is considered a strong indicator of overall cardiovascular and arterial health.
Following one year of flavonoid root extract consumption, mean CIMT, total cholesterol, LDL levels and blood pressure decreased. This suggests that this ingredient may attenuate the development of oxidation and of related cerebral vascular issues.
Arginine
A semi-essential amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide. Increasing dietary intake of Arginine from food and supplements increases production of nitric oxide. Taking arginine supplements improves blood pressure and blood flow and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists at the Scientific Institute of San Raffaele in Milan, Italy, evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. According to this research published in “Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental,” it was determined that arginine supplements increase nitric oxide production, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function.
Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC)
Consists of a molecular bonded form of propionyl-L-carnitine and one of the carnitine precursor amino acids, glycine. It is marketed as GlycoCarn® through Sigma-tau HealthScience. Two recent studies have demonstrated an increase in blood levels of Nitric Oxide with oral GPLC intake, at a daily dosage of 4.5 grams (Bloomer et al., 2007; in press). These findings agree with other recent work using PLC exclusively (Lofreddo et al., 2007) which demonstrated an increase in blood Nitric Oxide in response to 6 grams per day of PLC given via intravenous infusion.
Nitric Oxide supplementation can help anyone, but it is especially beneficial for people over the age of 40. People under 40 are in their prime physical years. Their muscles, cells and tissues are quick and efficient at releasing and producing Nitric Oxide to carry out different bodily processes. Nitric Oxide boosters are not crucial for this demographic.
Nonetheless, when I was doing endurance events in my prime physical years, I would take nitric oxide boosters intra-race and would feel a noticeable difference in my energy and endurance. It was truly remarkable.
Nitric Oxide boosters have been and will always be great for anyone who takes them. And they are even better for the retailers e-trailers who understand their immense benefits and sell them accordingly. These products are clinically validated showing efficacy and truly deliver.
References:
- Fogelman Y, Gaitini D, Carmeli E. Antiatherosclerotic effects of glycyrrhiza glabra extract supplementation on hypercholesterolemia patients: decreased CIMT, reduced plasma lipid levels, and decreased blood pressure. Food Nutr Res. 2016;60:30830-5
- “Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental”; Oral L-Arginine Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function and Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation in Cardiopathic Nondiabetic Patients after an Aortocoronary Bypass; Pietro Lucotto, et al.; September 2009
- Bloomer RJ, Smith WA, Fisher-Wellman KH. Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine increases plasma nitrate/nitrite in resistance trained men. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2007;4(1):22.
- Bloomer RJ, Tschume LC, Smith WA: Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine modulates lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in human subjects. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, In Press.
- Loffredo L, Marcoccia A, Pignatelli P, Andreozzi P, Borgia MC, Cangemi R, Chiarotti F, Violi F: Oxidative-stress-mediated arterial dysfunction in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Eur Heart J 2007, 28(5): 608-612.