Best Nitric Oxide Supplements For Muscle Pump, Endurance, and Recovery

Produced by our body’s cells, nitric oxide (N.O.) plays a big role in blood vessel health. N.O. may help naturally widen blood vessels to increase blood flow and simultaneously decrease blood pressure. It’s important to understand that supplements that claim to boost N.O. don’t actually contain N.O. — rather, they are made of other compounds that amp up the body’s production of N.O., most commonly l-arginine and l-citrulline . Many brands use ingredients like beetroot in their complexes — a popular addition in pre-workouts due to its potential to act as a vasodilator. ( 1 )

While more research is needed to determine the efficacy of increased N.O. levels on athletic performance, there is some evidence that suggests it may aid in high intensity interval training (HIIT) and prolonged aerobic activity. ( 2 )( 3 ) Additionally, some athletes use it because they feel it gives them a bigger “pump” and vascularity while working out. For those who are eager to give N.O. a try, we rounded up and tested some of the best nitric oxide supplements on the market based on ingredients, dosage amounts, and the latest research.

The Best Nitric Oxide Supplements

• Best Overall: Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster
• Best Runner Up: Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide
• Best for Citrulline: Huge Supplements Pump Serum
• Best for Pump and Vascularity: Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide
• Best Pre-Workout with Nitric Oxide: Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout
• Best Natural Blend: Onnit Total Nitric Oxide
• Best Pill: Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster
• Best Beet Root Supplement: Onnit Total Nitric Oxide

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Best Nitric Oxide Supplements Video Review

BarBend’s expert Nutrition Editor, Nick English, does a deep dive on some of BarBend’s picks for the best nitric oxide supplements this year.

Check out our video review for a more in-depth look at these standout N.O. supps.

Best Nitric Oxide Overall

We chose this well-known nitric oxide booster as our top pick because it has all the right ingredients in the right doses. On top of that, the labeling is very clear, and the ingredients are of high quality.

Huge Supplements Magnify

Huge Supplements Magnify contains 1,500mg of arginine, 1,000mg of beetroot extract , 1,000mg of citrulline, and 10mg of Bioperine — the latter of which can help you absorb all these potentially nitric-oxide boosting ingredients. These ingredients all come at clinical dosages for a nitric oxide supplement, and this supplement can be most effective if you take it 20 to 30 minutes before your workout.

Huge Supplements Magnify can even be stacked with their pre-workout Wrecked (or another similar pre-workout) for potentially even better blood flow and skin-splitting pumps. Each serving is six capsules, which may be a lot for some, but we like this because it allows us to easily vary how much we take each workout.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Magnify?

• Athletes who want a nitric oxide supplement with a variety of ingredients that may help promote nitric oxide production in the body will appreciate the ingredients list on this supplement, which includes arginine, beetroot, and citrulline.
• Anyone who’s concerned with digestion . This product’s 10mg of Bioperine may help with absorption.
• People who like taking their nitric oxide supplements in capsule form rather than drinking them, and potentially feeling bloated.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Magnify?

• Pill-averse folks who may prefer a powder supplement can find alternatives on this list.
• Vegans who are looking to avoid gelatin in their capsules will want to look elsewhere.
• Buyers on a budget may be better off hunting for a more cost effective option.

With solid dosages of multiple ingredients that may help with nitric oxide production, this pick is ideal for those who may be willing to pay a little more for the variety of top notch ingredients.

[Related: The Best Types Of Supplements For Performance, Weight Loss, and Health]

Best Nitric Oxide (Runner Up)

While this product didn’t quite make the top of our list, it was a close second for its variety of ingredients that can potentially produce nitric oxide, clear labeling, and solid dosages.

Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide

This nitric oxide supplement is straight to the point with little pomp and pizzazz. Its heavy hitters are a hearty dose of 2,250mg of NO3-T®, which is a combination of arginine and betaine nitrate (1,250mg of arginine nitrate and 1,000mg of betaine nitrate). By combining the two together, the production of nitric oxide may be more stable and last longer through your workout. ( 4 ) Another included ingredient, which can potentially help manage oxidative stress, as well as encourage healthy blood flow, is L-glutathione dosed at 250mg — which is a solid amount. ( 5 )

Pine bark extract and vitamin C (both dosed at 200mg) help to round out the antioxidants. Vitamin C doubles its usefulness by also potentially helping to aid in the absorption of NO3-T®. You’ll also find AstraGin™ dosed at 50mg, which can potentially help you absorb everything. The serving size on this product is four capsules, which makes it easy to regulate the amount you’re taking, but if you’re taking full servings, that may be a lot of pills to swallow. Each 30-serving container will cost you about $44.99 (or $38.24 if you subscribe to regular shipments). That works out to around $1.50 per serving for the one-time buy (or $1.27 per serving for the subscription).

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs?

• People who want a smooth and steady blood flow booster will appreciate the NO3-T formula, which can work to help make sure nitric oxide production is more stable and lasts longer. ( 4 )
• Anyone who is looking to extract the most they can from each serving of their NO booster. This product features ingredients, like AstraGin™ and vitamin C, that can help with absorption.
• Someone who wants a straightforward nitric oxide booster. You won’t find any fillers or unnecessary ingredients here. Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide is free of artificial sweeteners , coloring, and preservatives.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs?

• Someone who prefers to take their N.O. supplements in powder form as this only comes in pill form.
• Buyers who don’t like taking a bunch of pills may be overwhelmed by the four-capsule serving. Some NO boosters pack their ingredients into one or two pills.
• Athletes who want a more performance-oriented nitric oxide supplement with a wider range of ingredients, like stimulants or other common pre-workout -esque inclusions.

Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide is about as to-the-point as an NO booster can be. The nice thing about this product is that it can be stacked with other pre-workout products for even more potent potential effects. It can also be taken on its own to help promote blood flow at any time despite being geared toward workout enhancement.

Best Nitric Oxide For Citrulline

Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that doesn’t play a role in building protein. Rather, it’s necessary for helping your body rid itself of harmful toxins. In regards to performance and effectiveness, citrulline is the ingredient that can help widen blood vessels to improve blood flow. (6)

Huge Supplements Pump Serum

Though technically a pre-workout, this stimulant-free product is our top pick for citrulline because it contains 8,000mg of l-citrulline, which is higher than almost any other product we’ve seen. The high levels of citrulline combined with other patented ingredients, like GlyerPump™ — a form of glycerol powder that can help aid in hydration and nutrient absorption — make this product a very potent nitric oxide supplement.

This supp also has 3,000mg of betaine to potentially help boost nitric oxide. You’ll find Bioperine as well, another ingredient that is included to potentially help with absorption, ensuring you get the most out of each scoop of Pump Serum.

Huge Supplements made four great flavors to choose from — Strawberry Mojito, Jungle Juice, Cherry Berry, and Island Dream. This is definitely on the more expensive side for an N.O. supplement at $2.19 per serving. Huge Supplements recommends mixing a scoop of this in eight to 12 ounces of water in your shaker bottle about 30 minutes before hitting the gym, and letting the 17 clinically dosed ingredients do their thing.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Pump Serum?

• Athletes who want a stimulant-free pre-workout that is heavy on the citrulline to potentially help with blood flow.
• Those who are concerned with absorption — the Bioperine and GlyerPump™ in this product are designed to maximize absorption.
• Athletes who prefer powder nitric oxide supplements to pill nitric oxide supplements. You should mix this nitric oxide booster powder with eight to twelve ounces of water.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Pump Serum?

• If you want a product with just citrulline, this is not it — while this product does contain 8g of citrulline, it also contains other nitric oxide-boosting supplements.
• Buyers on a budget can find a less expensive nitric oxide product to purchase.
• If you’re looking for a nitric oxide product that you can take whenever you like or multiple times per day, you should look elsewhere.

