Exercise Science Expert Explains Nitric Oxide
Alex Rothstein, M.S., instructor for the Exercise Science program, is quoted in a聽聽article about the impact of nitric oxide on fitness performance. He explains that nitric oxide, a gas naturally produced in the body, is known to increase blood flow. Given this, its building block, the essential amino acid L-arginine, is commonly found in pre-workout supplements.聽
鈥淣itric oxide is a gas and free radical that鈥檚 recognized to play a role in several physiological systems. It鈥檚 synthesized from L-arginine, and this is why many supplements that suggest an increase in nitric oxide use L-arginine,鈥 says Rothstein. However, among other points, he also notes that while nitric oxide is essential for vasodilation, research doesn鈥檛 necessarily support the claim that L-arginine supplements produce more nitric oxide than normal dietary intake and exercise.