Best Nitric Oxide Supplements & Sources

You’re training hard and eating clean while giving your body the rest it needs to get bigger and stronger than ever before. And yet, something is missing. You feel that you could do more to achieve your goals and reach peak performance. 

One way to take your progress up a notch is to use nitric oxide and other more advanced sports supplements. 

Nitric oxide (NO) works by increasing blood flow to the muscles while reducing inflammation. More blood flow equals increased oxygen and nutrient delivery to your tissues, which in turn may increase endurance and facilitate hypertrophy. 

Note that nitric oxide isn’t the same as nitrous oxide, the so-called laughing gas used for sedation and pain relief. It’s actually a naturally occurring molecule that promotes vasodilation and supports heart health. 

Bodybuilders take nitric oxide supplements to recover faster from training and delay fatigue. This compound also has beneficial effects on endocrine function, influencing the activity of several hormones. At the same time, it allows you to get bigger pumps. 

Contrary to popular belief, these products don’t contain nitric oxide. Instead, they are formulated with arginine, citrulline malate, and other compounds that boost NO production. L-arginine, for example, is converted to nitric oxide in your body. 

The same goes for beets, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and leafy greens. When consumed regularly, these foods may increase the production of nitric oxide and enhance sports performance. 

All in all, there are many ways to maintain optimal NO levels in the body — and that’s what we’re going to discuss today. 

Let’s take a closer look at the best nitric oxide supplements and food sources, how to incorporate them into your diet, and why it matters! 

What Is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator molecule that occurs naturally in the human body. Medically, it’s used in gas form to prevent and treat pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other illnesses, according to the journal Circulation. 

Clinical evidence supports its ability to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. This compound dilates blood vessels and relaxes vascular smooth muscles, decreasing blood pressure. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, modulates the immune system, and supports digestive health. 

Furthermore, nitric oxide plays a key role in mental health. First of all, it increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Second, it acts as a neurotransmitter. 

Individuals with low NO levels in the body are at greater risk for diabetes, inflammation, vascular disorders, and endothelial dysfunction. They’re also more vulnerable to oxidative stress, notes a research paper featured in Cardiology. 

The same source states that nitric oxide is an important predictor of metabolic and vascular health. Plus, it supports the proper functioning of the endothelial, nervous, and immune systems. 

Key Benefits of Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide acts primarily as a vasodilator. Every cell and tissue in the body needs this compound to function properly. Both lack and excess of nitric oxide can affect human health. 

This molecule causes the blood vessels to relax, improving circulation. It benefits your heart, lungs, and physical performance while protecting against disease. 

The journal Cardiology reports that NO modulates cell growth, muscle metabolism, and immune function, as well as glucose and lipid homeostasis. 

When produced in adequate amounts, it may improve insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammation. Moreover, it increases nutrient and insulin delivery to your muscles and other tissues. 

NO also exhibits antioxidant effects. As the researchers note, this compound inhibits superoxide production and improves antioxidant status. Other key benefits of nitric oxide include:

• Increases fatty acid oxidation and adipocyte lipolysis
• Stimulates adiponectin synthesis
• Boosts glucose oxidation
• Decreases blood pressure
• Modulates vascular tone
• Reduces vascular stiffness
• Suppresses platelet activation and aggregation
• Reduces endothelial cell death 
• Inhibits the activation of pro-inflammatory cells

According to the University of California, Berkeley, nitric oxide may protect against erectile dysfunction (ED). Men who have this condition due to low NO levels are at greater risk for heart disease. 

Researchers also note that low nitric oxide levels may affect blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive problems. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired immune function are all common side effects of decreased NO production. 

This molecule plays a vital role in reproductive health, fluid balance, and synaptic plasticity. On top of that, it regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It also supports the proper functioning of the urogenital and digestive tracts.

But how does NO affect athletic performance? Most importantly, is it safe when used in supplement form? Let’s find out! 

Role of Nitric Oxide in Sports Nutrition

Now that you know more about nitric oxide, it’s easy to understand its role in sports nutrition. 

This organic compound boosts nutrient and oxygen delivery to your muscles, accelerates fat burning, and supports metabolic health. Plus, it’s good for your brain, heart, and immune system. 

Nitric oxide has a direct impact on sports performance, states a 2015 review in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. As it turns out, physical exercise boosts nitric oxide production, which in turn, may increase skeletal muscle glucose uptake and growth hormone levels. 

This molecule also stimulates energy production in the mitochondria, according to the above review. As a result, it may delay fatigue and boost endurance. 

Nitric oxide scavenges free radical damage and keeps your immune system strong. Due to its beneficial effects on glucose uptake and oxygen transport, it promotes muscle repair and hypertrophy. Many athletes who take nitric oxide supplements report faster recovery, reduced muscle soreness, and greater energy. 

Note that NO levels decline with age. 

Additionally, certain diseases and health conditions affect nitric oxide production, according to research published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. The same goes for high-sucrose and high-fat foods, as demonstrated in animal studies. 

One way to keep your nitric oxide levels within a healthy range is to make dietary changes. Certain foods and supplements may increase NO production, leading to enhanced performance. 

This brings us to the next point…

Best Nitric Oxide Supplements and Food Sources

L-arginine, l-citrulline, magnesium, and other nutrients exert beneficial effects on NO production, states the review published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 

Citrulline, for example, increases nitric oxide levels via de novo arginine production. Likewise, arginine supplements can boost NO levels and improve blood flow. 

