What are NO Supplements? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

What are NO Supplements?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

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UPDATED: Aug 25, 2020

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  • NO is the scientific formula for nitric oxide.
  • NO supplements commonly contain the amino acid L-arginine which helps improve blood flow among other functions.
  • L-arginine can be found naturally in many foods such as meat and fish.

NO is actually nitric oxide.

NO supplements are popular among bodybuilding circles and are produced under many different brand names by supplement manufacturing companies.

While some NO supplements may come in a natural form, others are strictly synthetic and are not as healthy.

NO supplements commonly contain L-arginine which helps produce nitric oxide. These supplements claim to help structure your muscles and add more density to your muscle tissue while also helping to repair your muscles and replenish them accordingly. L-citrulline is another amino acid that these supplements may contain.

Bodybuilders use this type of supplement when they are trying to keep their muscles healthy and bulk up for a big competition.

Some NO supplements may be labeled as a nitric oxide builder.

Others may be combined with a creatine supplement in order to provide the best results for lean muscle mass and muscle building during a workout.

How Does NO Work?

NO is a naturally produced chemical in the human body.

Once muscle contraction occurs during a workout, L-arginine amino acids are broken down. This leads to an increase in nitric oxide thus increasing blood flow throughout the body.

The body is exposed to a greater flow of oxygen as a result of the increased blood flow. This enables the brain and kidneys to work better with the rest of the body.

The NO effects are very short term, therefore a bodybuilder must repeat the consumption steps when looking to see success from NO supplements. While the supplement of NO is taken, it is supposed to enhance muscle building by nourishing the plasma in the bloodstream.

Are There Side Effects of NO?

The side effects of NO are not yet established if the product is taken as recommended and in moderation. Minor side effects with any supplements such as fatigue, nausea, and indigestion may occur if the supplement is not taken with enough water or is used in an excessive amount.

Though no short term side effects have been recorded, long term effects are not established. This means that research is still being done to test this supplement appropriately. NO supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

Are There Natural Sources of NO?

NO works with the L-arginine amino acids in the body in order to replenish the muscles and give more density to the muscular structure overall. Though NO is produced in the body naturally, eating good sources of L-arginine can benefit the entire process altogether.

Natural sources of L-arginine amino acids include chocolate, nuts, meat, and seafood. These food items are recognizable because they are high in protein, which also benefits the amino acid building process as well.

Increasing the amount of protein and healthy foods into a daily diet can really boost the natural supplements that are produced in the human body. Not only will it be beneficial to a person’s health by eating natural foods rather than enhanced supplements, but it will also start good habits in order to stay on track with healthy living.

Is This Supplement FDA Approved?

As of 2015, there are only three FDA approved supplements that are directly related to NO. As with all supplements, NO supplements should be taken in moderation.

If the NO supplement is not taken in moderation, it could lead to an overdose or possible cause a chemical reaction within the body, especially if other supplements are being taken simultaneously.

While this product is used to enhance athletic performance and provide energy for the user, its short term effects are much like other supplements such as creatine and other bodybuilding supplements. Before deciding on a dose that is accurate for a person’s diet, it is important that the user consults a doctor or a health professional to discuss their options.

Keep in mind that supplementation of any kind is not enough for your overall health and fitness needs. Exercise is important. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!

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