Nitric Oxide or NO has recently been the best friend of bodybuilding. But what does NO do to bodybuilders and what is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric Oxide is a gas with one part Nitrogen and one part Oxygen. It is particularly important in the human body because of its multiple functions. One of them is involved with communications thus; it is referred to as a signalling molecule or a neurotransmitter which is the most important function of the NO for the bodybuilders.
NO is produced with the breaking down of the amino acid arginine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and could be found in protein or arginine rich foods such as nuts, specifically almonds, cashews, hazel nuts, walnuts, pecans and peanuts among others.

The production of this gas happens in the endothelial cells or the inside lining of the blood vessels. The process usually starts from stimulation of the muscles. When the muscles contract as we move, this tips-off the production of NO which in turn signals the smooth muscles of the blood vessels to relax. This results to vasodilation or the widening of the blood vessels allowing more blood to flow. This results to the muscles getting pumped.

The blood circulating to the muscles deliver the required oxygen and necessary nutrients which include glucose and creatinine for energy and amino acid for muscle growth, maintenance and repair. During cell metabolism that occurs when the muscles contract or are moved, oxygen and the nutrients are used up and carbon dioxide and lactic acid are produced as waste or by-products. The blood then takes them away otherwise; their build up in the muscles will induce fatigue and hamper performance.

The continuous movement of the muscles could provide the required constant stimulation for the processes to go on and on. However, NO production happens as long as there is a supply of arginine. Thus, for serious bodybuilders, it is imperative to take supplements that support NO to sustain not just the pump even after the workout and the stamina during workouts but also the continuous promotion of muscle growth and repair to achieve the body they dreamed about.
Nitric Oxide supplements support the bodybuilders in three ways.

The muscle pump does not diminish immediately after exercise. The bodybuilder enjoy a rock hard body condition complete with popping veins throughout the day as NO is continuously produced retaining the widened blood vessels and maintaining muscles to be blood engorged.

The extended vasodilation promotes continuous muscular growth as oxygen and vital nutrients are constantly metabolized. This is imperative for bodybuilders who are after faster growth of lean mass. It also allows the quick repair and recovery of the muscles after a strenuous activity.
Stamina is highly elevated as blood takes away carbon dioxide and lactic acid continuously thus refraining fatigue to set in. The better endurance allows extended workout duration. The increase in muscle mass, better stamina as well as the continuous source of energy delivered to the muscles provide increased muscle strength.

So, this is how Nitric Oxide assists bodybuilders. The NO supplements available in the market come in different dosage and varied combinations with other ingredients. The important thing is, to get the right amount of NO supplement to the body to achieve their coveted bodybuilders’ looks.