WHAT SUPP with Nitric Oxide Boosters?
1. Arginine:
- Role in NO Production: Arginine is an amino acid precursor to nitric oxide synthesis. It serves as a substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which converts arginine into nitric oxide (NO) and citrulline.
- Bioavailability: While arginine is commonly used in NO booster supplements, its bioavailability can be limited due to rapid metabolism and low absorption rates. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when supplementing with arginine.
- Suggestions: To enhance arginine's bioavailability, consider using forms such as L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) or citrulline, which have been shown to be more effective at increasing plasma arginine levels.
2. Arginine AKG (Alpha-Ketoglutarate):
- Role in NO Production: Arginine AKG is a combination of arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate, a precursor to the citric acid cycle. It provides a sustained release of arginine, supporting prolonged NO production.
- Bioavailability: Arginine AKG is more bioavailable than free-form arginine due to its improved absorption and metabolic stability.
- Suggestions: Consider using arginine AKG as part of a pre-workout supplement or NO booster formula to support sustained NO production during exercise.
3. Agmatine Sulfate:
- Role in NO Production: Agmatine sulfate is a metabolite of arginine and a competitive inhibitor of arginase, the enzyme that breaks down arginine. By inhibiting arginase activity, agmatine sulfate can increase arginine levels and enhance NO production.
- Bioavailability: Agmatine sulfate is well-absorbed and crosses the blood-brain barrier, exerting various neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects in addition to its role in NO production.
- Suggestions: Consider incorporating agmatine sulfate into your pre-workout stack to enhance NO production, improve exercise performance, and support cognitive function.
4. Nitrosogine:
- Role in NO Production: Nitrosogine is a patented complex of arginine and silicon that has been shown to increase NO levels more effectively than arginine alone. It promotes vasodilation, improves blood flow, and enhances exercise performance.
- Bioavailability: Nitrosogine exhibits enhanced bioavailability compared to free-form arginine, resulting in sustained increases in plasma arginine and NO levels.
- Suggestions: Look for supplements containing Nitrosogine as a key ingredient to support NO production, enhance muscle pump, and improve workout performance.
5. L-Citrulline:
- Role in NO Production: L-citrulline is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to arginine synthesis in the body. Unlike arginine, citrulline bypasses liver metabolism, leading to higher systemic arginine levels and enhanced NO production.
- Bioavailability: L-citrulline exhibits superior bioavailability compared to arginine, making it a more effective NO booster. It is well-tolerated and does not cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Suggestions: Consider supplementing with L-citrulline or citrulline malate to support NO production, improve exercise performance, and reduce fatigue during workouts.
6. Beetroot:
- Role in NO Production: Beetroot contains high levels of dietary nitrates, which can be converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide derived from dietary nitrates promotes vasodilation, enhances blood flow, and improves exercise performance.
- Bioavailability: Beetroot juice and beetroot extract are both effective sources of dietary nitrates, with beetroot juice being more readily available and convenient for supplementation.
- Suggestions: Consider consuming beetroot juice or beetroot extract as part of your pre-workout regimen to boost NO production, enhance vasodilation, and support cardiovascular health.