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2024's Nitric Oxide Supplement Guide to Feel Younger Inside-and-Out
Discover How One Ingredient Can Help Promote Healthy Blood Flow +
Our Top 5 Formulas
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Did you know, your energy, mental sharpness, and heart health all connect back to a single molecule?
It’s called Nitric Oxide or N.O. for short.
Your blood vessels use it to quickly send nutrient-rich blood coursing throughout your entire body. So, it's important to get lots of this circulation "superfuel."
The only problem is, your body slowly stops producing it as you age. As a result, you may start to feel like your best days are behind you.
Thankfully, though, certain compounds can help replenish your all-important nitric oxide supply.
The key is to know which ones. That’s why we’ve created this quick guide for you. It covers everything you need including what to look for, what to avoid, and our 5 favorite nitric oxide formulas.
Benefits Of A Quality N.O. Supplement
- Strong Circulation
- Energy Support
- Superior Stamina
- Sharp Focus
- Improved Exercise Performance
How Does N.O. Impact Your Health?
N.O "fuels" your entire body & supports your heart.
Supports Healthy Heart Function
Reinforces Proper Blood Pressure
Promotes Long-Lasting Energy
How Does N.O. Work?
Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels to relax and widen in a literal “heart beat.”
This blood flow support can work wonders for your overall health both inside and out. Plus, nitric oxide can also reduce your heart's everyday workload and help keep your blood pressure in check.
Are Your N.O. Levels Falling?
Well, that depends on your age.
Unfortunately, your body’s ability to produce nitric oxide begins to decline around your 35th birthday. 1
The typical “warning signs” include occasional fatigue, trouble concentrating, and weight issues just to name a few.
What’s worse, your N.O. drop-off only gets worse over time which can even trickle down to your romantic life and heart health.
Fortunately, scientists have identified a few powerful ingredients that are known to help your body create MORE of this amazing molecule.
What's The Evidence For N.O. Supplements?
Blood Pressure: In 2017, a sweeping scientific review revealed promising benefits that NO supplements can help balance healthy blood pressure. 2, 3
Sources: Advances in Nutrition, Frontiers in Physiology
Exercise Performance: One study found that N.O. supplements increase cardiovascular endurance, even during intense exercise. 4, 5 Plus, in an impressive weightlifting trial, participants could do significantly more reps after taking beetroot juice, an excellent source of N.O. 6
Sources: Journal of Applied Physiology, Journal of Conditioning and Strength Research
Mental & Physical Energy: In another clinical trial, N.O. supplements decreased participants' fatigue – all while they were doing repeated sprints. Meanwhile, a similar study found that subjects scored higher on cognitive tests after taking N.O. supplements! 7, 8
Sources: Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health
Supplement Must-Have: Beetroot
A new study shows participants’ N.O. levels rise 21% just 45 minutes after one shot of beetroot juice. 9*
Why? Well, beetroot is one of the highest sources of nitrate.
Amazingly, this compound gets converted into nitric oxide by the bacteria in your mouth! (That’s why it’s important to only use mouthwash sparingly so you don’t kill them off.)
The nitrate-to-nitric oxide pathway has far-reaching benefits too from optimal blood pressure, stamina, focus, and even “bedroom” performance. 10, 11, 12, 13
We highly recommend beetroot supplements and for the best results, you should seek a dosage of at least 3,500 mg.
Beetroot vs. L-Arginine
L-arginine has been one of the "go-to" sources for N.O. support for years. However, there’s been some skepticism as of late.
In a recent study from Nutrition & Metabolism, L-arginine didn't increase N.O. levels at all. 14
Plus, an extensive scientific review found little evidence for its exercise performance benefits. 15
In reality, L-arginine is likely so popular because it's cheap for companies to produce. That’s why we recommend beetroot as the superior option.
Additional Ingredients For Best Results
Up to 90% of Americans fall short in the daily requirement of these vital nutrients. 16
Thanks to its amazing circulation support, beetroot is great to take with vitamins and minerals. That makes them a perfect combo – especially considering the head-to-toe benefits they provide.
Vitamin C: One impressive study found that people with higher levels of Vitamin C had sharper focus and less overall fatigue. 17
Vitamin D: This essential vitamin is thought to play a key role in how we produce serotonin – the “happiness chemical.” It even regulates your mood, appetite, and sleep quality!
Vitamin B: There are 8 types of Vitamin B. They’re responsible for tons of important jobs like helping your body convert food into energy and maintaining healthy skin cells.
Keep in mind, that's just a small sample of what great nutrition can do for you. We recommend supplements with all the essential vitamins and minerals – that way, you won't miss out on any of the wonderful health benefits.
Associated with a healthier heart, weight, blood sugar, and more.
Researchers reveal that people with high-fiber diets have better cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 18
They're even more likely to experience healthier aging. 19
Unfortunately, though, fiber is another nutrient most Americans are lacking. So, look for a formula with around 6 grams of fiber to help close the gap.
New findings: gut health & heart health are deeply connected. 20
Did you know: top athletes across the world tend to have incredibly healthy gut bacteria?
These microorganisms help you pull more nutrients from the foods you eat for higher energy and fewer unhealthy cravings.
Scientists have also found that gut bacteria can even help keep your stress under control which is incredibly valuable for long-term heart health.
What to Avoid
Proprietary Blends
These blends don't reveal the quantities of each ingredient they use. As a result, manufacturers may "pad" a blend with lots of cheap, low-quality ingredients... and skimp out on the ones your body really needs.
Our Favorite Nitric Oxide Supplements of 2024
After analyzing a number of top-selling N.O. supplements with the above criteria, we've found a total of 5 formulas that really stand out. You can find them below:
1. CardioFitMD™
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9.
