NITRIC OXIDE FAQ

WHAT IS NITRIC OXIDE?

Nitric oxide is a small molecule consisting of nitrogen and oxygen. Produced with the endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels, nitric oxide is synthesized in the body from arginine (an amino acid) and a family of enzymes called nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Basically, when arginine and an NOS enzyme come in contact with each other, the reaction produces nitric oxide.  What's important to note is that a byproduct of nitric oxide production is citrulline (another amino acid), which can be converted into arginine through a two step process.

WHAT DOES NITRIC OXIDE DO?

Nitric oxide has many functions in the body; the most important to athletes is its role as an intracellular messenger. Once produced, nitric oxide freely diffuses into the smooth muscle tissue of the blood vessel. This signals the smooth muscle within the blood vessel to relax and widen, a process called vasodilation, which increases blood flow and ultimately helps create a muscle pump.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INCREASED NITRIC OXIDE LEVELS?

As mentioned, nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, which results in a surge of blood flow to the working muscles and a great pump. By increasing blood flow, you increase the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the exercising muscles, which helps enhance and promote muscle growth and strength levels. Additionally, increased nitric oxide production can increase waste removal from working muscles and improve stamina, endurance and recovery!