Nitric oxide is a natural gas in the body that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Nitric oxide supplements dont contain actual nitric oxide gas.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Miniseries / Getty Images
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asNSF,U.S.
Some research shows that nitric oxide supplements may help prevent disease by acting as powerfulantioxidants.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) can develop if your body doesn’t make enough nitric oxide.
Taking nitric oxide supplements may help improve circulation and keep your blood vessels strong.
Nitric oxide works like a shield, protecting cells from this damage.
This may help lower the risk ofheart disease, brain problems, and even some types of cancer.
This means you canexercise longerwithout becoming fatigued, and recover faster afterward.
It also reduces muscle soreness and helps prevent injuries.
Boosts brain power:Your brain needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to function well.
Nitric oxide improves blood flow to the brain, which can sharpen memory, focus, and learning.
It may also help protect the brain from degenerative diseases likeAlzheimer’sas you get older.
Controls blood sugar and weight:Nitric oxide plays a role in how your body handles sugar and fat.
When your body doesn’t make enough nitric oxide, it can contribute to problems likeobesity and diabetes.
Keeping nitric oxide levels high may help your body burn fat and use sugar more effectively.
By improving blood flow and protecting blood vessels, nitric oxide may help reduce these risks.
It also supports nerve function and regeneration, which can help repair damaged olfactory receptors.
Additionally, nitric oxide plays a role in neurotransmission, helping the brain process scent signals more effectively.
Improves sexual health:Nitric oxide improves blood flow to the whole body, including the reproductive organs.
For men, boosting blow flow with nitric oxide can help witherectile dysfunction.
For women, it may improve menstrual cramps, ovarian health, andfertility.
Supports digestion and gut health:Nitric oxide helps your intestines move food smoothly through your system.
It also protects your stomach and intestines from harmful bacteria and irritation.
This can help prevent problems like constipation, bloating, andirritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
Helps you breathe better:Nitric oxide relaxes the muscles in your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
This can be particularly helpful for people with lung conditions likeCOPD.
This is especially helpful for people with diabetes orslow-healing wounds.
It may also help you heal after surgery or injuries.
May help prevent cancer:Some research suggests that nitric oxide can slow down the growth of cancer cells.
It helps stop tumors from forming new blood vessels, which they need to grow.
While more studies are needed, nitric oxide might be part offuture cancer treatments.
Prevents altitude sickness:Nitric oxide improves how your body adapts to high-altitude environments.
It helps improve blood flow and breathing at altitude andprevents altitude sickness.
This can be useful for hikers and people living in or traveling to high-altitude areas.
Is it okay to take nitric oxide daily?
The safest way to support nitric oxide levels is by getting it through your diet.
If you’re considering taking a supplement, consult a healthcare provider first.
Techniques like acupuncture and deep breathing may also help, but more research is needed.
Supplements
Despite their name, nitric oxide (NO) supplements do not contain nitric oxide gas.
Its important to choose supplements from reputable sources that preserve nitrate content.
L-arginine supplements, often marketed for athletic performance, should be used cautiously.
While studies show potential benefits in reducing fat and improvingmetabolic health, long-term safe dosages are unclear.
The best form for you depends on personal preference and desired effects.
Since different products may work differently, following label directions or a healthcare providers advice is essential.
Food
Getting nitric oxide from food is the best way to support your body’s natural production.
While supplements can help certain people, most people can boost nitric oxide through diet alone.
Your body converts nitrates found in foods intro nitric oxide.
Choose raw or lightly steamed vegetables, as boiling can reduce nitrate levels.
Consulting a healthcare provider before use is recommended.
What Happens if I Take Too Much?
More research is needed to understand the risks, toxicity, and potential foroverdosewith different nitric oxide supplements.
Taking too much may lead to severe side effects, similar to those seen with high nitric oxide levels.
Common side effects of NO supplements may include:
Severe side effects are rare but can happen.
Before taking nitric oxide supplements, contact a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks.
Discuss the benefits and risks of these supplements with a healthcare provider.
Guanidinoacetate methyltransferasedeficiency (GAMT):GAMT is a condition that runs in families.
People with GAMT don’t have a protein to convert arginine intocreatine.
Therefore, people with GAMT should avoid nitric oxide supplements, especially those that contain arginine.
Consult a healthcare provider before taking them.
Your provide will likely recommend that you stop taking nitric oxide before going into surgery.
Sun exposure and regular exercise can also naturally increase nitric oxide levels while providing additional health benefits.
The Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource: Operation Supplement Safety.Nitric oxide supplements.
Food and Drug Administration.Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs.
United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central: Nitric oxide.
Kiani AK, Bonetti G, Medori MC, et al.Dietary supplements for improving nitric-oxide synthesis.J Prev Med Hyg.
2022;63(2 Suppl 3):E239-E245.
doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2766
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database: nitric oxide.
Bryan NS.Nitric oxide deficiency is a primary driver of hypertension.Biochem Pharmacol.
2022;206:115325. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115325
Oregon State University.Say NO to disease: The benefits of nitric oxide.
Koolwal A, Manohar J.
S, Rao TSS, et al.L-arginine and erectile dysfunction.Journal of Psychosexual Health.
2019;1(1):37-43: doi:10.1177/2631831818822018
Food and Drug Administration.Inomax label.
