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Does Nitric Oxide live up to the hype?
Date Added: August 18, 2011 10:41:58 AM
Author: nutritionmass
Category: Shopping

Behind protein, Nitric Oxide (NO) is probably the most sought-after supplement on the market. Does it live up to the hype? The answers may surprise you. Types of Nitric Oxide (NO) Supplements The theory behind how nitric oxide supplements work is that they contain the amino acid arginine, typically in the form of Arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate, which increases the levels of NO in the blood. Of the thousands of uses of NO, it is most associated with Vasodilator, or increasing blood flow, though it has many other functions in nerves, cellular communication mechanism by which a man gets an erection (Viagra works by increasing NO in the penis). NO does this by relaxing the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, expanding the overall area. Arginine makes NO by breaking down the enzyme into citruline. Nitric oxide supplements often increase the amounts of nitric oxide through the ingestion of amino acids. What does NO do for body builders? Because of the prominent role nitric oxide plays in the cardiovascular system, an increase of nitric oxide is thought to give a boost of energy, increase strength, decrease muscle recuperation time and cut down fatigue. This has been backed by several studies, though the benefits of nitric oxide supplements need to be studied more. In theory, increased blood flow should provide the muscles more oxygen, glucose (energy) and nutrients. That should help you work out harder and longer, particularly when combined with creatine or protein supplementation. Because nitric oxide widens the pipelines, there has been some suggestion it could also help prevent heart disease and plaque buildup, and possibly even lower blood pressure. Recent studies have also shown that nitric oxide goes up when we laugh and can even reduce stress. So bodybuilding is just one group interested in the compound. The studies behind the theory To date, studies have not shown an increase in muscle mass from nitric oxide supplements. However, a study published in Am J Hypertens. 2007 showed that the production of nitric oxide went up after exercise. So, the theory goes, increasing nitric oxide through the use of nitric oxide supplements ought to increase muscle mass, and could improve protein-sythesis post-workout. Some studies have shown an increase in vasodilation, or increased blood flow when the amino acid arginine is taken in large does. A lot of it has to do with how a particular person responds to stimulants, which can vary widely. Many nitric oxide supplements contain Branch Carbon Amino Acids, or BCAA's, creatine, and even caffeine. If you are already taking a supplement with high levels of caffeine, such as a fat burner. So the effectiveness of a nitric oxide supplement with caffeine may go down if you’ve already built up a tolerance, and you may want to cut down on the caffeine prior to starting nitric oxide. The other thing is it will give the adrenal glands a chance to regulate, since high doses of caffeine tends to tax the adrenal glands.
 
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