L-citrulline can help increase blood flow, which is why many athletes take it to enhance their pumps. It is also linked to a boost in nitric oxide and a widening of blood vessels, so this is a great addition to your supplement regimen for that purpose — especially for those who already have an interest in taking a citrulline supplement. (4)

Best Nitric Oxide For Pumps and Vascularity

If you’re pumping hard and looking for the vascular signs that your body fat may also be decreasing , nitric oxide may be able to help widen those veins and push them to the skin’s surface.

Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide

If you’ve ever experienced a solid pump, chances are you want to experience it again. Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide is a four-capsule dose of potent NO boosters like 1,250mg of arginine nitrate and 1,000mg of betaine nitrate, which combine together to form NO3-T®. The chemical composition of NO3-T® is said to help enhance the duration and stability of nitric oxide production. In other words, it might help to make your pump longer. ( 4 )

You’ll also receive antioxidants and potential absorption aids in the form of 250mg of L-glutathione, 200mg of pine bark extract, and 200mg of vitamin C. L-glutathione may also help with vascular support — those veins aren’t just for show. Additionally, the 50mg of AstraGin™ can potentially enhance gastrointestinal permeability. ( 7 )

It’s worth noting that the recommended serving size here is four capsules, which some folks may find a bit daunting, especially if you’re already taking a bunch of other pill-based supplements. If you’re still on board and want to take the plunge for some skin-splitting pumps, then you can expect to pay around $44.99 per 30-serving bottle with a one-time purchase and $38.24 with a subscription. The per-serving price works out to about $1.50 or $1.27 for one-time purchases and subscriptions, respectively.

Who Should Buy Transparent Labs?

• Anyone looking for a great pump and vascular support, as the ingredients (like arginine and betaine) in this product are meant to work together while being well-dosed.
• Folks who want additional ingredients included in their supplement to potentially help with absorption, such as AstraGin™. You’ll find that in the formula here.
• Someone who wants a versatile nitric oxide supplement that they can take on its own or pair with a pre-workout.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs?

• People who aren’t keen on taking a lot of capsules — you have to take four of these to get the full serving size.
• Anybody who prefers to take their NO products in powder form instead of pills. These only come in pill form.
• Those who want more traditional pre-workout ingredients with their nitric oxide, such as creatine , glycerol, stimulants, or beta-alanine.

Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide has solid doses of each ingredient and can be paired with a pre-workout for better pumps and vascularity. Taken by itself, this product can still help to promote solid pumps and won’t interfere with sleep if you work out later at night since there aren’t any stimulants here. NO supplements have the potential to improve blood flow and open up your blood vessels — Transparent Labs designed this product to achieve both.

Best Nitric Oxide Pre-Workout Supplement

Some people like their nitric oxide supplement with a bit more of a kick. Often this comes in the form of caffeine and other stimulants. Huge Supplements has you covered if that’s the case, as their pre-workout features nitric oxide support prominently, as well as an additional dose of 350mg of caffeine .

Huge Supplements Wrecked

Similar to other nitric oxide supplements that can be used as a pre-workout, this pre-workout can be used as a nitric oxide supplement. It features a heavy-hitting dose of l-citrulline and betaine with 8,000mg and 3,000mg, respectively, along with 350mg of total caffeine. This pre-workout contains 17 clinically dosed ingredients meant to potentially take your workout intensity to the next level, and give skin-tearing muscle pumps .

The inclusion of Bioperine, a black pepper extract, is meant to help with absorption, so you can make use of all the great ingredients in this supplement. This pre-workout supplement comes in four awesome flavors — Bomb Popsicle, Peach Rings, Rainbow Burst, and Raspberry Mojito — with 20 single-scoop servings per container, which brings each scoop to cost about $2.49.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Wrecked?

