Side Effects of Nitric Oxide Stimulator

Popular among athletes and bodybuilders, as well as people who incorporate an intense strength-training routine into their lifestyle, products that stimulate the body's release of nitric oxide are widely available over the counter. Since nitric oxide-stimulating products are not FDA approved, it is crucial to your health to understand the side effects such products may cause.

Function

• Nitric oxide (NO) is produced naturally by cells in the body and plays a key role in regulating blood flow, says Dr. Richard E. Klabunde of Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts. Products in pill form marketed to stimulate nitric oxide production contain large amounts of the amino acid L-arginine that, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website, is the chemical precursor of NO within the body.

Effects

• The primary side effect of nitric oxide stimulators--the purpose for which nearly all of these products are marketed--is the relaxation of the body's blood vessels. This process, called vasculodilation, is claimed by manufacturers (such as Bally's Total Fitness Nitric Oxide Maximizer, as reported by the National Library of Medicine) to enhance exercise performance and promote muscle gains by increasing blood flow to muscles, thus providing the user with a superior "pump" during and after their workout.

Features

• While nitric oxide stimulators do increase vasculodilation by mega-dosing the body with L-arginine, the Mayo Clinic rates these types of supplements a "D" on its grading scale of effectiveness--meaning that scientific evidence suggests that the products "may not work" for the purpose of enhancing exercise performance. The Mayo Clinic does report that L-arginine supplements that stimulate the body's release of NO have shown beneficial effects for such ailments as coronary disease, migraines and the FDA-approved use of preparing a person for a growth hormone test via injection of L-arginine.

Effects

• Side effects to look out for when using nitric oxide stimulators are many, and they vary in severity. MedlinePlus reports that potential side effects of large doses of L-arginine include nausea, low blood pressure, increased blood sugar and worsening of asthma symptoms. More serious side effects--which should be immediately reported to your physician--include headache, low back pain, restless legs and numbness.

Warning

• Products marketed for nitric oxide stimulation containing L-arginine should not be taken by people with liver or kidney disorders, states MedlinePlus. Additionally, certain medications may interact with NO stimulators to produce potentially harmful side effects. For example, using such supplements while taking sildenafil (Viagra) can result in dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). Also, if you take heart medication such as nitroglycerin, avoid using nitric oxide stimulators. Consulting with your physician prior to using a nitric oxide-simulating product is the best course of action for both the proper use of the supplement as well as your continued health.