NITRIC OXIDE (NO) BOOSTERS

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NO: Erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart disease, poor blood circulation, dementia and Alzheimer’s, etc.

– Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC), have also been suggested to increase levels of NO, although the physiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Some suggest Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine is the only scientifically proved substance to increase Nitric Oxide (see attached article). GPLC consists of a molecular bonded form of propionyl-L-carnitine and one of the carnitine precursor amino acids, glycine. Two recent studies have demonstrated an increase in blood levels of NO with oral GPLC intake, at a daily dosage of 4.5 g (Bloomer et al., 2007; in press). These findings agree with other recent work using PLC exclusively (Lofreddo et al., 2007) which demonstrated an increase in blood NO in response to 6 g per day of PLC given via intravenous infusion.

– L-arginine is the main precursor. It is widely recognized that this amino acid is oxidized to NO by the action of the NOS enzymes. “Our findings indicate a strong association between dietary intakes of l-arginine and serum NOx, as endogenous production of NO.” (>)

Arginine is semi-essential amino acid that is a precursor to NO. Increasing dietary intake of arginine from food and supplements increases production of NO. Taking arginine supplements improves blood pressure and blood flow and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease. Scientists at the Scientific Institute of San Raffaele in Milan, Italy, evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on non-diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease. According to this research published in Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, it was determined that arginine supplements increase NO production, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular function.

Arginine is the essential amino acids that increases blood flow and produces nitric oxide in the body. So consumption of Arginine in a dosage of 3-6 grams can increase nitric oxide levels, however, as stated above Arginine taken as a supplement doesn’t have great absorption rate in the body so Citrulline is usually a better option.

– Agmatine is a metabolic of Arginine and is often used in supplements as a Nitric Oxide booster but it has little studies behind it to show that it actually does so. Though it is related to arginine, the main component to increasing Nitric Oxide, it doesn’t necessarily correlate in Nitric Oxide response in supplement form. It does however show signs of cognitive benefits and neurological pain relief.

– L-citronellic (use malate in supplement) (naturally found in water melon) has been indicated to be a secondary NO donor in the NOS-dependent pathway, since it can be converted to L-arginine. Citrulline is an amino acid produced by the body as a by-product of synthesizing another amino acid, arginine. This is made possible by nitric oxide synthases, or NOS, a class of enzymes that synthesize NO from L-arginine, a form of arginine. The relationship between citrulline and NO impact the body in a variety of ways, including male sexual function.

– L-Citrulline-Malate (2:1) is the key to any good pump as the Citrulline is highly absorbent and turns to Arginine which turns to Nitro Oxide (i.e. blood flow). It is actually better at increasing arginine levels than arginine itself as it converts to arginine in the kidneys when supplemented. 6-8 grams is a nice dosage for optimum pump and it is important for Citrulline Malate to be in a 2:1 ratio for the best uptake.

– Citrulline mixed with Glutathione (“Seteria”) enhanced NO levels better than citrulline alone.

– Nitrate and nitrite are the main substrates to produce NO via the NOS-independent pathway. These anions can be reduced in vivo to NO and other bioactive nitrogen oxides. Beetroot is high in nitrates and therefore increases NO.

– Pycnogenol (pine bark extract): An extract of French maritime pine tree bark, it contains the natural antioxidants anthocyanin, which improves results when taking L-arginine. Pycnogenol has recently been isolated as an anti-hypertension aid. Containing bioflavonoids, including catechin and taxifolin, pycnogenol is easily one of the best ways to increase NO. These bioflavonoids cause the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells, resulting in relaxed, wide blood vessels. Not only is Pycnogenol an anti-hypertensive, but it is also used as a sports supplement. According to a Japanese study, participants who used pycnogenol prior to aerobic exercise had better blood flow than those who took the placebo.

– Beet Root naturally high in nitrates that are converted in human body to nitric oxide.

– Pomegranate. Increases testosterone, enhances biological action of NO and protects it against oxidative damage.

– Moringa. Study results suggest moringa may increase NO.

– Molybdenum (50-100 mcg a day) maintains normal levels of NO. Like zinc, molybdenum in supplements requires small amount of copper as in people with copper deficiency it may possibly lead to side effects.

– Vitamin D3 regulates NO. It works on NO in a similar way as molybdenum

– L-Theanine promotes normal levels of NO.

– Resveratrol increases NO.

– L-carnitine L-tartrate increases NO.

– AAKG is a NO booster. It consists of 2 arginine molecules bonded to Alpha_Ketoglurate molecule in 2:1 ratio.

– Vitamin B12 (increased NO levels lead to B12 deficiency). High levels of NO cause neurological disorders in people deficient in B12!

– Yohimbine has shown in multiple studies it is good for fat loss and in a couple of studies it is seen increasing blood flow for problems like erectile dysfunction, it is not necessarily effectively for nitric oxide production looked for in working out. In many people Yohimbine will increase anxiety levels and it is often dosed way to high in fat loss and pre-workout supplements. Typical dosage should be 10-20 mg for a person 150-200 lbs in weight.

– Niacin is simply Vitamin B3 and many “N.O” supplements use it as the main ingredient even though research shows no correlation between B3 and increased blood flow or Nitric Oxide. Many people have a flush reaction to high levels of B3 and interpret this as increase in Nitric Oxide when this is not the case. So if you see a pre-workout or N.O. booster with the main ingredient as Niacin or B3, you might want to look elsewhere.

– Black ginger promotes normal levels of NO.