Nitric Oxide Supplements Exposed (Supplement Review)

An objective review of "nitric oxide support/booster" supplements.

A few months ago I received a few free samples of one of those “nitric oxide boosting” supplements. I tried them (both pill and powder form) and didn’t notice any difference whatsoever.

I never gave it a second thought until someone emailed and asked about nitric oxide support/boosters. I did a little research and here’s what I’ve found:

The Claims:

Nitric oxide support/boosters claim to give you great “pumps,” intense workouts, and minty-fresh breath (I added that last one, but you get the picture).

The Science:

*Nitric oxide (NO for short) is a gaseous compound created within the body.
*NO levels are naturally increased through exercise.
*NO helps to open blood vessels (vasodilation).
*Doctors have experimented with certain supplements/compounds that increase NO levels and benefit those with certain medical conditions (heart attack patients, etc).

 The supplement industry claims that NO boosters can benefit athletes. Is it true?

Well, I really had a tough time finding good research on this. I looked for information on the forums, but anecdotal evidence is always shaky at best.

I finally ran across an article by Richard J. Bloomer, PhD, CSCS of the University of Memphis Department of Health and Sport Sciences.

I’ll summarize his article (I’ll also provide a link so you can read the whole thing yourself if interested).

*Actual research/testing of these NO supplements is “non-existent.”

*The primary ingredient of most NO supplements is L-arginine, which most of us already get plenty of through diet.

*Supplement companies often quote inappropriate research:
  1. The dosage (of L-arginine, for example) are often much lower in NO supplements vs research.
  2. The route of administration in much of the research was intravenous—not oral.

*The “pump” some get through NO supplements is likely caused by the sugar, which itself has a vasodilating effect.

*The only dietary supplement which has be scientifically proven to increase NO levels is Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC). More research is needed to understand its usefulness for fitness/exercise.

You can read the whole article here:
Nitric Oxide Stimulating Dietary Supplements: Introducing Glycine Propionyl-L-Carnitine (GPLC)


So there you have it. I’m saying “no” to NO supplements when it comes to building muscle. 


Update--you can see the latest research here:
Nitric Oxide Booster Review/Study 

There's one last thing I want you to keep in mind:  I do think L-arginine, when combined with another supplement, has potential to improve sexual health/functioning.  You can learn more by reading Supplementation: Building Muscle Without Going Broke, available free to all subscribers of this blog.  Just click here to subscribe and read my e-report.