Nitric oxide is a gas produced in the body with a chemical formula NO. It is formed in the body enzymatically from l-arginine in the presence of nitric oxide synthase. It has just recently come into popularity in the supplement market for its ability to increase blood flow, and dilate blood vessels.
Nitric oxide is a colorless, flammable, sharp sweet smelling gas at room temperature, whereas nitrogen dioxide has a harsh odor and is liquid at room temperature, becoming a reddish brown gas above 70 F. Nitric oxide is distinct from nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas, which is commonly used as a dental anesthetic, and is more easily dissociated and ionized than the principal molecular constituents, nitrogen and oxygen.
Nitric oxide has been shown to help with a large variety of different conditions in the human body such as, inflammations, insomnia, digestive problems, pain, diabetes and injury, energy, sexual function, weight loss, but it is important to note that in sufficiently large concentrations it is toxic to cells, and it can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
The popularity of nitric oxide lately is mostly due to the sport supplement market and the advertising machine that markets these supplements. Nitric oxide supplements do work, but do they really help to increase performance of muscle gains. This would be one supplement worth trying but one should do so with caution as it can be dangerous. As with anything you plan on ingesting into your body you should consult your family doctor first to make sure you do not have any medical condition that might interact with this supplement. For example people with heart conditions should not take any nitric oxide supplements as they can be dangerous for these people.
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