• Athletes who want to get all the benefits of a high-quality nitric oxide supplement, but need a bit of energy too from the 350mg of total caffeine in this product.
• Anyone who is using a nitric oxide supplement as a pre-workout rather than just for vascular support. This product is the full pre-workout package.
• People who enjoy long cardio sessions — the 8g of l-citrulline and 3,500mg of beta-alanine can help with endurance and stamina.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Wrecked?

• Someone who wants something without caffeine — this has 350mg per serving.
• Anyone who works out later in the evening. The stimulants in this may interfere with sleep if taken later on in the day.
• Someone who is looking strictly for a nitric oxide supplement, not a full on pre-workout.

With a large dose of l-citrulline combined with other ingredients designed to support vascular health and blood flow, Huge Supplements Wrecked is no joke. Give this pre-workout a try if you’re looking to get your blood pumping.

Read our full review of Huge Supplements Wrecked .

Best Natural Nitric Oxide Blend

While some people may be looking for a dedicated citrulline supplement or beet juice to boost their nitric oxide production, this N.O. supp contains a blend of natural ingredients that may help produce higher nitric oxide content in the body. Nitric oxide blends include a variety of ingredients that boast the potential effects, along with other helpful ingredients — and this particular supplement happens to be all natural, too.

Onnit Total Nitric Oxide

The most prominent ingredient in Onnit Total Nitric Oxide is citrulline, with 3g per serving. This ingredient is one of the most helpful in increasing blood flow and nitric oxide production in the body. In addition to citrulline, each serving also contains a proprietary blend featuring various fruit and vegetable extracts (including beetroot), 1.4g of arginine nitrate, and 100 milligrams of mango fruit powder.

These additional ingredients are also intended to help with nitric oxide production, as well as recovery and performance. This is a pricey nitric oxide supplement at about $2.00 per serving, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to snag a cheaper option off this list. It is also worth noting it is only available in a Harvest Fruit flavor.

Who Should Buy Onnit?

• Those looking for a solid amount of citrulline in their nitric oxide supplement — this product contains 3g.
• Folks who want a blend of products intended to boost nitric oxide production, not just one.
• Anyone who wants a powder nitric oxide supplement will like that you can easily mix this product with eight ounces of water.
• If you’re looking for a natural nitric oxide supplement, this is a great option for you.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit?

• People who value a simpler combination of ingredients can find a shorter ingredient list out there.
• Anyone on a strict budget — this isn’t the least expensive product on this list.
• If you prefer an unflavored supp for stacking or want a variety of flavors to choose from, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

On a cost-per-serving basis, Onnit is a bit pricier than many of its competitors, which is a knock against it. On the flip side, however, it does have a more extensive ingredient list than other nitric oxide supplements. The high citrulline dose is good for those seeking it, and the additional supplements — like arginine nitrate — may also help with nitric oxide production. Ultimately, it’s a solid pick if you’re looking for a robust, natural ingredient list.

[Related: Could Baking Soda Be The Best Workout Supplement You’ve Never Tried?]

Best Nitric Oxide Pill

Some people may prefer to get their nitric oxide supplements in powder form or from beet juice, but pills are often the most convenient way to ingest this type of supplement. They can make taking different amounts easier, as you can just take fewer pills rather than measuring out partial scoops. Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster has you covered if you fall into this category.

Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster

There is no question, pills are just easier to transport and take on the go in your gym bag or on vacation . No mixing is required, and you won’t make a mess in the gym locker room trying to scoop powder into a water bottle when you inevitably forget your shaker bottle. Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster is one of our favorite N.O. supplements on the market right now, and for good reason. Each six-capsule serving contains a potent amount of l-arginine, beetroot extract, and l-citrulline, among other ingredients. The capsules are made from gelatin, an animal product, so vegans may want to look elsewhere on this list for an N.O. booster.

