The best nitric oxide-based dietary supplements

Nitric oxide, also known as NO, is a colourless gas almost as dense as air, which, as well as occurring naturally, is also produced by our bodies; and, in this case, if present in sufficient quantities, it plays a vital role in our body’s wellbeing as it has a powerful vasodilatory effect.

Vasodilation is an increase in the volume of blood vessels due to the relaxation of their smooth muscle, particularly in arteries, arterioles and large-calibre veins. At an organic level, this increases the volume of veins and arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure.

In the context of sport, however, its benefits are numerous and highly unique. Indeed, during physical activity, vasodilation helps to improve muscle growth, as it delivers nutrients more quickly to the area being worked during training. Furthermore, this helps to boost performance levels and reduce fatigue.

Nitric oxide is produced solely by our bodies and is not found in food. Its precursors are available in certain foods; however, these are insufficient to meet our needs, which gradually increase with age due to a decline in production.

In this regard, it becomes necessary to take dietary supplements to stimulate nitric oxide production. In this article, you’ll find the best nitric oxide-based dietary supplements available on the market!

Why is nitric oxide important?

Nitric oxide is a gas produced by our bodies through the conversion of arginine into citrulline, or obtained from nitrites. This gas helps regulate blood flow through its vasodilatory action and also supports numerous other functions essential for the proper functioning of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, muscles and other organs. Its action also includes regulating the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, such asadrenaline.

The vasodilatory effect of nitric oxide is extremely beneficial for people who engage in physical activity, as it increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles, thereby helping to improve the duration and quality of workouts. But how is this possible?

During exercise, the muscles’ demand for blood increases so that the muscle fibres can function properly, but as physical activity continues, the muscles deplete their oxygen reserves. This means that, in the absence of oxygen, the body begins to produce lactic acid, which is the main cause of muscle fatigue.

This is where the vasodilatory action of nitric oxide comes into play, reducing the amount of lactic acid during training and thereby extending the duration of the session. Furthermore, it helps to speed up the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, thereby improving sporting performance.

How can nitric oxide production be increased?

As we have already mentioned, nitric oxide is produced naturally by the body, but as we age, our bodies are no longer able to produce sufficient amounts. This is why it is beneficial to include foods rich in nitrates in your diet; nitrates are an active compound that stimulates nitric oxide production and are abundant in plant-based foods. Alternatively, foods rich in arginine – a precursor to nitric oxide – which is mainly found in protein-rich foods.

However, diet alone is not enough to meet our body’s needs. It is therefore advisable to take nitric oxide-based dietary supplements, composed of specific ingredients that help support and enhance the production of this gas, thereby providing enormous benefits.

Taking this gas in the form of nitric oxide-based dietary supplements or, better still, supplements based on its precursors, arginine and citrulline, helpsto increase muscle growth,improve blood flow to the tissues and reduce recovery time after physical exertion.

In fact, there are other compounds that promote the stimulation and production of nitric oxide; here are a few of them:

• Taurine, which aids the enzymatic synthesis of nitric oxide;
• Agmatine, a metabolic by-product of arginine, which acts as a ‘pump’ to prevent arginine itself from losing its ability to stimulate nitric oxide production.
• Caffeine, although indirectly, can increase the release of nitric oxide, as several studies have shown that it is involved in the endogenous production of this gas.

The best nitric oxide-based dietary supplements

Are you looking for a dietary supplement that can boost nitric oxide production so you can enjoy a range of unique benefits, but aren’t sure which one to choose?

Don’t worry – it’s normal not to have a completely clear idea yet about which nitric oxide-based dietary supplement to buy. That’s why, in this article, we’ve decided to help you find the one that suits you best by analysing in detail the nitric oxide-boosting dietary supplements available on the market!

Kyowa Quality® Pure Arginine

Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide; it helps support its production so that its powerful vasodilatory action can be harnessed to increase blood pressure and improve both muscle growth and energy levels during training.

It is precisely because of this effect that the research and development team has developed an arginine-based supplement capable of boosting nitric oxide production. ARGI Pure by Tsunami Nutrition, certified Kyowa Quality®, is an arginine hydrochloride-based supplement that promotes nitric oxide production, increases muscle pump and stimulates vasodilation, a fundamental condition for transferring greater quantities of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream to muscle cells.

