The Best Nitric Oxide Supplements For Bodybuilding to Boost your Energy

March 20, 2024
Sam Andreas

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Top Pick

We’re all after an extra punch to our workouts, right?

That elusive secret to help fill up the muscle faster during the workout sessions, elevate endurance, and reduce our recovery time.

NO2 supplements can help you achieve these goals—safely.

This article explains how they work and the top products on the market.

The Best NO2 Supplements - Top Five

Here are my picks of the best NO2 supplements available:

1. Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement

In my opinion, this could prove to be one of the best NO2 supplements for guys and girls who really want to take performance to the absolute limit.

It’s one of the most potent on the market—including a hefty dose of eight grams of citrulline (30 percent of the product).

Furthermore, it includes additional ingredients which are designed to boost training ability—beta-alanine to reduce lactic acid build up, caffeine to boost energy and focus, and betaine to heighten strength.

This nitric oxide supplement is supplied as a powder in a 1.24-pound container.

Large citrulline dose.
Additional ingredients make it a powerful pre-workout product.
Includes taurine to offset the side effects of caffeine.
Respected manufacturer.

The large serving (26.9 grams) may be too heavy for some.
Only 21 servings per tub.

2. Havasu Nutrition L-Arginine Extra Strength

I feel this may be one of the best NO2 supplements forthose people who want the health and sporting performance boosting effects of nitric oxide—but aren’t looking for the massive power and vascularity results that weightlifters desire.

The NO2-raising ingredients of arginine HCI and AAKG, plus citrulline (all 400 mg—total 92 percent) are at effective doses—but nothing that will take the body to the extreme.

As there are only two pills per serving (30 servings included)—this supplement may appeal to those people who are uncomfortable consuming large numbers of capsules.

Third-party tested for purity.
60-day money back guarantee.
Discounts available for bulk purchasing.
Ideal for light to medium intensity workouts.

May not suit those people demanding the ultimate in NO2 boosting ability.

3. NO3 Chrome Nitric Oxide for men and Women

This could be one of the best Nitric Oxide supplements for those people who love lifting heavy and demand shirt-busting muscle pumps.

Cellucor is a very reputable company that has been in the market for more than two decades.

Each bottle contains 30 servings. It contains 1250 mg of Arginine Nitrate, so it provides a long-lasting pump. It also contains Nitrosigine Arginine Silicate, which significantly increases the levels of NO. In addition, it contains vitamin C and Citrulline Malate which enhances endurance for long training sessions.

Boosts energy levels for long training sessions.
30 servings per container.
Supplied in capsules.
Contains vitamin C and Citrulline Malate for enhanced pump.

Can be too strong for some. Start with 1 capsule.

4. N.O. XT by Jacked Factory

A supplement that may appeal to those people who want faster recovery times or find themselves suffering from extensive soreness post-training.

Not only does the nitric oxide-boosting ability of this supplement contribute to recovery—it also contains glutathione. Studies have illustrated that this compound can work as an antioxidant, alleviate oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation. All factors which impair muscle condition and can induce pain.

Solid doses of citrulline (1.5 grams-68 percent) and arginine (0.5 grams-23 percent) are backed up by the bioavailability enhancer Bioperine.

Vegetarian-friendly capsules.
30 servings per container.
Ideal for people looking to reduce recovery time.
Includes Bioperine to increase absorption and efficacy.

Some users find the pills have a bitter taste.

5. Nutra-Champs L-Arginine

In my opinion, one of the best NO2 supplements for fitness enthusiasts who not only want to improve endurance—but also want to shed excess pounds.

This is because in addition to the nitric oxide boosting arginine (one gram-63 percent) and citrulline 0.5 grams (31 percent) it includes cayenne pepper and grape seed extract.

These two natural ingredients are proven to accelerate weight loss—cayenne by speeding up the metabolism and grape by increasing the rate of lipolysis (fat breakdown)

Supplied in pill form, each bottle contains thirty servings (two pills per serving).

One of the best NO2 supplements for people looking to lose weight.
No fillers or proprietary blends.
Easy-to-swallow capsules.

Wouldn’t suit bodybuilders looking for mass and bulk.

Informational guide to Nitric Oxide (NO2) Supplements

What Is Nitric Oxide (NO2)?

