Nitric oxide is one of the most talked-about molecules in the world of energy, circulation and exercise — and for good reason. Your body makes it naturally, and it plays a role in how freely your blood flows to your muscles and tissues. In this guide we'll cover what nitric oxide actually is, why it matters, and the simple, natural ways you can support your body's own production of it.
What is nitric oxide?
Nitric oxide (often shortened to 'NO') is a small molecule your body produces on its own. One of its main jobs is vasodilation — a fancy word for helping the inner walls of your blood vessels relax so blood can move through them more easily. Because blood carries oxygen and nutrients everywhere they need to go, healthy nitric oxide levels are closely tied to how energized and how good your circulation feels day to day.
Here's the catch: your natural nitric oxide production tends to decline as you get older. That's why many people look to their diet and to targeted supplements to help support it.
Why nitric oxide matters
Supporting healthy nitric oxide levels is popular for a few everyday reasons:
- Circulation: nitric oxide helps support normal, healthy blood flow throughout the body.
- Energy and stamina: better blood flow means oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles efficiently, which many people associate with feeling more energized.
- Exercise performance: this is why nitric oxide is a favourite among athletes and gym-goers, who often talk about a better 'pump' and endurance during training.
A quick, honest note: supplements are meant to support your body's normal function alongside a healthy lifestyle — they aren't a treatment for any medical condition. If you have a health concern or take medication, it's always worth checking with your doctor first.
3 natural ways to boost nitric oxide
There are three well-known ingredients that help support your body's nitric oxide production. The interesting part is that they work through two different pathways — which is why using them together can be so effective.
1. L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid your body uses as a direct building block for nitric oxide. It's the most familiar name in this category, and it's found in foods like nuts, seeds, poultry and legumes. As a supplement, it's a straightforward way to give your body more of the raw material it uses to make NO.
2. L-citrulline
L-citrulline is an amino acid found naturally in watermelon. Here's the clever bit: your body converts citrulline into arginine, and research suggests taking citrulline can raise arginine levels in the blood even more effectively than taking arginine on its own. Pairing the two is a popular strategy for exactly this reason.
3. Dietary nitrates from beetroot
Beetroot is rich in natural dietary nitrates, which your body can convert into nitric oxide through a completely separate pathway from the amino acids above. This is why beetroot powder and beet juice have become so popular with endurance athletes. Because it works through a different route, beetroot complements arginine and citrulline rather than duplicating them.
Why get all three together
Since arginine and citrulline feed one pathway and beetroot feeds another, combining all three covers more ground than any single ingredient on its own. That's the thinking behind our ALL-IN-ONE circulation, energy & endurance formula — it brings L-arginine, L-citrulline and beetroot together in one daily capsule, so you don't have to buy and juggle three separate products. It's made in Canada, third-party tested, GMP-certified, vegan and free of stimulants.
How to take nitric oxide support
General guidance for this category: take it consistently each day, and many people who use it around exercise prefer taking it 30–60 minutes before a workout. Follow the directions on the label of whichever product you choose, and give it a few weeks of consistent use — like most supplements, nitric oxide support works best as a daily habit rather than a one-off.
Frequently asked questions
Is nitric oxide the same as pre-workout?
Not exactly. Many pre-workouts include caffeine and other stimulants for a quick hit of energy. Nitric oxide support focuses on circulation and blood flow instead, which is why some people prefer a stimulant-free option they can take any time of day.
Arginine or citrulline — which is better?
They actually work as a team. Citrulline helps raise your arginine levels, and arginine is a direct building block for nitric oxide, so using them together tends to make more sense than choosing one over the other.
How long until I notice anything?
Supplements aren't instant. Most people give a nitric oxide routine a few weeks of daily, consistent use. Individual results vary.
This article is for general educational purposes only and isn't medical advice. Always read and follow the product label, and speak with a healthcare professional if you're pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
You may also be researching:
- Energy, Heart Health & Circulation — the full pillar guide this article is part of
- CoQ10, Beetroot & Nitrates: How They Support Heart Health and Circulation
- Beetroot & Dietary Nitrates, Explained