
Share on Pinterest A person may take nitric oxide supplements to improve athletic performance. While there are many potential uses and benefits for nitric oxide supplements, there is not a lot of research to support some of the claims. Many people think that taking nitric oxide supplements will enhance blood flow in the body to improve performance in sports, promote healing, enhance heart health, and provide many other potential benefits. Some medications, such as Viagra harness the nitric oxide pathway to promote blood vessel widening and improve blood flow to the penis to enhance erections. Some scientists believe that nitric oxide in the body relaxes or widens blood vessels. The body converts this into nitric oxide for use in various body functions. Without taking nitric oxide supplements, a person typically consumes about 5 grams (g) of L-arginine per day, according to an article in The Journal of Nutrition. Manufacturers can also make L-citrulline in a laboratory and package it as a pill or powder. L-citrulline is also an amino acid found in meat, nuts, legumes, and watermelon. Manufacturers produce it in a laboratory as a pill, powder, or cream. L-arginine is an amino acid, or a protein building block, naturally found in red meat, dairy products, poultry, and fish.

The two most common nitric oxide supplements are L-arginine and L-citrulline.

Share on Pinterest Nitric oxide supplements may relax or widen blood vessels.
