Guide to Nitric Oxide Supplements

In the world of fitness, nitric oxide supplements has been attracting the attention of athletes for that extra edge to optimize their gains. One such supplement that has gained significant attention is nitric oxide (NO). But muscle size is not the only benefit from taking nitric oxide boosters. And to clarify, this is not “Nirtous Oxide”, that’s for race cars only. Nitric Oxide in the body helps get nutrients and blood to the muscle faster to boost performance and recovery.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of nitric oxide and review three popular products:

Onnit’s Total Nitric Oxide
Jacked Factory’s N.O. XT
Transparent Labs’ Nitric Oxide (advanced pump amplifier)

These supplements don’t contain nitric oxide itself – they contain ingredients used in the body to increase the production of nitric oxide.

Disclosure: When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This in no way affects our editorial independence. See our advertiser disclosure.

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas molecule that is naturally produced in the body by cells along blood vessels, called endothelial cells. NO is a signaling molecule that plays a critical role in many physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow, and the immune system. This increased blood flow may contribute to improved physical performance, reduced fatigue, and faster post-workout recovery. Bodybuilders gravitate towards this supplement to get a bigger and lasting pump from lifting sessions. Nitric oxide supplements are taken in the form of stir-in powder or capsules.

Physical Benefits:

1. Increased Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery:
   When you take nitric oxide supplements, they help support vasodilation to expand your blood vessels. This expansion allows more oxygen and vital nutrients, such as amino acids and glucose, to pass through and reach your working muscles. As a result, you may experience enhanced endurance, reduced fatigue, and improved physical performance.
2. Muscle Pump and Vascularity:
   Nitric oxide is often associated with the “pump” felt during weight lifting workouts. By increasing blood flow to the muscles, NO supplements contribute to a fuller, more pronounced muscle pump. This gives you an defined aesthetic look for individuals with low body fat.
3. Speedy Recovery:
   Intense workouts can leave your muscles fatigued and sore. Nitric oxide may aid in post-workout recovery by facilitating nutrient delivery, removing waste products, and reducing inflammation. This can lead to faster recovery times, allowing you to train harder and more frequently. In other words, the improved blood flow helps other supplements reach your muscles faster and help with recovery.

Are Nitric Oxide Supplements Safe?

Yes, in general when taken by the recommended amounts (National Library of Medicine).

However, there the can be some side effects, so always consult a doctor if you have concerns.

• Stomach pain and diarrhea: caused from L-arginine doses above 10g.
• Dark red urine or stools: a harmless effect caused by consuming beetroot juice.
• Someone with low blood pressure should not take nitric oxide supplements because it has potential to lower blood pressure further.
• Doctors recommend avoiding nitric oxide supplements before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Top 3 Nitric Oxide Reviews

We researched and tested 3 popular N.O. supplements for 30 days through workouts of weight lifting, cardio, and recovery days – rotating supplements every 5 days. Here is what we found:

Disclosure: These companies provided free sample products free of charge, but
in no way does that influence our review of the quality of each product.

30 Day Test Results

Looking back on 30 days of testing these three supplements –

Onnit – This is great for people that workout consistently but don’t need a huge supplement stack.

It was definitely the most enjoyable to ingest because it could be mixed in water to drink and taken at various times throughout the day. No need to chug all at once before a workout. The flavor was pretty good too and it did feel like there was an effect during and after workouts. The effect was most noticeable after 5 consistent days than on the first day.

Transparent Labs – This product is probably better suited for serious athletes who can tolerate taking multiple supplements daily.

Has the most effect but it was a chore to swallow 4 capsules each time. That comes down to personal preference. At the end of the day it was definitely helpful to performance in the gym and pumps lingered a bit longer than normal. It is meant to be a quick intake of high dose pills without the flavor, and stacked with other supplements.

Jacked Factory – For beginners or people with low tolerance to supplements.

Compared to the other products tested the results from this was average, not bad. The effects came after more consistently taking it, but showed little to talk about. Because of the low price point it is a good entry product but an experienced fitness individual may be left hoping for more.

Should You Try Nitric Oxide Supplements?

Nitric oxide supplements can definitely help, but it is not a magic pill. While Onnit, Jacked Factory, and Transparent Labs all provide excellent options, it’s best to consider your individual goals, preferences, and budget. To get the best results, it is best if you can be consistent with taking the supplements with each workout session.

We recommend Onnit’s Total Nitric Oxide because of the overall convenience, flavor, and favorable effects.

If you’re serious about diet and maximizing nutrient intake, Nitric Oxide can be stacked, or taken alongside other supplements like whey protein, creatine, and BCAA’s. You should carefully review each nutrition label to avoid unintentionally overlapping ingredients.