However, beware that not all products are created equal. 

Nitric oxide supplements may contain ingredients that are neither safe nor effective. Choose a quality formula made with beetroot, kale, garlic, l-arginine, and other ingredients with proven benefits. 

Vintage Burst™, our signature NO booster, is designed to keep nitric oxide production elevated for hours. This ensures that your muscles receive the oxygen and nutrients needed to grow and recover from training. The ingredients in our formula scavenge free radicals, boost circulation, and promote cellular integrity. 

What sets Vintage Burst™ apart is the unique combination of nitrate-rich vegetables, l-arginine, maca root extract, caffeine, and antioxidants. Plus, it contains no sugar, artificial flavors, or GMOs. 

Interested to find out more? Here are some of the best nitric oxide sources and supplements to include in your diet:

L-Arginine 

L-arginine supplements and arginine-rich foods can naturally increase nitric oxide production. This essential amino acid is converted into nitric oxide by the vascular endothelial cells. It also stimulates growth hormone and insulin release. 

Turkey breast, pork loin, chicken, pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and yogurt are all excellent sources of l-arginine. 

One serving of turkey breast, for instance, provides 1.2 grams of this amino acid. There are over 850 milligrams of arginine in just one ounce of raw peanuts. Make sure your diet also includes the following:

• Squash seeds
• Watermelon seeds (5.29 grams of arginine per cup!)
• Sesame seeds
• Beef
• Soybeans
• Seaweed
• Spirulina
• Dairy foods 

Note that Vintage Burst™, our nitric oxide booster, delivers 1.5 grams of arginine per serving. Besides its role in NO synthesis, this nutrient supports immune function and wound healing. 

L-Citrulline

Citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, is converted into arginine and nitric oxide in the body. In clinical trials, it improved exercise performance and lowered blood pressure, among other benefits. 

A 2015 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that combining l-citrulline with glutathione is even more effective at increase NO levels than taking citrulline alone. 

Glutathione, also known as the master antioxidant, ensures a sustained release of nitric oxide and protects against oxidative damage. 

The human body produces citrulline on its own, but you can also get this amino acid from watermelon, cucumbers, pumpkins, chickpeas, and other foods. 

L-citrulline supplements can further boost NO production and sports performance — here are two examples: 

• In one study, men who took 8 grams of citrulline malate performed 53% more reps than usual during chest training and reported less soreness at 24 and 48 hours post-workout. 
• In another study, citrulline supplements raised plasma arginine levels, reduced muscle fatigue, and improved cycling performance. 

Vintage Blast™, our best selling pre-workout formula, delivers 5,000 milligrams of citrulline malate per serving, so you might want to check it out! It also provides just the right doses of l-arginine, l-carnitine, beta-alanine, and minerals for explosive energy. 

Did we mention that Vintage Blast™ is the first spicy and sweet pre-workout ever created? That’s one more reason to try it out! 

Citrulline

Nitrates and nitrites are commonly associated with sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats. You might have heard that sodium nitrates may cause cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

That’s true, but sodium nitrates are not the same as plant nitrates. The latter occur naturally in celery, beets, spinach, and other veggies. 

Plant nitrates are converted to nitric oxide and may protect against cancer and heart disease. They’re commonly found in:

• Kale
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Cabbage
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Whole grains
• Strawberries
• Potatoes

These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties and prevent the formation of nitrosamines, a class of chemicals with carcinogenic effects.

Vitamins A, C, E, and B9

Certain vitamins and minerals increase NO production, according to Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 

Vitamins A, C, E, and B9 (folate) are particularly beneficial. These nutrients stimulate the release of nitric oxide in endothelial and neuronal cells, leading to better health. 

Vitamin C, for instance, may benefit athletes due to its role in tissue repair. 

Also known as ascorbic acid, this compound stimulates collagen production and keeps your immune system strong. Moreover, it protects your cells and tissues against oxidative stress. 

Calcium boosts nitric oxide levels, too. Iron, on the other hand, modulates NO production. 

These vitamins and minerals occur naturally in whole foods. After all, there’s a reason why we stress the importance of clean eating. 

To reap the benefits, add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your diet. If you’re concerned about carbs, fill up on leafy greens, berries, avocados, cucumbers, nuts, seeds, and other low-sugar foods.

Boost Your Nitric Oxide Levels Naturally

Nitric oxide plays a vital role in blood circulation, energy metabolism, and post-workout recovery. It also keeps your heart healthy and reduces fatigue. Not to mention that it gives you insane pumps! 

Our advice is to fill up on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. 

These foods are rich in plant nitrates, vitamins, and minerals that support your health while increasing nitric oxide levels. Grilled or baked poultry, fish, and eggs are just as beneficial. 

Nitric oxide supplements can further speed up post-workout recovery and boost your energy levels. Just make sure you choose a high-quality formula with natural ingredients. Double-check the label for sugar, additives, and fillers. 

Vintage Burst™, our nitric oxide booster, has no fillers, GMOs, or synthetic flavorings. On top of that, it keeps your nitric oxide levels elevated for three to six hours, depending on the dosage used. No other supplement has such long-lasting effects. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Try it yourself to see the difference! For best results, use it along with Vintage Blast™, our signature pre-workout. 

Is there anything else you want to share about the benefits of nitric oxide? Perhaps you wish to tell us more about your experience with Vintage Burst™? 

We’d love to hear back from you, so go ahead and leave a comment below!