Nitric Oxide Supplements are widely consumed because of the apparent health benefits that they provide.
L-arginine and L-citrulline are two popular non-essential amino acids that are used in such supplements. Both these lead to an increase in the production of nitric oxide in the body.
Nitric oxide is very critical for the health of the blood vessels. It acts as a vasodilator by relaxing the muscles of the vessels. It is also known to promote the release of insulin and growth hormones (1, 2).
Owing to their perceived benefits, many people take nitric oxide supplements to enhance their workout sessions or boost their libido (3, 4, 5).
However, as with all supplements, they work best with a combination of the right diet and exercise.
Let us take a look at some of the top nitric oxide supplements in the market, and review their advantages, dosages, and side effects.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Pre-Workout Nitric Oxide Supplement: Crazy Bulk NO2 Max
2. Best Gluten-Free Nitric Oxide Supplement: BulkSupplements AAKG
3. Best Nitric Oxide Supplement for Virility: VigRX Nitric Oxide Support
4. Best Nitric Oxide Pills: Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000
5. Best Nitric Oxide Powder: Old School Vintage Blast Pre-Workout
6. Best Nitric Oxide Supplement With Beetroot: Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Nitric Oxide Booster
1. Best Pre-Workout Nitric Oxide Supplement: Crazy Bulk NO2 Max
Crazy Bulk NO2 Max is a premium nitric oxide solution available in the pill form, which is vouchsafed by many bodybuilders. Despite being a fairly new entrant in the market of health supplements, Crazy Bulk has sold more than half a million of its supplement bottles, by providing quality and safe alternatives for banned substances and steroids.
About Crazy Bulk NO2 Max
Crazy Bulk NO2 Max is a scientifically-formulated supplement with premium ingredients to enhance blood flow and oxygen circulation by increasing nitric oxide levels. Not only do you get more energy and rapid recovery, but also more stamina while working out.
This entirely safe and legal formula to maximize your performance contains limited ingredients that are absolutely necessary for the body before a workout. Devoid of any flavors, colors, or allergens, this veggie pre-workout supplement is one of the best in the market.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2 tablets) of Crazy Bulk NO2 Max contains:
- L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate – 1800 mg
- Calcium (from dicalcium phosphate) – 80 mg
Each bottle has 60 capsules, which should last you for a month, given that the recommended serving size is two tablets per day, to be taken with water before the workout session.
The product can be shipped free of cost worldwide, and you also get one unit absolutely free on ordering two together.
The Pros:
- Made from natural quality ingredients
- Suitable for vegetarians
- No flavors or colors
- Cost-effective price
Summary: Crazy Bulk NO2 Max is a quality vasodilator which comes with the backing of bodybuilders, whose appreciation for its products can be read on the product’s website. The focus on providing safe and quality supplements has helped Crazy Bulk gain a loyal following in the crowded industry, and with good reason.
2. Best Gluten-Free Nitric Oxide Supplement: BulkSupplements AAKG
Most health-conscious consumers prefer supplements without artificial sweeteners and flavors. Very few manufacturers provide clean, pure, and quality supplements to their customers’ liking, but BulkSupplements is one of the best-known names in this category.
About BulkSupplements AAKG (L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate)
AAKG is a compound of L-Arginine and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate and is known to increase the production of nitric oxide in your body more than L-Arginine alone. BulkSupplement’s AAKG is popular with bodybuilders owing to its claim of increasing muscle mass, improving energy, and boosting performance by increasing nitric oxide levels.
Available in the powder form, the supplement contains only AAKG and is free from added sugar, additives, flavors, gluten, yeast, dairy, and soy.
In addition to being third-party tested and lab-verified, all BulkSupplement products are made in the USA, in an FDA-approved facility following the cGMP guidelines.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2600 mg) of L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate AAKG BulkSupplements contains the following:
- L-Arginine – 1768 mg
- Alpha-Ketoglutarate – 702 mg
The supplement is available in packs of 100 gms, 250 gms, 500 gms, 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg. One 100 gm container of BulkSupplements AAKG includes 38 servings of 2600 mg (or one teaspoon) each.