The inclusion of Bioperine can also help to ensure that you absorb all that you can of the ingredients here for the best results. You can rest assured that you’re getting a high quality product too since this supplement is made in an FDA approved facility, and is good manufacturing practices certified. Just take the six capsule dose about 20 or 30 minutes before your workout, and you should be ready to crush it.

Who Should Buy Huge Supplements Magnify?

• Anyone who travels a lot and wants a convenient nitric oxide supplement that they can take on the go with no fuss and no mess.
• Anyone who wants a dose of Bioperine in their supplement to potentially help with absorption.
• Someone who wants a N.O. booster that is stim-free — this is just blood flow support with no stimulants.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Huge Supplements Magnify?

• Someone who is looking for more of a kick with their N.O. booster may opt for something with caffeine in it.
• Those with a black pepper allergy — this product does contain Bioperine.
• Athletes who have trouble taking pills or don’t want to take multiple pills — this is a six capsule serving size.
• Vegans may want to look for another option — the capsules here are made with gelatin.

This product contains potent nitric oxide support in a six capsule dose and is super convenient to throw in your gym bag or cabinet, taking up minimal space.

Best Nitric Oxide Beetroot Supplement

Since beets are rich in nitrate (which your body can turn into nitric oxide), many people turn to beetroot for nitric oxide supplementation. This product has a solid dose of beetroot for this purpose.

Onnit Total Nitric Oxide

Each serving of Onnit Total Nitric Oxide contains 5.87g of a proprietary blend that includes beetroot and zero grams of added sugar . This naturally flavored product is a great choice for those who want a variety of potentially nitric oxide-producing ingredients — it also includes 3g of citrulline and 1.4g of arginine nitrate. Additionally, it packs four grams of protein , which isn’t much, but it is something — especially for a nitric oxide supplement.

This product comes in 20-serving tubs of Harvest Fruit-flavored powder, which we found to be pretty tasty. It isn’t offered in any other flavor options, so if you prefer an unflavored supp or you like a variety of flavors to choose from, you may want to look elsewhere. This is a bit pricier than other nitric oxide products at about $2.00 per serving, but this is due to its variety of ingredients, which we think makes it worth the price tag if you can swing it.

Who Should Buy Onnit?

• Anyone who prefers to mix their beetroot supplement into water will like that this product mixes easily with eight ounces of water and can be taken up to two times daily.
• Those who want a variety of nitric oxide supplements — including beetroot, but also including citrulline and arginine.
• Customers who don’t mind proprietary blends. Since this beetroot comes in a blend, you don’t know exactly how much of the blend is beetroot — if this doesn’t bother you, this product is for you.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Onnit?

• Anyone who wants just a straight beetroot supplement — this product also contains other nitric oxide supplements along with beetroot.
• Buyers on a budget will want to look elsewhere as this is one of the more expensive products on this list.
• Folks who don’t like proprietary blends. The beetroot in this supplement is part of a blend, which could be a turn-off for some.

Overall, this is a solid option for those who want a product that contains beetroot, as well as other nitric oxide supplements, like citrulline and arginine — you just have to be willing to pay a little extra for the robust ingredients list.

When Should I Take Nitric Oxide?

Though there isn’t really a set time you should take nitric oxide — as your body needs nitric oxide to promote immune and heart health as well — for exercise purposes, it is best to consume it prior to a workout. Since nitric oxide can potentially widen blood vessels and increase blood flow, you’ll want to take it right before exercise (approximately 20 to 30 minutes before) for optimal pumps. ( 8 )

It’s worth noting that if you are taking a nitric oxide supplement daily, it’s best to get it from a natural source like beetroot. While these supplements aren’t inherently dangerous, if you can get your nitric oxide from a more natural source, that’s always going to be a healthier alternative overall. ( 9 )

Benefits of Nitric Oxide

There are several benefits to adding a nitric oxide supplement to your regimen. Most notable is its potential to be a vasodilator. This means that nitric oxide has the ability to widen blood vessels, which can allow for better blood flow. This may be noticeable by gymgoers as the feeling of achieving a “pump”. Nitric oxide also may promote immune and heart health (the heart is what allows our blood to pump).

