Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body that is involved in various physiological processes, including vasodilation — widening of blood vessels to improve blood flow.
This proposed increase in blood flow is suggested to deliver a host of benefits, including reduced erectile dysfunction (ED), enhanced physical performance, and improvement of cardiovascular health. However, where it gets interesting is understanding how supplementing with nitric oxide actually works, as unlike containing the molecule itself, these supplements typically include precursors that the body uses for nitric oxide production.
In this article, we will guide you through the complex details surrounding nitric oxide products and their formulations. We will explore the science behind them and provide our recommendations for the best nitric oxide supplements available today.
Best nitric oxide supplements: shortlist
- Snap Supplements — best nitrate supplements
- BrainMD — best nitric oxide supplements with additional ingredients
- Double Wood — best nitric oxide boosters that are wallet-friendly
- HumanN — best nitric oxide powders
- Havasu Nutrition — best nitric oxide supplements for bodybuilding
- Nature’s Pure Blend — best nitric oxide supplements for blood pressure
- Dr. Randolph’s Wellness Store — best nitric oxide supplements for circulation
Comparison of the best nitric oxide supplements
| Brand | Price per container | Price per serving | Total servings | Serving size | Nitric oxide boosters | Our pick for |
| Snap Supplements | $49.95 | $1.66 | 30 | 1 scoop (8.1g) | Beetroot | Best source of dietary nitrate |
| BrainMD | $28.95 | $0.96 | 30 | 2 capsules | L-citrulline, quercetin, and resveratrol | Best for benefits beyond those associated with NO |
| Double Wood | $19.95 | $0.33 | 60 | 3 capsules | L-citrulline and L-arginine | Budget-friendly |
| HumanN | $37.95 | $1.26 | 30 | 1 teaspoon (5g) | Beetroot | Best powdered NO supplement |
| Havasu Nutrition | $22.98 | $0.76 | 30 | 2 capsules | L-arginine HCI, L-arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-citrulline malate, and beetroot powder | Vascular support |
| Nature’s Pure Blend | $39.99 | $1.33 | 30 | 2 capsules | L-arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-arginine HCI, L-citrulline, and L-citrulline malate | Blood pressure support |
| Dr. Randolph’s Wellness Store | $80.00 | $1.33 | 60 | 3 caplets | Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate | Circulation support |
Several supplements on our list may contain ingredients for which evidence is derived primarily from cell and animal model studies or limited human clinical trials. While these initial studies suggest potential beneficial health effects, it is important to note that more robust human studies are required to establish the effectiveness and safety of these ingredients conclusively. Individual responses to these ingredients may vary, and caution is advised. Before incorporating these dietary supplements into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.
Top picks: best nitric oxide supplements
While all the supplements listed below are intended to boost nitric oxide production, each of them aims to do so with unique formulations, compositions, and potential benefits. Let's now review them in detail to help you find the best nitric oxide booster for you.
1. Snap Supplements — best nitrate supplements
Organic Beets by Snap Supplements is a dietary supplement formulated with beetroot as its main ingredient — an ingredient that contains high levels of dietary nitrates. When consumed, these nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body.
Inside the supplement, you will find what the brand refers to as 'Nitric Oxide Complex.' It is a combination of organic beetroot powder, organic pomegranate juice powder, red spinach extract, and organic black pepper extract.
Organic Beets comes in powdered form and should suit most diets as it is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and contains no added sugars.
Snap Supplements produces its products in a GMP-certified and FDA-registered manufacturing facility in the U.S., using globally sourced ingredients.
Organic Beets are available from the brand’s official website for $49.95 as a one-time purchase. You can check the product out for yourself through our link just below.
2. BrainMD — best nitric oxide supplements with additional ingredients
Labeled Advanced Blood Flow, BrainMD's offering is packed with four active ingredients, including L-citrulline, quercetin anhydrous, trans-resveratrol, and ginkgo biloba — all of which are supported by research for their ability to improve levels of nitric oxide within the body.
