Every year, several new supplements are being introduced to the market. The majority of these actually do not last very long because of their obvious ineffectiveness in helping people gain more quality muscle. Bodybuilders are looking for new and natural ways to spur their body to newfound growth without the risk of adverse side effects. Nitric oxide has done just that.

Nitric oxide or NO is a free form gas that is naturally produced in the body which functions to improve communication among cells. The molecular composition of the gas is one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The amino acid Arginine is broken down by enzymes inside the body. This process produces nitric oxide. The enzyme group is known as NOS or Nitric Oxide Synthase converting L-arginine into L-citruline. Nitric oxide has several other useful functions in the body such as regulating blood circulation, controlling and managing brain activities as well as functions of the liver, lungs, stomach, kidneys and other vital organs.

Bodybuilders have become quite interested in nitric oxide because of its blood circulation enhancing effects. Since athletes and gym enthusiasts aim to provide as much nutrients to their muscles for growth and strength as possible, nitric oxide has proven to be a great supplement especially when taken together with muscle-enhancing products like protein supplements and creatine.

More nutrients will be delivered via blood flow and absorbed by the muscles in effect making them larger and more conditioned against stress. Nitric oxide also has anti-inflammatory actions that help bodybuilders tolerate pain associated with muscle stress. This means that they can workout longer and recover faster. Hormonal actions are also affected such as regulating the release of gonadotroptin-releasing hormones and adrenaline.

A lot of health experts and bodybuilders suggest that you take nitric oxide 30 to 45 minutes before hitting the gym. This will help cause vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels to flush nutrients into your muscles. The effect would be increased endurance and tolerance to heavy weights, fuller pumps and faster recoveries. Some also find that supplementing via a post-workout drink will maximize the benefits provided by nitric oxide. You may consume 25 to 50 grams of protein, 5 to 10 grams of creatine or dextrose and 6 to 12 grams of arginine. On non-training days, bodybuilders also try to maintain maximum nutrient absorption in their muscles to aid recovery and tissue repair and growth by consuming more nitric oxide.

Take note that exercise boosts the effect of nitric oxide output. Whatever muscle you're working becomes more flushed as it fills up with blood thereby causing nutrients to flow in and be absorbed. Exercise increases ROS or reactive oxygen species and PNS or peroxynitrite species production that can inhibit protein synthesis and impair insulin effectiveness. Ingestion of anti-oxidants will help support nitric oxide and prevent its degradation such as vitamin E and C, selenium, grape seed polyphenols and lipoic acid. Folic acid is also good in supporting the conversion process of transforming arginine into nitric oxide.