BulkSupplements recommends taking up to three such servings in a day on an empty stomach for best results.
You can usually avail discount offers on subscribing to the product for recurring deliveries.
The Pros:
- Gluten-free
- Clean and pure formula
- Free of sugar, soy, and other additives
- Made in the USA
Summary: BulkSupplements is one of the most recognized brands in the world of health supplements, and is known for quality products. BulkSupplements AAKG (L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) is a clean, raw, and gluten-free nitric oxide supplement, which helps the body during workout and bodybuilding sessions.
3. Best Nitric Oxide Supplement for Virility: VigRX Nitric Oxide Support
One of the effects of nitric oxide on the human body is that it helps rush the blood to your nether areas, which results in a firm erection. With age and other factors, the body becomes less efficient in performing this function naturally, giving rise to the need for supplements.
About VigRX Nitric Oxide Support
VigRX Nitric Oxide Support is a stimulant-free nitric oxide supplement that uses a unique blend named Volex.
Volex is a trademark of Kyowa Hakko, an international health ingredients manufacturer, which is a clinically studied blend of Kyowa’s L-Citrulline and Kyowa’s L-Arginine.
According to a citation on the VigRX Nitric Oxide website, the blend was tested during research at the Fukada clinic in Japan, which came out with the result that the blend was efficient by 40 percent than either L-Arginine alone, or L-Citrulline alone, in maintaining sexual stamina and erection.
Velox, the main ingredient of the supplement, is a patented, vegetarian, non-GMO blend that is made in the USA.
What it Contains:
Each serving (3 pills) of VigRX Nitric Oxide contains:
- Velox – L-citrulline & L-Arginine – 3 grams
Each bottle of VigRX Nitric Oxide contains 90 tablets or 30 servings of three tablets each. The container’s instruction says it is ideal for taking the dosage with water, on an empty stomach in the morning.
The company also offers a 67-day money-back guarantee if you don’t feel the desired result within this period.
The Pros:
- Uses the patented formula Velox
- Made in the USA
- Non-GMO and Vegetarian formula
- 67-days money-back guarantee
Summary: VigRX Nitric Oxide Support is a product aimed to address your sexual needs. It uses a patented formula designed by Kyowa Hakko, a leading Japanese firm of biotech. The product is ideal for those who are looking to restore their flagging sexual stamina as a result of dropping nitric oxide levels.
4. Best Nitric Oxide Pills: Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000
Not everyone likes to take supplements as workout drinks. For them, pills are the perfect solution as they are easy to ingest and provide the exact dosage every time. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from, one of the best being Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000.
About Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000
Dr. Emil Nutrition is a US-based food supplement brand founded by Dr. Emil Hodzovic, a health practitioner trained at Cardiff University. Goliath Arginine 3000 pills deliver the maximum amount of L-Arginine (3150 mg or more than three grams) per serving, which the company claims are more than twice of most other products.
Prepared naturally from non-GMO products in the USA, the supplement is hormone and gluten-free, tested by third parties, and is manufactured in facilities that follow the guidelines of cGMP.
What it Contains:
Each serving (3 pills) of Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000 contains:
- L-Arginine (as L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate or AKG 2:1 and L-Arginine HCL): 3150 mg
Each bottle of Goliath Arginine 3000 contains 90 pills or 30 servings of three pills each, the suggested serving size. Each capsule conveys almost triple the amount of L-Arginine than most brands. The product is made in the USA and is GMO and hormone-free.
The Pros:
- Maximum L-Arginine in pill form
- Made from all-natural and non-GMO ingredients
- Hormone and gluten-free
- Made in cGMP-certified facilities in the USA
Summary: Goliath by Dr. Emil Arginine 3000 contains nearly twice times more L-Arginine per serving size than most other brands existing in either pill or powder form, says the company. Dr. Emil’s experience and authority make the science-backed supplement one of the most effective products in the market which also isn’t very expensive in the pocket.