Besides the cardiovascular benefits associated with nitric oxide production, the formula is also intended to provide benefits for cognitive function, gut health, and liver health, according to the makers.
The manufacturer suggests taking 2 capsules of this supplement every day for the best results.
As for quality assurance, BrainMD collaborates with reputable manufacturers, all of whom are compliant with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) as mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Advanced Blood Flow can be yours for the price of $28.95 as a one-time purchase. All you have to do to acquire this product is simply visit the official BrainMD website.
3. Double Wood — best nitric oxide boosters that are wallet-friendly
Double Wood's Nitric Oxide Booster is a dietary supplement formulated with scientifically supported ingredients. It offers the potential to improve blood flow, enhance exercise performance, and support cardiovascular health — all at an affordable price.
Each serving of this Double Wood product delivers 500 mg of the brand’s patented ingredient Nitrosigine, 500 mg of L-citrulline, 250 mg of arginine AKG 2:1, and 250 mg of L-arginine.
On its website, the brand provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This certificate offers a detailed breakdown of ingredients, potency levels, and the presence of contaminants. It's intended to help you understand some crucial parameters of the product.
The makers of this nitric oxide booster recommend taking 3 capsules per day. While they note that it is your preference whether you take it with or without food, results may be more noticeable when taken on an empty stomach.
The supplement is currently available on the official Double Wood website, where it is priced at $19.95 as a one-time purchase. A single bottle contains 180 capsules, good for 60 servings. Those looking to stock up in advance can get more value for their money by opting for Double Wood's 'buy more, save more' option.
4. HumanN — best nitric oxide powders
SuperBeets by HumanN is a dietary supplement designed for heart health and blood pressure support. As the name suggests, it gets its power from beetroot, a nutrient-packed source of dietary nitrate.
Differing from the rest of our lineup, this product comes in a powdered form, available in either black cherry or green apple flavors. Mind you, with no artificial sweeteners or synthetic coloring.
As per the creators, every serving of SuperBeets powder provides 40 times the functional benefits of fresh beets, but without the distinct beet taste. The manufacturer’s suggestion for consuming this powder is simply to mix a teaspoon in 4 to 6 oz of water.
SuperBeets is non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and free of soy and dairy. It is produced in a GMP-certified facility, using beets sourced from within the United States.
A container of HumanN’s beetroot powder, which should last you a month, is currently priced at $37.95 on Amazon. You can easily snag yours through our link below.
5. Havasu Nutrition — best nitric oxide supplements for bodybuilding
Designed with weight-lifters, athletes, and all those leading active lifestyles in mind, this dietary supplement from Havasu Nutrition is marketed as a pre-workout product intended to increase blood flow and circulation.
While tagged L-Arginine, this Havasu Nutrition product offers more than just that. Besides L-arginine HCI, it blends other nitric oxide precursors such as L-arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-citrulline malate, and beetroot powder.
To ensure that its products meet certain quality standards, Havasu Nutrition partners with Eurofins, an ISO-certified testing facility.
For optimal results, the brand recommends taking 2 capsules once a day, roughly 30 minutes before your workout or any physical activity.
Amazon has this nitric oxide supplement in stock for $22.98. You may grab yours there.
6. Nature’s Pure Blend — best nitric oxide supplements for blood pressure
Nitric Oxide Flow by Nature’s Pure Blend is another supplement on our list that is designed to help you boost your nitric oxide levels naturally.
Within this product, you will discover active ingredients such as L-arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-arginine HCI, L-citrulline, and L-citrulline malate. All of these ingredients are known for their nitric oxide-boosting properties.
Of particular interest regarding Nature’s Pure Blend offering is the resounding feedback it has received from consumers, specifically in the context of blood pressure support. Numerous customers have reported that this supplement had a positive effect on their blood pressure.
