Best Nitric Oxide Supplements

Buying guide for best nitric oxide supplements

Written by Ola Faleti

Updated December 2021

Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial molecule for blood vessel health. As a vasodilator, nitric oxide relaxes the muscles of blood vessels and allows an increase in blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure. NO has a number of uses: it can relieve erectile dysfunction, decrease muscle soreness, lower blood pressure, and even boost exercise performance.

Before you commit to a nitric oxide supplement, there are some important factors you should consider. Think about the specific need you want nitric oxide to fill. You may also consider the quantity and form (perhaps opt for a powder if you dislike swallowing pills), look for National Sanitation Foundation certification, and factor in price.

If you’re ready to get the most out of your workout sessions, give your sex life a boost, or improve your cardiovascular health, take a look at our shopping guide below. We’ve included some NO supplements that we think stand out from the crowd, too.

No recommended dosing guidelines have been established for nitric oxide. Most of it is derived from L-arginine, and you can take anywhere from 6 to 28 grams of L-arginine per day.

Key considerations

Sources of NO

Nitric oxide is typically derived from food. Your body derives nitric oxide from two primary sources.

• L-arginine: One source is the amino acid L-arginine, which is found in poultry, fish, and red meats, among other foods. L-arginine releases nitric oxide into the bloodstream.

• Nitrates: The other source is dietary nitrates found in foods like beets, radishes, spinach, and lettuce, in addition to beef. Note that these naturally occurring nitrates are different from the nitrates that are added to processed meats, which some studies link to various cancers.

Uses of NO

Those researching NO supplements may be deficient or looking to enhance various aspects of their lives. Nitric oxide naturally decreases with age. Lack of physical activity, smoking cigarettes, maintaining a high-cholesterol, fatty diet with few healthy foods — all these contribute to low NO levels. Symptoms of nitric oxide deficiency include decreased stamina/endurance, high blood pressure, poor memory, and erectile dysfunction or decreased libido.

Nitric oxide not only expands blood vessels, facilitating increased blood flow and lowering blood pressure, but it also lessens the stickiness of blood platelets. Sticky blood platelets can clump together and form blood clots, the root cause of heart attacks and strokes. Those suffering from erectile dysfunction can use nitric oxide, too, as it will support blood flow to the penis.

Form

Nitric oxide supplements, like several supplements on the market, can be purchased in pill or powder form. There are pros and cons to both.

• Pills: Pills can require multiple doses per day, or one dose can be multiple pills. This isn’t ideal for people who dislike swallowing capsules, especially if the pills are large. Pills are more portable than powders, however.

• Powders: Some nitric oxide powders can taste unpleasant, but the nice thing about powder supplements is that they can be mixed with other foods to facilitate easier digestion. Of course, powders aren’t nearly as travel-friendly as pills. Ultimately, your choice comes down to personal preference.

Other ingredients

Nitric oxide supplements always contain other vitamins and nutrients. Nitric oxide itself is derived from L-arginine, so don’t be surprised if you see it listed as the main ingredient on the bottle. Other common vitamins in nitric oxide supplements include vitamin C and vitamin D, both of which have been linked to enhanced nitric oxide production (it doesn’t hurt that they have their own respective health benefits, too); and the amino acid L-citrulline, which also enhances nitric oxide production. In fact, up to 80% of L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine in the body.

NSF Certification

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is a global nonprofit that provides certification for food and food sanitation products. You may also find NSF certification on bottles of vitamins. NSF standards are generally recognized by government agencies. You can also find United States Pharmacopeia (USP) verification on vitamin bottles . This global nonprofit aims to ensure the quality and safety of medicines and foods. Either a USP verification or NSF certification will increase your likelihood of buying a high-quality, safe nitric oxide supplement.

Nitric oxide supplement features

Flavor

Like many types of powdered supplements, NO powders offer an assortment of flavors. The variety depends on the particular manufacturer, but common flavors include chocolate (perhaps a natural fit, since cacao powder is linked to better nitric oxide levels), vanilla, and fruit flavors. Just remember to watch out for added sugar in powder supplements.

Nitric oxide supplement prices

Nitric oxide supplements run the gamut in terms of price, from $7 to $60, depending on the manufacturer, certification, and form.

Inexpensive: As with any supplement, it’s always best to pay for quality. Supplements that cost between $7 and $15 are less likely to have NSF certification or USP verification. More often than not, these are in pill form. Bottles typically contain 60 capsules.

Mid-range: You can find quality nitric oxide supplements in the $15 to $25 range. These include more powders, more items with NSF certification or USP verification, and additional nutrients. Many bottles in this price range contain 90 capsules rather than 60.

Expensive: In the $25 to $40 range, you’ll find more powder supplements. These can be more economical than a 90-capsule bottle than requires that you take several capsules a day. You might encounter smaller manufacturers who pride themselves on all organically sourced, organically certified ingredients. You don’t need to spend above $40 to find a reliable nitric oxide supplement unless you’re looking for a particularly large quantity.

Tips

• Test for a nitric oxide deficiency. The easiest way to find out if you’re nitric oxide deficient is with a saliva test strip. You can easily find them at your doctor’s office.

• Eat lots of vegetables and grains. You can increase your nitric oxide intake by consuming more antioxidants. Antioxidants are especially plentiful in plant-based foods and grains. This also accounts for why several nitric oxide supplements include the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.

• Get regular exercise. Nitric oxide yields more nitric oxide, and exercise is a common way to increase the body’s supply.

• Do not give nitric oxide supplements to children. Nitric oxide’s effects haven’t been extensively tested on youth. Individuals under the age of 18 should avoid nitric oxide supplements.

As with any vitamin, overdose is a risk. Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the bottle. Some symptoms of nitric oxide overdose include headache, fever, dark urine, unusual bleeding, and bruising. If you remain unsure of how much nitric oxide is best for your body, consult a physician.

FAQ

Q. Is it safe for women to take nitric oxide?

A. Yes, women can safely take nitric oxide supplements.

Q. Will nitric oxide help me sleep better?

A. Nitric oxide has been closely linked to various parts of the sleep cycle, such as non-REM sleep and sleep homeostasis. Those suffering from sleep apnea may have lower nitric oxide levels. If you have trouble sleeping, NO is worth a try. Check with your doctor.

Q. Who should avoid taking nitric oxide supplements?

A. If you already have low blood pressure or have a bleeding disorder, you shouldn’t take nitric oxide. As with all supplements, we recommend consulting a physician first.

Q. Do I need to take nitric oxide supplements if I’m already taking L-arginine?

A. Nitric oxide supplements tend to include L-arginine as an active ingredient. If this is the case, there’s no need to take L-arginine separately.