Nitric oxide, sometimes known as NO, has become more popular as a potential way to improve athletic performance and recovery periods by boosting blood supply to working muscles. You should give careful thought to this dietary supplement, though. There just isn’t enough evidence that these supplements are both effective and safe to take based on the study and product testing that has been conducted so far.
If you’re hoping to reap the advantages of a nitric oxide supplement, eating more naturally-occurring nitrate-rich foods may help. If you want to avoid the vitamin and mineral supplement section of the supermarket, this means you should stock up on beets, arugula, and carrots from the produce section. To prevent a positive anti-doping test and/or negative health effects, it is important to remember that every supplement you use should be independently evaluated. Despite the risks, some people may still be interested in adding nitric oxide supplements to their routine.
Does anybody know what advantages nitric oxide has for the human body?
The United States Department of Defense describes nitric oxide as an endogenously produced gas that may increase blood flow by relaxing blood arteries. Because of this, it is often used in pre-workout supplements that boast of boosting strength and endurance.
Nitric oxide could never be present in a dietary supplement, despite the label’s promise to the contrary. You won’t find any nitric oxide in these pre-workout supplements since that substance exists only in the gaseous condition. Instead, the nitrates in these dietary supplements come from amino acids like L-arginine and L-citrulline. These Nitric oxide supplement options, which are most often found in powder or liquid form, typically include nitrates extracted from beets.
Studies have shown mixed results when looking at the effects of nitric oxide and nitrates on performance. Human studies on the effects of nitric oxide have not been able to confirm whether or not it really improves performance in any measurable way. The trial groups were too small to say whether or not the supplements assisted in reducing muscle discomfort or increasing exercise performance.
When it comes to their health, how much nitric oxide do athletes need?
No amount of nitric oxide intake is safe or healthful, let alone nitrate ingestion. The body naturally produces nitric oxide, and the FDA has not approved any means to artificially raise its amounts.
Can nitric oxide be obtained by athletes via nutrition alone?
In addition to increasing the quantity of oxygen the body takes in, many delicious functional meals may also improve the efficiency with which muscles utilise oxygen. Foods rich in nitrates include arugula, celery, carrots, and beets. A consequence of nitrate metabolism is nitric oxide. A beetroot smoothie made with fresh beetroot juice is a delightful and tasty alternative to taking a powder or tablet first thing in the morning, and it also has several health benefits. Beetroot juice has 442 milligrammes of potassium, plus calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and 3.8 grammes of fibre per serving.