The daily serving size is 2 capsules. It should be taken once a day, as recommended by the manufacturers.
A bottle containing 60 capsules, which will last you a month, is currently in stock and available for $39.99 on Amazon.
7. Dr. Randolph’s Wellness Store — best nitric oxide supplements for circulation
Lastly on our list is Nitric Oxide Boost from Dr. Randolph’s Wellness Store. This product, much like the others featured, is enriched with ingredients that support nitric oxide production.
This supplement contains two active ingredients, one of which is the patented, extended-release nitric oxide precursor ACTINOS whey peptide fraction. It is coupled with the well-researched arginine alpha-ketoglutarate.
While the profile of this product looks promising, the brand fails to provide any details on its manufacturing, sourcing, and third-party testing practices. Furthermore, there are scarce customer reviews to support the benefits associated with this product. All of these factors combined detract from the credibility of the brand and the potential of the product itself.
The makers of this supplement recommend taking 3 caplets twice a day. Three caplets 30 minutes before breakfast and another three caplets 30 minutes before lunch.
A 180-caplet bottle of Nitric Oxide Boost is available for purchase at the price of $80 at Dr. Randolph’s Wellness Store.
How we compiled our list to find the best nitric oxide supplement
Making our list of top nitric oxide supplements meant looking at what’s inside, the brand's reputation, the price point, and what people who used them had to say. More about this in the following section:
| Formulation | Science-backed nitric oxide boosters |
| Brand reputation | Transparent practices |
| Price point | Quality-to-affordability balance |
| Customer feedback | Real-life experience |
- Formulation. Since nitric oxide is not taken directly in supplement form, we prioritized products that include well-researched NO boosters such as L-arginine, L-citrulline, and beetroot in their formulations.
- Brand reputation. During our selection process, we favored brands that are recognized for their transparent testing practices, adherence to manufacturing standards, and commitment to quality assurance.
- Price point. To accommodate various budgets, we have included products across different price points. Our goal was to provide options for consumers with different financial considerations, ensuring accessibility without compromising on the quality of the supplements.
- Customer feedback. To better understand practical usage aspects, side effects, and overall satisfaction levels when it comes to NO supplements, we examined nitric oxide reviews.
The science behind nitric oxide boosters
Nitric oxide boosters function by increasing the production of nitric oxide in the body. These boosters primarily affect two physiological pathways: the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent and NOS-independent pathways.
In the context of the NOS-dependent pathway, it is heavily influenced by the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. While L-arginine is converted to NO via the action of NOS enzymes, L-citrulline acts as a secondary contributor to NO production since it can be converted to L-arginine.
As for the NOS-independent pathway, it is often activated by dietary nitrate present in foods such as beetroot, spinach, arugula, dairy, and meat.
The end result of both pathways is an increase in NO levels, which leads to vasodilation — or the widening of blood vessels. This expansion facilitates improved blood flow, supporting a more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, including muscles. These effects are associated with a sea of benefits, some of which we touch upon in the paragraphs below.
Benefits of nitric oxide supplements for erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While research on nitric oxide supplements for ED is still ongoing, it has been suggested that increasing nitric oxide levels may offer potential benefits for those with ED.
In theory, the primary proposed benefit of NO supplementation lies in the vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide, which facilitate blood flow to the genital area. This improved circulation is crucial for achieving and sustaining an erection.
According to this clinical trial, supplementation with relatively high doses of L-arginine — a well-researched NO booster — demonstrated a significant improvement in penile erectile function for patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction over a 3-month period.
In contrast, in this single-blind study with humans, oral L-citrulline, another key component associated with NO production, was shown to improve erection hardness in men experiencing mild ED.
While the current body of evidence for nitric oxide supplements is promising, it is of great importance to approach these supplements with caution, as the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for treating ED is still emerging.
Exploring the benefits of nitric oxide supplements for overall health
The benefits associated with nitric oxide supplementation range beyond specific conditions such as ED. By supporting blood vessel function and optimizing blood flow, NO boosters have demonstrated potential both in exercise performance and cardiovascular health.
