In this week’s podcast, we discuss nitric oxide (NO) boosting supplements L – Arginine and L – Citrulline better known as pre-work out. (Topic of the podcast starts at the 9 minute mark). Why would you want to “boost” your nitric oxide levels? NO is responsible for that pumped feeling in the gym. Increasing NO will allow more oxygen to get to the working muscle, allowing you to work harder for longer. More blood flow means moving more nutrients to the muscles and moving breakdown products out of working muscles faster. This will result in better recovery from increased nutrient delivery on top of a better pump and better performance.

How is NO produced in our body? It’s primarily produced from amino acids.

The two amino acids used to boost NO levels are L arginine and L citrulline. These two amino acids are closely linked. When we consume arginine, the body breaks it down using an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase into a gas called nitric oxide and citrulline. That newly created citrulline then heads to the kidneys to get reconverted back into arginine. It’s a cycle that’s continuously happening in the body. 

When we consume citrulline alone, it goes straight to the kidney to get converted into arginine. 

The real benefit of these supplements is the nitric oxide gas they produce. This increases blood flow throughout the entire body. It causes vasodilation, meaning an increase in the size of our blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through our body. More blood means more oxygen and more nutrients. 

To learn more about the benefits of increased nitric oxide, which supplements to take to most effectively raise nitric oxide levels in the blood, and the best dosing protocol, listen to this week’s podcast. 

Link To Studies Mentioned

Oral L-citrulline supplementation enhances cycling time trial performance in healthy trained men: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 2-way crossover study

The effect of L-arginine supplementation on body composition and performance in male athletes: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Supplemental Citrulline Is More Efficient Than Arginine in Increasing Systemic Arginine Availability in Mice1,2,3

Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle

Citrulline Malate Enhances Athletic Anaerobic Performance and Relieves Muscle Soreness

Citrulline increases arginine pools and restores nitrogen balance after massive intestinal resection

Study Finds 82 Percent of Avocado Oil Rancid or Mixed With Other Oils