1. What is it and where does it come from?
Nitric Oxide is a free form gas produced by the body and is used to communicate with other cells in the body. Enzymes in the body break down the amino acid Arginine to produce this gas.
Nitric Oxide consists of one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The production of Nitric Oxide occurs when the amino acid L-arginine is converted into L-citruline through an enzyme group known as Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS).
2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
Despite the claims of some in the supplement industry, there exists plenty of scientific literature to suggest the effectiveness of Nitric Oxide products.
Since 1996, products containing Nitric Oxide have continued to be touted by those in the medical industry, as well as by athletes looking to add muscle to their frames.
As nitric oxide increases blood flow, it should make it of interest to bodybuilders, as increased blood flow will take more nutrients to muscles helping them to become larger when put under stress.
Nitric oxide also affects the endocrine system. It affects the release of gonadotroptin releasing hormone, as well as the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla.
3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Everyone NEEDS nitric oxide in order to carry out important physiological processes within the body. From the viewpoint of a bodybuilder, using nitric oxide may prove useful in increasing growth as there is an increase in blood flow to certain areas of the body.
Symptoms of deficiency are physical weakness and extreme tiredness.
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Just like any other amino acid containing product, overdosing is possible. Taking too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. There are no real guidelines as to how much can be taken, so it is best to carry out “tolerance mapping.” Using small doses for a week and noting the benefits and the side effects, then increasing the dose until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized.
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