5. Best Nitric Oxide Powder: Old School Vintage Blast Pre-workout
Vintage Blast is one of the best nitric oxide supplements in the powder category. It’s a pre-workout mix that is designed to work in two stages, delivering two different sets of nutrients to the body to render you optimally charged during your workouts. The deferred delivery is designed based on the digestive and assimilative properties of different nutrients.
About Old School Vintage Blast Pre-Workout
Old School is a California-based food supplement firm and Vintage Blast is one of its most popular products. Vintage Blast consists of six different types of amino acids, four different types of B vitamins, vitamin C, and other minerals to boost your metabolism and the production of nitric oxide in your body.
The supplement has no artificial sweeteners and is sweetened using stevia. The nitric oxide powder is vegetarian and suitable for those following the keto diet as well. Furthermore, it has no dairy, gluten, and is also GMO-free.
What it Contains:
Each serving (one scoop or 15.3 gm) of Old School Vintage Blast Pre-workout contains:
Stage 1 Group: Start Strong
- L-Citrulline Malate – 5000 mg
- Beta-Alanine – 1000 mg
- L-Arginine AKG – 1000 mg
- L-Carnitine Tartrate – 250 gm
- Caffeine Anhydrous – 150 mg
Stage 2 Group: Finish Strong
- D-Aspartic Acid – 2000 mg
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine – 250 mg
- Microencapsulate Caffeine – 100 mg
Other ingredients include B vitamins, stevia leaf extract for sweetness, pineapple fruit powder, and natural fruit and vegetable juice. This product is available in the blueberry lemonade flavor.
Each container of Old School Vintage Blast contains 306 gm of supplement powder and includes 20 servings of 15.3 grams each. It is recommended to take a serving by mixing it with water, 15-30 minutes before the workout.
The Pros:
- Non-GMO and Gluten-free
- Suitable for vegetarians and keto-friendly
- No artificial sweeteners
- Two-part delivery of nutrients in the body for sustained results
Summary: Old School is one of the more trusted names in the market. Its Vintage Blast is unique in that it imparts the nutrients value in a graded manner for a long and sustained energy boost, which lasts the entire period of your workout. The fact that it contains no added sweeteners and is suitable for vegetarians makes it all the more appealing.
6. Best Nitric Oxide Supplement With Beetroot: Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Nitric Oxide Booster
The world of health supplements is rife with products that deliver temporary results and fail to offer sustained benefits. This is usually due to substandard ingredients or quality. It is hence important to look for non-habit forming natural products that deliver long-term sustainable results.
About Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Nitric Oxide Booster
Havasu Nutrition is a US-based health supplements firm known for products made from natural sources. The firm boasts of manufacturing all its products at an FDA-approved facility that is certified with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Extra Strength is a non-GMO blend of amino acids and beetroot extracts that claims to increase the production of nitric oxide in your body. Ideal for both men and women, this product is perfect for anyone who wants to give their workout a boost.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2 capsules) of Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Extra Strength contains:
- L-Arginine HCL – 400 mg
- AAKG (L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) — 400 mg
- L-Citrulline Malate – 400 mg
- Beetroot powder (Beta Vulgaris) – 100 mg
Each bottle of Havasa Nutrition contains 60 capsules constituting 30 servings. It is recommended that you take each serving of two capsules right before your workout for maximum results. Also, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the results.
The Pros:
- 60 days money-back guarantee
- Beetroot powder for increase blood pressure
- Made in the USA
- Non-GMO
Summary: Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Extra Strength is an ideal product for both men and women with a limited budget to spend on food supplements. The product is one of the best nitric oxide supplements with beetroot. You can easily make this a part of your health and workout regimen.
The Dosage Instructions for Nitric Oxide Supplements
We’ve seen that nitric oxide supplements are available as capsules, pills, and in the form of powder. No specific studies have been undertaken to establish the daily requirement of L-arginine and L-citrulline.
