If you’re a dedicated bodybuilder, you’re probably aware of nitric oxide (NO) boosters on some level. Because they seem to work very well, they’re extremely popular with bodybuilders and other athletes.

NO and Bodybuilding

Your body produces NO naturally. It has a number of purposes, but for the serious bodybuilder, the main benefit is that it increases blood flow in muscle cells. That’s important because better blood flow allows muscles to receive more oxygen. That in turn allows the bodybuilder to endure more-intense workouts and recover faster after exercising.

If you’re looking to boost your workout results with an NO supplement, you won’t have a problem finding them. In fact, the challenge will be to choose the right one. To help you decide, here’s an overview of some of the top sellers.

BSN: NO-Xplode and Nitrix

BSN’s NO-Xplode is a supplement you take before working out to get extra energy and fast results. It blends NO with a creatine compound for more-intense workouts and larger muscles almost immediately. One advantage to this product is that, unlike some other NO supplements, it contains no sugar.

However, as with all supplements, there are possible downsides and side effects to watch out for. Before adding NO-Xplode to your regimen, make sure you’re healthy. And if you experience sleeplessness, tremors, dizziness, or other serious side effects, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Nitrix, another BSN product, aims to deliver the same surplus energy and fast results all NO supplements claim. But it adds another feature: a timed-release mechanism to sustain the effect. According to BSN, this advance allows Nitrix to maintain near-constant levels of the supplement in the user’s body for long-term benefits.

Side effects may include diarrhea and nausea. As with any supplement, it’s important to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on dosage.

Nutrex: Niox

Nutrex’s Niox is another NO supplement that promises to boost energy levels, increase muscle mass, and help you build a stronger, healthier physique. Niox claims an extra effect that helps users see results faster: a special liquid capsule delivery system that affects muscle cells more quickly and dramatically.

Special instructions for Niox use include taking the product on an empty stomach and making sure you drink plenty of water. If you have psychological or heart problems, be sure to seek medical advice before adding Niox to your regimen.

MHP: Anadrox Pump & Burn and TRAC

MHP’s Anadrox Pump & Burn addresses two common goals among bodybuilders: building muscle mass while also burning fat. The dual action can help bodybuilders who want to achieve muscle definition and larger muscle size. It also claims to deliver the extra energy and fast results other NO supplements provide.

As with other NO supplements, taking Anadrox Pump & Burn can result in side effects in some individuals. These may include nausea, diarrhea, and weakness.

TRAC, also from MHP, offers efficient NO delivery through a timed-release mechanism. It claims to increase the availability of creatine for sustained athletic activity or weight lifting, which translates into more energy and fast recovery times. This product contains no sugar, which is good news for the calorie-conscious body builder.

The manufacturer reports that there are no adverse side effects noted for creatine. However, potential users should be aware of side effects associated with all NO supplements and take precautions accordingly.

Pinnacle NoX2

Pinnacle’s NoX2 is another popular NO supplement that may help bodybuilders pump up their workouts and enjoy fast results. It enlists a compound comprising beta cyclodextrin, cephalins, inulin, and xanthan to deliver NO to the muscles to enhance energy availability.

Pinnacle warns that people with blood pressure issues, thyroid or liver problems, psychiatric diseases, or diabetes should not take NoX2. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid the supplement.

Which Should You Choose?

Each individual’s body works differently. Every athlete has unique goals and concerns. That means the best course of action when choosing a supplement is to do a little research and draw your own conclusions. The good news is that when you’re in the market for an NO supplement, you’ll have plenty of products from which to choose.

—Sherry Ciurczak