When talking about exercise performance, it is thought that nitric oxide supplementation could potentially enhance athletic performance by increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles.
A review of the current literature on strength performance has shown that while there is scant evidence to support the use of L-arginine in enhancing strength performance, L-citrulline and nitrate appear to have beneficial effects on muscular performance.
Now, in regards to cardiovascular health, nitric oxide supplements are suggested to have beneficial effects on the heart, including maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting efficient blood flow. It should be noted, however, that further long-term well designed human studies are required to validate these effects.
Once again, it is advisable to approach even the best nitric oxide supplements with realistic expectations.
How to choose the best nitric oxide supplements
To find the optimal product that aligns with your preferences and needs, start by asking, 'What is the best nitric oxide supplement?' You may consider the following steps as your guide.
- Check supplement facts. Take a look at the supplement facts label. Make sure the product includes well-researched ingredients such as L-arginine and L-citrulline. Avoid proprietary blends that may hide individual ingredients and their dosages.
- Check for allergens and additives. Examine the product's ingredient list for potential allergens or unnecessary additives. Choose supplements with clean formulations that align with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Consider your personal preference. Decide whether you prefer a powder or capsule form. Powders are often mixed with water and consumed as a beverage, while capsules offer convenience. Choose based on your personal preference.
- Consider the price point. Evaluate products across various price points and try to balance affordability with quality. Choose a supplement that fits your budget while meeting the desired standards of manufacturing and ingredient quality.
Concluding recommendations for best nitric oxide supplements
While the potential of the best nitric oxide supplements in promoting exercise performance, improving cardiovascular health, and aiding with ED is evident and documented, it is imperative to approach these supplements with healthy and reasonable expectations. This is particularly important given that research on their long-term effects and safety is still inconclusive.
It is also worth noting that a balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to optimal nitric oxide production and levels within the body. Therefore, the best nitric oxide pills should complement, not replace, a well-rounded approach to health and fitness.
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FAQ
What are the potential side effects of nitric oxide supplements?
There are few. The supplementation of nitric oxide is commonly associated with mild to moderate side effects. These may manifest as gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, diarrhea, and bloating, as well as headaches and heartburn. To minimize the likelihood of these effects, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Are there specific nitric oxide supplements tailored for bodybuilding purposes?
Yes, there are. Nitric oxide supplements specifically formulated for bodybuilding purposes are commonly marketed as pre-workout supplements to support exercise performance, endurance, and muscle pumps. These supplements often contain well-researched ingredients like L-arginine and L-citrulline to enhance nitric oxide production, which is suggested to promote increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles.
What are the differences between nitric oxide boosters and nitric oxide supplements?
They are subtle. While the terms 'nitric oxide boosters' and 'nitric oxide supplements' are often used interchangeably, they refer to slightly different concepts. The former is a broad term encompassing everything that promotes nitric oxide production, such as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle practices, whereas the latter specifically denotes products formulated with ingredients aimed at increasing nitric oxide levels in the body.
8 resources
- Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene. Dietary supplements for improving nitric-oxide synthesis.
- Urology. Oral L-Citrulline Supplementation Improves Erection Hardness in Men With Mild Erectile Dysfunction.
- Future science OA. Development and therapeutic applications of nitric oxide releasing materials to treat erectile dysfunction.
- Journal of endocrinological investigation. Long-term high-dose L-arginine supplementation in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
- Sports medicine. The Effect of Nitric-Oxide-Related Supplements on Human Performance.
- Nutrients. Supplementation with Nitric Oxide Precursors for Strength Performance: A Review of the Current Literature.
- Biochemical and biophysical research communications. Oral supplementation with a combination of l-citrulline and l-arginine rapidly increases plasma l-arginine concentration and enhances NO bioavailability.
- Andrology. Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology.
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