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 4000mg Beetroot Powder
- Contains 6g of Fiber
- Probiotics & Prebiotics
- Non-GMO
- 20 Vitamins & Minerals
- 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CONS
- Only Sold Online
The Bottom Line
CardioFitMD is an impressive, "all-in-one" beetroot and multivitamin supplement.
To start, its 4,000mgs of beetroot provide powerful nitric oxide support. This dosage falls in line with our research, so we're confident of its blood pressure and energy benefits.
CardioFitMD also packs 20 key vitamins and minerals. That way, you can get optimal benefits from nitric oxide – along with all the nutrients you need for optimal health.
On top of that, 1MD Nutrition even added an ideal 6 grams of fiber and high-quality Bacillus coagulans probiotic to help you manage your weight!
Finally, customers seem to love CardioFitMD's taste and texture, as well as its exceptional 90-day money-back guarantee.
We can't recommend this health formula enough, which is why CardioFitMD’s our #1 pick.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. Pre-Workout
9.
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 4g Organic Beetroot Powder
- Vitamin C
- Non-GMO
- No Unnecessary Fillers
- 365-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CONS
- Contains Caffeine
- No Fiber
- No Probiotics
- Lacks Several Vitamins
The Bottom Line
Despite its name, Essential Elements' Pre-Workout is a great beetroot supplement – even if you're not about to go hit the gym.
It’s filled with a steady 4-gram dosage of beetroot for the circulation support you deserve. Coupled with a full supply of Vitamin C, this pre-workout helps you sustain effortless energy throughout the day.
Now, let’s talk about some minor drawbacks…
Unfortunately, this supplement does lack a few key ingredients – including fiber, probiotics, and various vitamins. This can limit its role in weight management and cardiovascular health.
We'd also like to note that Essential Elements’ Pre-Workout contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
All in all, though, this pure, high-quality formula and impressive 365-day money-back guarantee earn Pre-Workout the #2 spot on our list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
3. Nitric Oxide Organic Beets
7/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- Organic Beetroot Powder
- Vitamin B & C
- 90-Day Return Policy
CONS
- Unclear Beetroot Dosage
- Only 2g Fiber
- No Probiotics
- Lacks Important Vitamins
The Bottom Line
The core of Nitric Oxide Organic Beets is a proprietary blend that includes beetroot, pomegranate, and more. It also has a generous amount of Vitamin B and some Vitamin C, which makes Nitric Oxide Organic Beets a strong option for circulation support.
However, since this supplement uses a proprietary blend, it's difficult to tell how much beetroot it actually contains.
What's more, Nitric Oxide Organic Beets only has 2g of fiber, and does not contain probiotics and many essential vitamins. So, its health benefits may not be as far-reaching as you'd like to see.
Still, this is a strong formula backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee. That's why it was an easy decision to give it the #3 spot.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
4. Total Nitric Oxide
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains Fermented Beetroot
- Extra N.O. From Citrulline
- 90-Day Return Policy
CONS
- Proprietary Blend
- Missing Vitamins
- No Fiber
- No Probiotics
The Bottom Line
Like many N.O. supplements, ONNIT's Total Nitric Oxide is built around a proprietary blend that includes beetroot — but we can't confirm the exact dosage.
To some degree, Total Nitric Oxide fills this gap with L-citrulline, a strong N.O. source. However, given the impressive studies behind beetroot, we'd prefer it to be the clear "star" of any nitric oxide formula.
The bigger issue though is ONNIT's lack of vitamins, fiber, and probiotics. It's a major missed opportunity for great health benefits.
That said, Total Nitric Oxide's formula provides respectable circulation support, and we appreciate its generous 90-day return policy. It earns the #4 spot on our list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
5. Nitric Oxide Support
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- N.O. from L-Citrulline
- Vitamin C
CONS
- L-Arginine Based Formula
- Lacks Most Vitamins & Minerals
- No Fiber
- No Probiotics
- Unclear Return Policy
The Bottom Line
Last on our list is Pure Encapsulations' Nitric Oxide Support. This L-arginine-based formula rounds out with extra N.O. from L-citrulline and Vitamin C.
Based on our research, L-arginine's N.O. support leaves something to be desired. Meanwhile, this formula also lacks vitamins, fiber, and probiotics. Ultimately, we feel it won't offer as much cardiovascular benefit as others on this list.
Plus, the inclusion of Vitamin C stands above many other products on the market. So, that earns it the last and final spot on this list.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More
Disclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
Sources
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2. Torregrossa AC, Aranke M, Bryan NS. Nitric oxide and geriatrics: Implications in diagnostics and treatment of the elderly. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology : JGC. 2011 Dec;8(4):230-242. DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1263.2011.00230. PMID: 22783310; PMCID: PMC3390088.
3. Bahadoran Z, Mirmiran P, Kabir A, Azizi F, Ghasemi A. The Nitrate-Independent Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Beetroot Juice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr. 2017 Nov 15;8(6):830-838. doi: 10.3945/an.117.016717. Erratum in: Adv Nutr. 2018 May 1;9(3):274. PMID: 29141968; PMCID: PMC5683004.
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5. Bailey, S. J., Winyard, P., Vanhatalo, A., Blackwell, J. R., Dimenna, F. J., Wilkerson, D. P., Tarr, J., Benjamin, N., & Jones, A. M. (2009). Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 107(4), 1144–1155
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16. Oregon State University: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview#shortfall-micronutrients
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* In a study using 70 mL beetroot juice, participants' plasma blood oxide levels increased 21% just 45 minutes after ingestion.