It may also play a role in improving high-intensity training, as well as aerobic exercise. ( 2 )( 3 ) One study suggested that supplementing with nitric oxide-rich beetroot led to a 15 percent increase in working capacity before hitting fatigue and exhaustion. ( 3 ) This may be because vasodilation can help with better circulation and heartbeat regulation, or because N.O.’s potential to enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles may delay that feeling of fatigue and allow you to work out for longer. ( 10 )

How We Chose The Best Nitric Oxide Products

There are a host of nitric oxide supplements available, many of which can make outlandish claims about their effectiveness. Here’s how we selected the best nitric oxide supplements that can actually be effective.

L-arginine vs. L-citrulline

Two of the most common ingredients featured in N.O. boosters are the amino acids arginine and citrulline. Both are believed to play a role in helping our cells create more nitric oxide (N.O.), which can help generate a “pump” in the gym. The effectiveness of these amino acids is not entirely known, as more research is needed. However, there is some evidence to suggest that citrulline may be a more effective N.O. booster than arginine. We have included picks that contain both on this list, so you’ll have an option no matter your preference.

Beetroot

Beetroot is also used in many N.O. supplements because it has a high content of dietary nitrate, which has been shown to increase blood levels of nitrate, nitrite, and biologically active N.O. According to a study in Cureus , it has also been “observed to enhance athletic performance in healthy individuals.”

However, benefits may depend on individual aerobic fitness levels. “Dietary nitrate supplementation appears to have a favorable effect on training performance in some patient populations.” ( 11 ) We have included options both with and without beetroot on this list, so if you prefer a nitric oxide supplement in a more natural form, beetroot is an option for you.

Dosage

We skewed our picks toward more well-rounded dosages of multiple amino acids . While these doses won’t necessarily work for everyone, they tend to be the most effective doses for the general population. It’s wise to consult with a medical professional before starting on any dosage of a N.O. supplement. Be sure to pay special attention to how much of each amino acid or natural ingredient is listed on each label, not just for safety reasons, but also to ensure that the dosage of your target amino acid aligns with what is supplied in the product.

[Related: 10 Kinds Of Creatine And What They All Mean]

Ingredients

When shopping for any supplement, we took a close look at all the ingredients. We know some brands incorporate unnecessary or superfluous ingredients to beef up their recipes. There can be some benefits to that — an example is the use of coffee (read: caffeine ) in order to increase energy levels temporarily. If you see any of these types of ingredients on this list, rest assured that they serve a purpose in their respective N.O. supplements — we did not include any products with unnecessary ingredients or additives here.

L-Citrulline vs. Citrulline Malate

Not knowing the difference between these two amino acids is not uncommon. Fortunately, they are different enough that they must be listed differently, but for anyone looking to take citrulline, either can get the job done.

The actual difference between l-citrulline and citrulline is that the former is free-form while the latter combines citrulline and malic acid. Malic acid is a natural supplement found in fruits like apples that helps to promote the creation of energy for your cells. As a citrulline supplement, both function the same.

[Related: 7 Pre-Workout Ingredients You Can Take For A Better Pump ]

How Much Does Nitric Oxide Cost?

As far as supplements go, nitric oxide supplements are generally inexpensive. When calculating cost, it’s better to look at the cost per serving, rather than the overall cost of the container. To do this, you’ll need to consider both the number of servings you’re getting and the overall cost of the product.

