Nitric oxide can have positive and negative effects on endurance.
Athletes are constantly searching for supplements that improve performance. Nitric oxide (NO) was developed by Ed Byrd, co-founder of EAS, as a supplement to build muscle. NO can have positive and negative effects for an endurance athlete.
Function
NO acts as a hemodilator causing increased blood flow to muscles and causing a "pump" - or the feeling of blood-filled muscles.
Considerations
Originally, NO was designed for body builders as a supplement to gain muscle size. Endurance athletes are not typically looking to gain muscle size.
Benefits
Nitric Oxide can increase the ability to transport glucose to working muscles. This can result in increased energy available during runs.
Bloodflow
Being a vasodilator, NO improves blood flow that can have a positive effect on endurance by providing oxygen and nutrients to the working muscles.
Warning
Side effects of NO can be diarrhea and nausea which are two symptoms that can negatively effect performance of endurance athletes.
Tags: have positive, blood flow, effects endurance, gain muscle, gain muscle size, have positive negative