Nitric Oxide Uses

In my continued study of the world of health and new supplements on the market, I keep seeing a particular supplement come up more and more, nitric oxide. Though I generally only study natural health supplements, I'm on the fence with this one because it's more a natural compound than it is an unnatural one. Sorry, that's kind of confusing. Let me explain. Nitric oxide is a very simple molecule, being made of one atom of Nitrogen and one atom of Oxygen, NO. It's found naturally and therefore can be considered a natural health compound, but most consider it an artificial drug because of how it's produced. But that's not important. I first started studying nitric oxide when I learned of its Molecule of the Year award in 1992(yes they actually have awards for molecules). Recently I've seen nitric oxide popping up in more and more supplements.

So why in the world would such a simple molecule be the winner of a scientific award? Mostly it's due to the many potential benefits that nitric oxide has on the human body. Nitric oxide is what's known as a vasodilator, meaning that it widens the arteries and veins, allowing for more blood flow in the body. This can have a variety of different effects, but primarily, since blood is the carrier of oxygen and nutrients within the body, nitric oxide promotes oxygenation and nutrition within the body. Research hasn't yet been able to pin down just how far reaching this particular effect might be. Many cultures that practice and promote natural health have a heavy emphasis on the state of blood inside the body. Things like acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese fire cupping all have the goal of releasing stagnant blood and energy locked up within the body, and allowing it to achieve its proper flow. Nitric oxide supplements, though not drawing thier roots in ancient culture, may have a similar effect on the body. Though I'm not aware of any study that pairs the use of nitric oxide with things like Chinese fire cupping, I'd be very interested to read if any such study ever came about.

Some ways that people are currently using nitric oxide are as a muscle enhancer, to promote new hair growth, and to aid in certain male intimacy problems. As a muscle enhancer, nitric oxide helps to carry extra oxygen and nutrients to muscles during a workout, providing them with a boost to vitality and ability, thus allowing a body builder to get a better workout. As a hair growth promoter, nitric oxide has been studied to see whether or not promoting blood flow to the scalp helps promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. As a male sexual wellness supplement, nitric oxide is currently being studied to find out whether or not increased blood flow will assist men struggling from certain physical intimacy issues. It's interesting that such a simple molecule might have such far reaching effects within the body. I'm sure that as the molecule continues to be researched, even more benefits will be discovered. But as with any kind of supplement that people take, side effects have been reported, both minimal as well as dangerous, such as fatal dips in blood pressure that can come through overuse or overdose of nitric oxide.