Better Nitric Oxide Supplements For More Intense Workouts

It can be challenging to discern which supplements might be best for you with so many options. One option for athletes is a nitric oxide supplement. Capsules or drinkable powders that help boost nitric oxide production in your body. Enhanced nitric oxide levels have been shown to speed recovery time and lead to longer, more intense workouts.

But are these supplements legit? Do they really provide what they promise?

Read our guide to find out about their ingredients, effectiveness, cost, and more.

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, take a look at our Top 5 list of recommendations below.

Note: Subscribe to get the best price and on the site try using code: LIMITEDTIME for $10 off when you spend $50

Pros

• Robust, scientifically backed ingredient list
• Enhanced pumps and muscle recovery
• Easy to take — 2 capsules daily, before workouts
• GMP-certified product
• Quick shipments & are also available on Amazon & Walmart

Cons

• Quickly run out of inventory.
• High-dose may not be right for some.

Nitric Oxide Boost by Double Dragon Organics is our overall top pick because of its diverse list of effective ingredients. Double Dragon Organics started in 2018 and is committed to using only high-quality, GMP-certified ingredients in its bodybuilding supplements. L Arginine & L Citrulline are backed up by scientific research that shows their benefit in increasing nitric oxide levels in the body. While this supplement includes components seen in many nitric oxide boosters, they have pushed this product to the max.

What is nitric oxide?

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator. This means that it increases blood flow throughout your body by relaxing blood vessel muscles, which lowers blood pressure and increases muscle recovery. Your body uses antioxidants like vitamin C and nitrates (found in leafy green vegetables and other foods) to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important to your body because it impacts the function of many bodily systems, including the:

• Immune system
• Circulatory system, especially blood vessels
• Musculoskeletal system, specifically muscle performance

People who smoke, don’t exercise regularly, have high cholesterol, or eat a high-fat diet may have lower nitric oxide levels. This can cause issues like:

• Poor vision
• Brain fog
• Low energy
• Slow recovery times
• Erectile dysfunction

Eating foods rich in nitrates, exercising regularly, and taking probiotics or antioxidants can help boost nitric oxide levels naturally. Some people opt for nitric oxide supplements, which use various ingredients to increase levels of nitric oxide production.

How nitric oxide supplements work

Nitric oxide supplements? don’t contain nitric oxide — instead, they contain ingredients that your body needs to produce nitric oxide. Some popular ingredients in nitric oxide supplements include:

• L-citrulline
• L-arginine
• Pine bark extract
• Beetroot

These compounds are well-known for their benefits to exercise performance and overall health. Specifically, increased levels of nitric oxide are said to help with:

• Erectile dysfunction?
• Muscle recovery
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar control
• Athletic performance

While research into these health benefits is limited, some studies show a link between nitric oxide supplementation and increased health benefits. For example, a clinical trial found that nitric oxide supplementation significantly reduced blood pressure? in patients with hypertension.

Other health benefits are not so clear-cut. For example, researchers have concluded that nitric oxide is vital in producing erections, but human studies of L-arginine supplementation with erectile dysfunction patients are inconclusive. Animal studies have shown promise.

Similarly, researchers found conflicting results in a review of studies testing nitric oxide supplementation’s benefits to exercise performance. Some studies showed increased benefits to endurance; other studies were inconclusive. These studies also used only male, athletic subjects.

We know that the ingredients in nitric oxide supplements increase the level of nitric oxide in the body. We also know that nitric oxide is crucial in the healthy function of many bodily systems. It will just take a while for the science to catch up with the claims made by nitric oxide supplement companies. In the meantime, we can rely on testimonials from customers who use these supplements. They report boosts to:

• Workout endurance
• Muscle recovery
• Energy level
• Erection duration
• Muscle appearance

Are nitric oxide supplements a good choice for you?

Nitric oxide supplements are good for people dedicated to bodybuilding, weightlifting, or any other athletic pursuit that involves building muscle. These products are designed to enhance nitric oxide levels, which speeds muscle recovery, builds stamina, and helps you achieve better, stronger pumps.

In addition to their benefits for athletes, nitric oxide supplements are also helpful for people who live with conditions like high blood pressure?, high cholesterol, or any issues that impact the cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems. Boosting nitric oxide levels doesn’t just help with exercise; it can also affect illnesses and diseases. More research is needed to back up these claims further, so make sure you check with your doctor before starting any nitric oxide supplement.