However, some sources say that 5 grams of L-arginine is consumed daily through diet and is converted to nitric oxide and is used by the body for different functions (6).
When taken in appropriate limits, nitric oxide hasn’t shown any significant side effects (7, 8).
But, remember, since these supplements have not been proven to treat any medical conditions nor regulated by the FDA, they should be taken under expert guidance to avoid any severe health complications.
As far as the manufacturers are concerned, they usually suggest higher doses of their supplements for maximum benefit. Depending on whether it is in the form of tablets or powder, you can be required to take 2-3 servings each day. Most manufacturers recommend taking the supplement before the workout for the best results.
Please note that your nitric oxide levels can also increase by the intake of nitrate-rich foods, like beetroot, garlic, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, oranges, bananas, etc. Legumes, dairy products, meat, and poultry also help achieve optimal levels of the amino acids that produce nitric oxide in the body (9, 10, 11, 12, 13).
So, please be careful of your diet while taking nitric oxide supplements.
Summary: While there are no definitive studies that have helped set the daily intake value of nitric oxide, it is best to take it in moderation, as per the manufacturer’s suggestion. It would be best to set the dosage and discuss any change in it, with your physician. Also, remember to take into account all the natural sources of nitric oxide in your diet.
The Side Effects of Nitric Oxide Supplements
Nitric oxide supplements are generally not known to cause any severe adverse effects. However, some mild side effects may include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Heart Palpitations
- Bloating etc.
Similarly, nitric oxide supplements are not recommended for people who have allergies or asthma, cirrhosis, or had heart attacks in the past (14).
Those with the rare genetic disorder known as Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase should also not use the nitric oxide supplements owing to their body’s inability to convert arginine into creatine.
The supplements may also interfere with existing medication, so be sure to check with your doctor before taking the supplement.
There are isolated cases of more severe side effects, some of which also resulted in increased chances of death after undergoing heart surgery (15).
Summary: Though the consumption of nitric oxide supplements is considered safe with no significant side effects, those with underlying health conditions should avoid using these supplements. There is clearly a greater need for detailed studies examining the side effects of these supplements to help administer more accurate dosages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Should Consume Nitric Oxide Supplements?
Nitric oxide supplements should be taken by those looking to enhance their athletic performance. The use of supplements is known to boost workout performance by increasing blood flow to muscles.
Those suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction could also look at these supplements as a possible remedy for their problem. Studies show that supplements relax the penis muscles allowing increased blood flow, causing an erection (16). However, be sure to check with your physician first.
Can Pregnant Women With High Blood Pressure Take Nitric Oxide Supplements?
Most manufacturers caution pregnant or lactating women, along with people who have pre-existing conditions or medications, to avoid nitric oxide supplements. While one research has shown that women may benefit from reduced blood pressure, it is to avoid such supplements during pregnancy (17).
Even people who take these supplements and develop side effects must discontinue their usage and contact their healthcare provider.
Do L-Arginine Supplements Trigger Allergy?
Allergies are not widely reported upon consuming L-arginine supplements. However, a few incidents show an increase in histamine production.
This happens as a response to the supplements when the body considers the arginine supplements as a harmful toxic foreign body. Allergies could also lead to swelling of the face, neck, etc.
The supplements could also cause serious side effects in those suffering from asthma.
Are Nitric Oxide Supplements Effective?
As a compound, nitric oxide had definite benefits for the human body. However, there is no certainty over the quantity and source of nitric oxide to be chosen for the best results. Many athletes and bodybuilders who take the supplements report quick benefits, whereas others may take weeks.
The results also depend on your lifestyle, and may thus, vary significantly from individual to individual. There is certainly a requirement for a comprehensive study that analyzes all these factors.
The Final Note
Nitric oxide supplements are gaining popularity owing to their many perceived health benefits.
Although they do not have serious side effects, they could pose problems for people with underlying health conditions of heart, kidneys, etc.
With so many products easily available, it is recommended that you conduct a detailed research about the ingredients before choosing the right supplement for you.