Nitric oxide - role and effects on the body

Nitrogen oxides and the history of their research

Nitric oxide has piqued the interest of researchers around the world for decades. Detailed analyses of smog, which can cause poisoning and even death in developed countries, have shown that dangerous gases, including just nitrogen oxides, accumulate under the smog cloud. Interestingly, nitrogen oxides are more harmful than sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. At the same time, studies in the medical field have shown that NO nitric oxide effectively supports muscle function and the vascular system.

The popularity of nitric oxide in medicine began with observations on nitroglycerin. It has been noted that people employed in the production of this compound have low blood pressure. Nitroglycerin was used in the treatment of high blood pressure, although its mechanism of action was not known. In the late 1970s, studies indicated that nitric oxide, which is formed during the metabolic conversion of nitroglycerin, was responsible for its blood pressure-lowering properties.

With the development of research on nitric oxide, it has also been shown to be an endothelial relaxant, a substance that causes smooth muscle relaxation.

Properties of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide is an inorganic, biologically active chemical compound that is formed in the human body mainly by the oxidation of L-arginine. Its breakdown contributes to the formation of L-cytrulline and nitric oxide. The enzyme oxidizing oxide — nitric oxide synthase, however, is not always able to effectively participate in the breakdown of arginine. The action of the enzyme can be disturbed by an unhealthy lifestyle – lack of a balanced diet and physical activity.

Nitric oxide is characterized by its lipophilicity and small molecules that easily penetrate into cells and does not require the mediation of transport systems. Another source of nitric oxide is nitrates contained in food.

The role of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide exhibits a number of properties that support the health of the body. The most frequently mentioned benefit associated with its adequate supply includes the regulation of cardiovascular work. Nitric oxide can:

regulate blood flow through the blood vessels, thus contributing to the regulation of blood pressure,
support the vascular endothelium, i.e. the cells inside blood vessels that make up their walls,
inhibit platelet and leukocyte aggregation in the central nervous system, which affects blood coagulation,
support the production of new small blood vessels,
increase the diameter of blood vessels in people who have their narrowing,
lower blood viscosity, which promotes blood supply to the body.

Nitric oxide is a compound that is increasingly used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Other functions of nitric oxide

In addition, nitric oxide plays a role as a neuromodulator. Can support cognitive abilities such as memory. It is also able to support men during erection. By relaxing the penile muscles, it makes it easier to get a full erection.

Nitric oxide has an important role in controlling type 2 diabetes. In people struggling with this disease, nitric oxide production is impaired. Adequate levels of oxide can be obtained by taking L-arginine. The effect of supplementation is greater sensitivity of the body to insulin and easier control of blood sugar.

We can also observe the beneficial effects of nitric oxide in physically active people. The compound supports glucose uptake by muscle cells, and also stimulates the growth of mitochondria, which supports the efficiency of the body.

Nitric oxide also plays a very important function for the body's immunity. White blood cells are able to produce it in large quantities, which contributes to the destruction of foreign bodies in the body. However, this effect of nitric oxide may be associated with various risks to some extent. A large amount of nitric oxide in the body can significantly reduce blood pressure, which in turn can lead to unconsciousness.

Nitrate supplementation, both in its pure form (e.g. sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate) and through food (e.g. beet juice), can temporarily reduce the body's oxygen requirements during exercise. Reduced oxygen demand can result in better muscle performance during exercise.

Sources of nitric oxide - how to increase nitric oxide production?

The largest amounts of nitric oxide are produced by the oxidation of L-arginine — an amino acid found, among other things, in food. L-arginine can most often be found in plant-based foods. The most valuable sources of natural L-arginine include such vegetables as arugula, dill, butter lettuce, radish, beet and Chinese cabbage.

Another source of nitric oxide is inorganic nitrates, which are found, for example, in legumes. Consuming inorganic nitrates is one of the easiest, natural ways to increase nitric oxide levels.

Nitric oxide and physical activity

Nitrates show beneficial effects on exercise capacity. Their effect is stronger for less-trained people. Increased nitric oxide production in the body translates into better muscle nutrition. The compound can also contribute to the phenomenon of the so-called muscle pump, which is desirable among athletes. However, this effect is not beneficial in all sports - increased blood supply to muscle fibers is not desirable in martial arts practitioners.

Nitric oxide — side effects

Consumption of dietary supplements that are a source of nitric oxide in recommended doses is safe. However, it is important to remember that higher doses can be dangerous to the body and cause a number of side effects. Too much L-arginine intake can contribute to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea.

Excess nitric oxide associated with, for example, septic shock can in turn lead to a number of health consequences, such as heart failure or a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Arginine - dietary supplements

One of the ways to supplement the level of NO is to use dietary supplements with arginine. Among them, we can find both pure L-arginine and multi-ingredient agents such as L-arginine with taurine and vitamin B6.

Arginine is also an ingredient that we can find in pre-workout stacks. The best example is the dietary supplement OstroVit Pump Extreme - an energizing pre-workout that combines the effects of as many as 9 active ingredients, including L-arginine, L-citrulline, taurine, beet extract, caffeine and beta-alanine.

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