Does Nitric Oxide Make You Feel Bloated? What You Need to Know

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, L-arginine, a common ingredient in nitric oxide supplements, can cause bloating and other gastrointestinal side effects. So, does nitric oxide make you feel bloated? The short answer is yes, but it's typically a result of the high doses of amino acids, not the nitric oxide molecule itself.

Quick Summary

Bloating is a potential, often temporary, side effect of nitric oxide supplements, usually caused by the high concentration of amino acids like L-arginine and L-citrulline.

Key Points

Bloating can occur: Bloating is a possible side effect of nitric oxide supplements, primarily due to the amino acid ingredients.
L-Arginine is a key cause: High doses of L-arginine are a common cause of gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, nausea, and stomach pain.
L-Citrulline is better tolerated: Supplements containing L-citrulline are generally less likely to cause bloating, though starting with a low dose is still recommended.
Start low, go slow: Mitigate bloating by beginning with a small dosage and taking the supplement with food.
Hydration helps: Drinking ample water can aid in digestion and help your body process the supplement's ingredients more smoothly.
It's the amino acids, not the gas: The bloating is a side effect of how your digestive system handles the supplement's components, not the nitric oxide molecule itself.

The Link Between Nitric Oxide Supplements and Bloating

For those who experience it, bloating is a notable side effect of some nitric oxide (NO) supplements. While not everyone will experience this discomfort, it's a common issue, particularly with certain ingredients. The bloating is not caused by the nitric oxide gas itself, but rather by the amino acids used to increase its production in the body.

Why Ingredients Like L-Arginine Can Cause Gas and Bloating

High doses of amino acids are the primary culprits behind supplement-induced gastrointestinal (GI) distress. L-arginine, for example, is well-known for causing GI side effects when taken orally in large amounts. When a high dose of this amino acid enters the digestive system, it can disrupt the normal balance of fluids and electrolytes, leading to bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. This happens because the body struggles to process the large quantity of the substance all at once.

L-Citrulline: A Potentially Gentler Alternative

L-citrulline is another common ingredient in NO boosters, and while it's generally better tolerated than L-arginine, it can still cause GI issues like bloating and cramping, especially when starting with a high dose. The gastrointestinal side effects are often less severe, making it a popular choice for those sensitive to L-arginine. The key is to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to see how your body reacts.

The Role of Osmosis in Bloating

The phenomenon of osmotic imbalance plays a significant role in supplement-related bloating. High concentrations of undigested amino acids in the gut can draw excess water into the intestines. This influx of water can lead to gas, cramping, and a distended, bloated feeling. This is a common mechanism for many types of supplements and is not unique to nitric oxide boosters.

How to Prevent and Relieve Bloating from NO Supplements

If you're experiencing bloating from your nitric oxide supplement, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize or eliminate the discomfort. Prevention is often a matter of adjusting your routine and listening to your body's signals.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Bloating

Start with a lower dose: Rather than jumping to the maximum recommended dose, start with half or a quarter of a serving to assess your tolerance. Gradually increase the dose over several days or weeks.
Take with food: Taking your supplement alongside a meal can slow down its absorption and reduce the concentration of amino acids in your gut at any given time, mitigating GI distress.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial. It helps with overall digestive function and can help the body process the supplement more effectively.
Switch ingredients: If L-arginine is causing trouble, consider switching to a supplement with L-citrulline, which often has a better GI side effect profile.
Space out your doses: If your supplement requires multiple daily doses, consider taking them at different times, rather than all at once, to give your digestive system more time to process them.

Comparison of L-Arginine vs. L-Citrulline for Nitric Oxide Boosting


Feature	L-Arginine	L-Citrulline
Mechanism	Directly involved in NO synthesis.	Acts as a precursor, converting to L-arginine in the kidneys.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects	More prone to causing bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea, especially at high doses.	Generally better tolerated with fewer GI side effects; potential for bloating and cramping at high doses.
Absorption	Poorly absorbed by the small intestine; high doses can cause osmotic issues.	Absorbed more efficiently, leading to higher and more sustained plasma L-arginine levels.
Nitric Oxide Production	Effective for increasing NO levels, but limited by poor absorption.	Often more effective at raising NO levels in the long run due to better bioavailability.

When Bloating Warrants Medical Consultation

While mild bloating is often a temporary and manageable side effect, there are situations when it's wise to consult a healthcare provider. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying signs, seek medical advice. Signs to watch out for include severe pain, chronic diarrhea, or any symptoms that significantly interfere with your daily life. A doctor can help determine if the supplement is the cause or if there is another underlying issue.

The Final Word on Bloating and Nitric Oxide

Does nitric oxide make you feel bloated? The answer lies in the delivery system, not the molecule itself. The amino acids used as precursors can, in high doses, lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating. By understanding this mechanism and employing practical strategies like adjusting dosage, taking supplements with food, and considering alternative ingredients like L-citrulline, you can often mitigate the discomfort. The benefits of increased nitric oxide production—including improved blood flow, exercise performance, and recovery—are significant for many users, and managing mild side effects is often a simple process.

For more detailed information on L-arginine and its side effects, consult a reliable medical source like the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitric oxide supplements often cause bloating due to the high concentration of amino acids, particularly L-arginine. The digestive system can struggle to process large doses, leading to an osmotic effect that draws excess water into the gut and causes discomfort, gas, and bloating.

For most people, mild bloating is a temporary and not-serious side effect. However, if bloating is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain or chronic diarrhea, you should consult a healthcare professional.

To prevent bloating, try starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing it over time. Taking the supplement with food can also help slow absorption and reduce GI distress. Staying well-hydrated is also beneficial.

L-arginine is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects, including bloating, especially at higher doses. L-citrulline is often better tolerated and has a better bioavailability, but can still cause mild bloating or cramping, especially when first starting.

Yes, taking your nitric oxide supplement with a meal can help reduce bloating. Eating food slows down the digestive process, which allows your body to process the amino acids more gradually and reduces the osmotic effect that can cause discomfort.

Yes, if a supplement containing L-arginine is causing significant bloating, you can try switching to one that primarily uses L-citrulline or beetroot extract, which are less likely to cause severe GI issues.

No, the bloating is not caused by the gas molecule nitric oxide being trapped. The issue is with the digestive system's response to the amino acid ingredients in the supplement, such as L-arginine or L-citrulline, particularly in high doses.