Best Nitric Oxide Supplement Overall	Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster	$44.95 $1.50 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Supplement (Runner Up)	Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide	$44.99 $1.50 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Supplement for Citrulline	Huge Supplements Pump Serum	$54.99 $2.20 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Supplement for Pump and Vasculatiry	Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide	$44.99 $1.50 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Supplement Pre-Workout Supplement	Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout	$49.95 $2.50 per serving
Best Natural Nitric Oxide Supplement Blend	Onnit Total Nitric Oxide	$39.99 $2.00 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Pill	Huge Supplements Magnify N.O. Booster	$44.95 $1.50 per serving
Best Nitric Oxide Beetroot Supplement	Onnit Total Nitric Oxide	$39.99 $2.00 per serving

The cost of nitric oxide supplements typically ranges anywhere from $1.00 to $2.00 per serving depending on the product and its ingredients. There are some on this list that reach a higher point at around $2.50, but we included a variety of options to make sure each person can find something that fits their needs. The average price per serving is $1.83, so none of these prices are outrageous, but you’ll find a nice in-between price with several of these picks.

A pre-workout that contains nitric oxide-boosting ingredients is going to be more expensive because it contains more amino acids, vitamins, and minerals than basic nitric oxide supplements. And on the other hand, if you’re getting a simple citrulline supplement that’s just one single ingredient, you’re going to pay far less.

What To Consider Before Buying Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide supplements come in a variety of forms and contain an equal variety of ingredients. Before choosing your perfect pick, make sure you know exactly what you want to get out of your supplement.

Pill vs. Powder

Nitric Oxide supplements come in both pill and powder form. Neither is totally inconvenient, but pills are definitely the most convenient of the two, as you can easily throw a bottle in your bag, head out the door, and take a couple any time that works for you.

However, pills tend to digest slower than powder since your body has to break through the capsule. Therefore, if you’re looking for the nitric oxide supplement to kick in right away, a powder that you mix with liquid to consume directly is a better choice. Neither is more effective than the other overall — it’s all about your personal preferences and priorities.

Powder formulas also might lend enjoyability as a factor. If you enjoy tasty beverages, or you want to up your hydration, a powder formula can be a great way to do that. It’s also possible to find an unflavored powder to stack with your other supplements, which can help ensure you’re taking the supps you want with the most ease.

Ingredients

When determining which N.O. supplement to choose from, it’s wise to get a sense of how much of each amino acid or any other ingredient combinations are used. Each choice on our list has a different dosage for each amino acid. Some have very slim ingredient lists while others are rather extensive, both of which offer particular benefits. Before you choose which nitric oxide to buy, make sure you know what ingredients and combinations of ingredients you want in your supplement, so you are not overpaying for a more robust ingredient list than you need.

Speak to a Medical Professional

N.O. supplements are not for everyone. Consult a medical professional before beginning to use these. If you decide to use an N.O. supplement, start slow. Different compounds can have different effects for some folks; instead of going straight for a full dose, it may be wise to start with a half dose and see how you feel. A medical professional can help you make the right decision for your body.

Final Word

Nitric oxide supplements offer some variety compared to other supplements on the market. Since these supplements don’t contain nitric oxide — only ingredients that boost nitric oxide production — the ingredients tend to vary from product to product. You’ll find some that contain l-arginine, some have l-citrulline, some boast beetroot, and others provide a combination of these (and other ingredients).

With the enticing prospect of potentially better blood flow, gnarlier pumps, and improved performance in high-intensity exercise, nitric oxide is a well-desired aid for your workouts. Deciding which nitric oxide-boosting ingredients suit your regimen best will be your greatest challenge when adding supps like these to your stack. But our hope is that you allow this list to be your guide to the top N.O. product for your fitness and nutrition goals.

FAQs

References

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2. Wylie LJ, Mohr M, Krustrup P, et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation improves team sport-specific intense intermittent exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology. 2013;113(7):1673-1684.
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4. Münzel, T., Daiber, A., & Gori, T. (2011). Nitrate therapy: new aspects concerning molecular action and tolerance. Circulation , 123 (19), 2132–2144. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.981407
5. Schmitt, B., Vicenzi, M., Garrel, C., & Denis, F. M. (2015). Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: A comparative crossover study. Redox biology , 6 , 198–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2015.07.012
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