For the past 10-15 years, one of the most popular terms in Sports Nutrition is “Nitric Oxide”. Originally L-Arginine was used to give people “pumps” until it was discovered that orally ingested arginine really does very little to nothing for increased Nitric Oxide production. Since then, it has been an all out foot race to find which compounds are capable of truly increasing Nitric Oxide, and which products can give the ultimate pumps. After years of research, and clinical studies, the choice for optimal Nitric Oxide production is found in the all-mighty Nitrate.

How does it work?
Nitrates are inorganic compounds that have been shown to significantly increase Nitric Oxide production through the “nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway”. This can be easily understood by viewing this model:

As shown above, when you ingest a nitrate, it first converts into a Nitrite, and then ultimately into pure Nitric Oxide. What makes this form of Nitric Oxide production so effective is how quickly it is able to be completed in the body, giving you seemingly instantaneous results.

Why Potassium Nitrate instead of other forms of Nitrates?
Potassium Nitrate is the premier form of Nitrate utilization due to several factors. For 1, Potassium Nitrate contains a high percentage of Nitrates in each molecule, unlike other popular Nitrates currently available. This means you need to take less material, to get more Nitrates. In fact, Potassium Nitrate is 61% Nitrate, and only 39% Potassium, so this makes it possible to give you HUGE Nitrate doses, in just a few small pills. Potassium is also used due for its many health benefits such as acting as an electrolyte, enhancing physical performance, and helping to reduce cramping brought on by dehydration from strenuous exercise.

What can Nitrates really do for me?
One of the best aspects about Nitrate usage is that they are beneficial for every type of athlete. By significantly increasing Nitric Oxide, your body is able to perform physical actions at a lower Oxygen requirement. This means that your endurance will be significantly enhanced on your very first dose! Imagine breathing easier, yet running faster, or lasting longer in the weight room.

Another benefit to Nitrate usage is the intense vasodilation it provides. Vasodilation is the literal expanding of your veins, which allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to reach your hungry and tired muscle cells. This gives you a great “pumped” feeling, as well as significantly enhanced recovery.