Nitric oxide (NO2) is a gas which the body requires for day-to-day physiological functions.

After ingesting foods which contain compounds such as l-arginine and l-citrulline (mainly meat, fish, and dairy items)—the body metabolizes them into nitric oxide.

NO2 is a vasodilator—acting to open up the blood vessels which then improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. But, the issue is, NO2 doesn’t hang around for very long.

As soon as it’s performed its duties—it’s gone, forever—a lifespan of just a few short seconds.

Here’s an informative video which explains more about this powerful gas.

What Are NO2 Supplements?

NO2 supplements are products, usually supplied as pills or powders, that are designed to elevate nitric oxide levels.

These supplements don’t contain any of the gas themselves. Instead, they include ingredients which boost the body’s own natural production of NO2.

While they can have some health benefits for the average guy or girl on the street—NO2 supplements are mainly designed for those who wish to see improved performance in their training or sporting pursuits.

What Are the Benefits of NO2 Supplements?

For dedicated bodybuilders and lifters, NO2 supplements may help take your training performance to the next level. i.e. increases the muscle pump in your workout.

Here are the main benefits of the best NO2 supplements:

Improve Stamina

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body—specifically on the hemoglobin molecule. Nitric oxide, working as a vasodilator, improves its delivery.

Think of being stuck in traffic on a freeway—the cars are so jam-packed nothing is moving. Suddenly, the road widens, allowing the automobiles to move freely and efficiently again. That’s the same as nitric oxide and the blood vessels.

When exercising or competing in sport—our muscles can become tired diminishing our performance. This is due to the body using up its reserves of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—a compound which makes muscles contract.

For ATP to be produced—the muscles require oxygen. The more efficient the delivery (and volume) of oxygen—the more ATP you have and the longer you can perform.

Reduce Recovery Time

Sometimes our exercise regime is restricted as we recover from previous hard training sessions.

This can be due to the painful condition of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), injury, or just allowing time for the muscles to rebuild.

Research has indicated that the best NO2 supplements can reduce recovery time—allowing you to hit the gym again sooner.

Build Muscle Faster

Due to the ability of the best NO2 supplements to increase endurance and stamina—you’ll be working longer and harder in the gym.

This increased workload, combined with the additional nutrients supplied to the muscle through vasodilation, help to build muscle faster than your usual training intensity.

Improve Health

It’s not all about exercise benefits. The best NO2 supplements can alleviate erection problems, lower blood pressure, and reduce diabetes symptoms.

Best Time to Take NO2

As with all supplements—always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines on consumption. Since ingredients can differ between products— this will affect the dosage.

However, as a general rule of thumb, because nitric oxide supplements are mainly designed for performance enhancement, they should be consumed around 20-30 minutes prior to your workout or sport.

These products are generally side effect free—studies have indicated that they’re well tolerated and cause no serious health issues. Although, some users report stomach and bowel issues.

The best NO2 supplements are designed for adults and hence shouldn’t be taken by persons under 18 years of age.

What to Look for in the Best NO2 Supplements

Here are some factors to consider when selecting your ideal nitric oxide supplement:

Ingredients

Look for ingredients which are scientifically proven to elevate nitric oxide levels. Usually, the main players are citrulline and arginine—although often other more unusual NO2-boosting compounds such as beetroot are included.

Furthermore, some products include additional ingredients which can heighten athletic performance or improve the absorption of other compounds.

Size

If you’re a casual fitness enthusiast—you might not require a large volume of product, whereas regular gym-goers may need more. Buying in bulk can prevent frequent re-ordering.

Supplement Form

Generally speaking— NO2 supplements are supplied in powder or pill form. Powders allow for a more user-defined dose but require preparation—capsules may be more convenient.

Conclusion

All the above products contain compounds which are proven to boost NO2 levels—what’s more, they contain no “filler” ingredients, proprietary blends, or placebos.

However, in my opinion, the best NO2 supplement available today is the Legion Pulse Pre-Workout supplement.

This is because it delivers a massive dose of eight grams of citrulline, is available in powder form for bespoke dosing, and includes numerous other compounds proven to boost athletic performance.

While other supplements have their own particular benefits—such as the recovery enhancing N.O. XT and the fat-busting Nutra-Champs L-Arginine—for pure training enhancement, for me it has to be Legion Pulse.