Who should avoid them

Nitric oxide supplements are designed for healthy adults. If you take regular medication or live with a chronic condition, a nitric oxide booster may not be a good idea for you. Those who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid these supplements. Some specific types of medication, like those that include nitrates, can lead to adverse reactions when taking nitric oxide supplements. If you take medicine for chest pain or erectile dysfunction, avoid these supplements until you consult a doctor.

Are nitric oxide supplements safe?

Generally, nitric oxide supplements are safe for most people when taken in the recommended amounts. Follow the label instructions. It’s always smart to check in with your doctor or dietician before introducing any new supplement into your routine. Nitric oxide supplements are not recommended for children or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common ingredients found in many nitric oxide supplements also yield side effects and drug interactions. Taking L-arginine can lead to diarrhea, bloating, or low blood pressure. If you’ve had a recent surgery or heart attack, avoid products with L-arginine. Those with kidney disease or who take certain medications for diabetes, blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and other ailments should also avoid these products.

Taking L-citrulline can also lead to stomach issues like indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. Those taking medication for erectile dysfunction, angina, high blood pressure, and a few other conditions should steer clear of products with this ingredient.

Beetroot is found in many nitric oxide supplements because of its high levels of nitrates. One downside of beetroot is that it can turn your urine red or pink, which is a harmless side effect.

Nitric oxide supplement FAQ

What does a nitric oxide supplement do to your body?

A nitric oxide supplement contains compounds that help increase nitric oxide production in your body. According to medical research, there are many benefits of nitric oxide supplementation, including improved workout recovery, endurance, erectile dysfunction, and blood pressure in pregnant women. Some of these studies were conducted on animal subjects, so we are still unsure about the direct correlation to humans. But those who take nitric oxide supplements report increased energy and reduced muscle soreness after workouts, among other benefits.

What is the best source of nitric oxide?

Many foods contain nitric oxide, including garlic, dark chocolate, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, red wine, and watermelon. Beets are known as one of the most potent sources of nitric oxide. While nitric oxide supplements don’t contain nitric oxide, they help your body produce it. You can also increase nitric oxide production by taking antioxidants and engaging in regular exercise.

What are the symptoms of low nitric oxide?

There are many symptoms of low nitric oxide, including high blood pressure, memory issues, low energy, poor eyesight, slow recovery times after workouts, and erectile dysfunction. You may experience these symptoms if you smoke cigarettes, eat a high-fat diet, have high cholesterol, or do not exercise regularly. You can test your own nitric oxide levels using at-home nitric oxide testing strips or consulting your doctor.

What is the fastest way to increase nitric oxide?

In addition to nitric oxide supplements, the fastest way to increase nitric oxide is through a diet high in nitrates. Many vegetables are a good source of nitrates, including celery, lettuce, beetroot, spinach, and arugula. Another option is to consume antioxidants, which help reinforce nitric oxide lifespan in your body. Common antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, and glutathione. Lastly, regular exercise can improve your body’s production of nitric oxide. Exercise helps keep blood vessels healthy, leading to a natural increase in the amount of nitric oxide produced.

When should I take a nitric oxide supplement?

It’s best to follow the label instructions for the supplement you purchase. But, generally, it’s best to take nitric oxide supplements either before a workout or before bed. Because nitric oxide supplements help with workout recovery and sore muscles, taking them before a workout prepares your muscles for wear and can boost stamina. In addition, nitric oxide levels are naturally lower at night, so taking supplements before bed can help give your body a boost when it’s most depleted.

Alternatives to nitric oxide supplements

Aside from supplementation, there are several ways to increase nitric oxide levels in your body naturally. These include:

1. Eating foods rich in nitric oxide
2. Taking care of your gut microbiome
3. Exercising regularly

Many foods contain nitric oxide, but leafy green vegetables are the most common source. Some vegetables and other foods that increase nitric oxide levels include:

• Beets
• Spinach
• Bok choy
• Carrots
• Mustard greens
• Carrots
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Eggplant
• Squash
• Garlic
• Pomegranate
• Citrus fruits

Your gut contains good bacteria that help with nitric oxide production. Taking a probiotic supplement to keep your gut microbiome healthy and balanced can aid digestion and also ensure that nitric oxide levels remain high. Some substances can inhibit your ability to produce nitric oxide because they disrupt your digestive system, including antibiotics, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors (like Prevacid, Prilosec, or Nexium). Even mouthwash can inhibit nitric oxide levels because it kills bacteria in your mouth that can lead to nitric oxide production.

Regular exercise stimulates nitric oxide production and can also help protect your body from cardiovascular and immune system issues.