The Kyowa Quality® certification indicates that the arginine’s efficacy and reliability are unique, owing to the production processes it has undergone. Furthermore, the certification confirms that the supplement is certified vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.

The arginine-based dietary supplement manufactured by Tsunami Nutrition plays a very important role in improving training intensity and workload, stimulates muscle mass growth, promotes an increase in muscle cell volume and enhances sporting performance, particularly in terms of energy levels.

HYDRA+ Performance

When you’re facing intense and, above all, prolonged training sessions – particularly whilst following low-calorie diets or during seasonal changes when you lose a lot of fluid – supporting your body during physical activity can prove to be a key factor in achieving your goal.

It is precisely for this reason that the team at TN Naturals has created Hydra+ Performance, an exclusive formula comprising a blend of carbohydrates and minerals designed to improve energy efficiency. In addition to electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, which are essential for optimal hydration, two fantastic patented ingredients have been added: GlyceroMax® and WATTS’UP®.

The WATTS'UP® patented ingredient, based on a very high-quality natural extract of Citrus sinensis, notably enhances physical performance during training, as it naturally stimulates the production of nitric oxide. This means that, thanks to the powerful vasodilation it provides, athletes will benefit from a significant increase in their energy, strength and power!

Furthermore, Hydra+ Performance is certified vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free, meaning it is suitable for everyone, even those with intolerances or following a vegan diet.

Pure AKG

As we have seen, arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that helps stimulate nitric oxide, as it is a precursor to it. However, there are different types of arginine, including arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, which the Tsunami Nutrition research team chose to use to create AKG Pure.

AKG Pure is a dietary supplement in capsule form based on arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, capable of delivering greater effects on both energy production and the enhancement of muscle pump thanks to improved metabolic utilisation of the amino acid, resulting in larger, more resilient muscles to train at your absolute best.

The formula of this arginine-based supplement makes for an excellent pre-workout supplement to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before physical activity in order to make the most of its ability to stimulate nitric oxide production.

AKG Pure is suitable for both those following a vegan diet and those with food intolerances, as its formulation is certified vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.

Pure Citrulline Malate

Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that is extremely beneficial when it comes to nitric oxide, as it is better absorbed by the body, enabling it to have a unique and unrivalled effect on the production of this gas.

This is why the team at Tsunami Nutrition has created Pure Citrulline Malate, a micronised powder supplement based on citrulline combined with malic acid, which increases its bioavailability and its effect on nitric oxide production.

This supplement, which acts on blood arginine levels, is an effective precursor to nitric oxide; it promotes this mechanism by stimulating the delivery of nutrients to the muscles, leading to improved energy synthesis and protein synthesis.

Citrulline combined with malic acid will increase arginine levels in the blood, as citrulline is converted into arginine by the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the possible side effects of nitric oxide-based dietary supplements?

Taking nitric oxide-based dietary supplements may cause certain side effects, such as:

• a reduction in dopamine levels
• zinc deficiency
• nausea and stomach cramps
• fluctuations in blood pressure
• changes in blood sugar levels
• an increased urge to urinate

What are the recommended doses for nitric oxide-based dietary supplements?

The daily dose of nitric oxide-based dietary supplements varies from one product to another. It is therefore important to read the instructions for use on the product packaging carefully. However, with regard to the dietary supplements we have recommended in this article, we can provide the instructions to follow to benefit from the effects of nitric oxide:

• Tsunami Nutrition ARGI Pure Kyowa Quality®: take 3 tablets a day with water or another drink of your choice 20 to 30 minutes before physical activity; or in the evening before bed, on an empty stomach, or in the morning with breakfast.
• TN Naturals Hydra+ Performance: Dissolve 30 grams(2 tablespoons) in 500 ml of water.
• Tsunami Nutrition AKG Pure: Take 3 tablets a day 20 to 30 minutes before physical activity.
• Tsunami Nutrition Pure Citrulline Malate: Take 3 tablets a day, before physical activity.

When is it advisable to take nitric oxide-based dietary supplements?

Nitric oxide-based dietary supplements are taken before a workout to ensure maximum intensity during the session and to make the most of all the macro- and micronutrients that promote lean muscle growth.

However, these supplements can also be taken after training, as the increased supply of nutrients to the muscles enables more effective and faster recovery.