Nitrous Oxide

Bio-Activity Analysis
Nitric Oxide Bioavailability by Source
SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION
Health Benefits & Sources
Why You Need It
- Boosts Exercise Performance: By increasing blood flow to muscles, it delivers the oxygen they need to work harder and longer.
- Supports Healthy Blood Pressure: It relaxes the tension in your blood vessels, helping to keep pressure within a normal range.
- Enhances Brain Function: Increased blood flow to the brain supports cognitive function, memory, and focus.
- Improves Erectile Function: Just as it relaxes blood vessels elsewhere, it allows blood flow into the penis, which is essential for male sexual health.
Deep Dive
Nitric Oxide is a signaling molecule. It doesn't store energy like carbohydrates; instead, it unlocks the doors for energy to get where it's needed. It is synthesized in your body from the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. While L-arginine was the focus for years, research shows that L-citrulline is actually more effective at raising NO levels in the body because it bypasses the liver and is converted into L-arginine directly in the kidneys. This is why many high-quality NO supplements now focus on L-citrulline.
Natural Food Sources
Food First! You can significantly boost your NO levels by eating specific foods rich in nitrates. Your mouth and body convert these nitrates into Nitric Oxide.
| Food | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot (Raw) | 1 cup (100g) | ~150% of Daily Nitrate |
| Arugula | 1 cup (20g) | ~100% of Daily Nitrate |
| Spinach | 1 cup (30g) | ~80% of Daily Nitrate |
| Celery | 1 cup (100g) | ~60% of Daily Nitrate |
| Rhubarb | 1 cup (120g) | ~50% of Daily Nitrate |
Supplementation
If you are looking for a performance boost, you might consider supplements containing L-Citrulline or Beetroot Extract.
- Typical Dosage: 3,000mg to 6,000mg of L-Citrulline per day (taken 30-60 mins before exercise).
- Who should take it: Athletes, bodybuilders, or individuals looking for vascular support.
- Who should skip it: If you take medication for blood pressure or erectile dysfunction, consult a doctor first.
Top Food Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety & Side Effects
Safety & Side Effects
Nitric Oxide boosters are generally very safe when derived from food. However, supplements can interact with medications.
Potential Side Effects:
- Gastrointestinal upset (high doses of L-Arginine).
- Low blood pressure (hypotension) if you are already on BP medication.
CRITICAL INTERACTION WARNING: Do NOT combine Nitric Oxide supplements (L-Citrulline/L-Arginine) with nitrates (like Nitroglycerin) or PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra/Sildenafil). This can cause a dangerous, life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Scientific References
- [1]Bescós, R., et al. (2009). 'The effect of nitric-oxide-related supplements on human performance.' *Sports Medicine*.
- [2]Jones, A. M., et al. (2018). 'Dietary nitrate and physical performance.' *Journal of Applied Physiology*.
- [3]Perez, X. A., et al. 'L-Citrulline: A promising supplement for cardiovascular health.' *Nutrients*.