Nitric Oxide Supplements, What Are They?

By Esme Spence


Nitric oxide supplements are a relatively new addition to the health and wellness industry. Prior to its first big appearance in 1992 when it was named "molecule of the year" by the American scientific community, little was released scientifically about nitric oxide. Although there was extensive research into nitric oxide prior to 1992 (in 1986), that research, which later earned a Nobel Prize for the three scientists involved, was not publicly released until 1998. Nitric oxide, as well as its sister molecule, arginine (also known as l-arginine) which converts to nitric oxide in the body through a process known as nitric oxide synthase, both have exhibited tremendous health benefits to the body. While relatively new in terms of scientific research, both of these molecules show promising results in treatment of cardiovascular issues and issues with other body systems.

What exactly is nitric oxide? Nitric oxide, commonly abbreviated as NO, is a molecule. It is produced naturally by the body until about 40 years of age, after which, its production starts to rapidly decline naturally in the body. NO has been called the "molecule of life" because it appears to be as important to the body as oxygen in some cases. Nitric oxide production, or lack thereof, has proven to be a determining factor in the health of many body systems, including the heart, lungs, and circulation. Nitric oxide supplements have shown promising results as a treatment for cardiovascular disease, shock, cancer, impotence, inflammatory diseases, asthma and even memory loss.

Are there studies that back up all the hype surrounding nitric oxide supplements? Yes. Numerous studies have already been completed for known uses of NO and more intensive research continues to be sought. For instance, a study performed at Baylor University in Texas converted l-arginine found naturally in the body into NO using supplements in gym rats. Thirty-five resistance trained males were matched for fat-free mass and assigned one of two groups, one taking a placebo and one taking NO. This double blind study lasted for eight weeks, with either a placebo or supplement being taken three times a day. There were no significant changes in body mass or composition for any of the males; however, those taking the supplement could lift more and could also complete more repetitions then those subjects who ingested only the placebo.

Nitric oxide supplements have also shown promising results for everyday medical use. While all the benefits of NO are not known at this time, further studies of NO could completely change treatment for patients with heart problems. Hypertension is most commonly treated with prescription medications, changes to diet, exercise and stress management; however, an estimated 26% of patients with hypertension still do not have their blood pressure under control. Since NO has proven to be a powerful vasodilator, causing the smooth muscle within the heart to relax, normal blood pressure levels can sometimes be achieved by simply increasing NO levels within the body.

While there are many studies that show promising results for the use of nitric oxide in the body, the research into this molecule is still relatively young. Because studies have only focused on this molecule for about a fourth of a century, there is still much to be learned about what it can effectively do and how to best utilize its properties. Also, because it is relatively new, the results showing negative effects of too much nitric oxide within the body, if any, are premature at best.

L-arginine supplements, also known as nitric oxide supplements, increase nitric oxide production in the body and, in turn, help to maintain healthy body systems.




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