Do Nitric Oxide Supplements Really Work?

Although more research is needed, nitric oxide supplements have been shown to boost nitric oxide levels in the body leading to various health benefits.

Research on nitric oxide supplements is mostly conflicting. A few studies support the benefits of it in heart health, vascular diseases, and elevated lipid levels.

However, not all nitric oxide supplements and boosters contain nitric oxide. They instead contain ingredients that encourage your body to produce more nitric oxide on its own safely and naturally.

• The literature on nitric oxide precursor supplements is new and growing; therefore, it's difficult to regard findings as anything more than preliminary.
• Although the results of the studies are not unanimous, it appears that nitric oxide precursor supplements have the potential to improve muscular endurance.
  • Currently, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether these theoretical mechanisms will work in the long run.
• Regardless of research, dietary supplements marketed to increase nitric oxide production are prevalent in the supplement industry.
• As with many dietary supplements, there is virtually no scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of these products.
  • Although, some of the main ingredients in them measurably increase nitric oxide.
• However, a careful examination of original investigations reveals that dosing suggested by the product's manufacturer is frequently far less than that used in the original investigation.
  • More importantly, the administration route is frequently different.
• Some of the original studies used animals (typically rodents) as test subjects rather than humans or involved in vitro experiments (outside of a living organism).
  • Such studies cannot always be used to make generalizations to humans. 
  • Collectively, no nutritional supplements marketed to increase nitric oxide increase blood levels of nitric oxide in a controlled laboratory study involving human subjects.

However, some supplements increase nitric oxide levels in the body.

Beet supplements

• Beets are effective nitric oxide boosters that are now available as supplements in the form of juice, powder, or capsules.
• Although research is in its early stages, dietary nitrate supplementation appears to be a promising new approach for improving overall human performance.

L-arginine supplements

• Some people choose to take L-arginine supplements to boost their nitric oxide levels. 
• Angina, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction (ED) are some of the conditions in which L-arginine supplements may be beneficial, according to research.

L-citrulline supplements

• L-citrulline is another option for nitric oxide supplements for ED.
• In a few studies, L-citrulline was found to be more effective than L-arginine at lowering blood pressure and improving exercise performance.