Is nitric oxide booster the same as nitric oxide? The crucial difference explained

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 80% of dietary nitrate intake comes from vegetables, which the body converts into nitric oxide. Despite the shared name, is nitric oxide booster the same as nitric oxide? No, the booster is a supplement containing precursor ingredients, while nitric oxide is the gas molecule your body produces.

Quick Summary

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule with a very short lifespan, while nitric oxide boosters are supplements containing precursors like L-arginine, L-citrulline, and nitrates that help stimulate the body's natural NO production.

Key Points

Not the Same: Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas molecule produced by the body, while NO boosters are supplements containing precursors to aid this production.
Precursor Ingredients: Boosters typically contain L-arginine, L-citrulline, and nitrates from sources like beetroot to enhance NO synthesis.
Vasodilation Effect: The goal of both natural and supplemental methods is to increase NO's effect of relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Natural Alternatives: The safest way to boost NO is through nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beetroot, along with regular exercise.
Variable Regulation: Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA like medications, so product quality and effects can vary.
Effectiveness Varies: Research on the ergogenic benefits of NO supplements is mixed, with effects possibly more pronounced in untrained individuals.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.

The world of sports nutrition and dietary supplements can be confusing, with similar-sounding names causing a great deal of misunderstanding. A prime example is the distinction between nitric oxide and the supplements marketed as "nitric oxide boosters." The simple truth is that they are not the same thing. One is a natural gas produced by the body, and the others are products designed to help increase the body's production of that gas.

What is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide, often abbreviated as NO, is a critical signaling molecule produced naturally within the human body. It plays a vital role in many physiological processes, most notably cardiovascular health. Its primary function is vasodilation, the process of relaxing the inner muscles of the blood vessels, which causes them to widen.

This vasodilation effect leads to several important benefits:

Improved blood flow: By widening the blood vessels, nitric oxide increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and organs.
Lower blood pressure: Increased blood flow reduces the pressure on artery walls, which can help regulate blood pressure.
Enhanced athletic performance: The improved oxygen and nutrient transport can lead to increased exercise endurance and better overall performance.
Support for the immune system: Nitric oxide plays a role in the function of immune cells.

What are Nitric Oxide Boosters?

Nitric oxide boosters are dietary supplements that do not contain actual nitric oxide gas. Instead, they are formulated with ingredients that act as precursors, meaning they provide the raw materials or stimulate the pathways that encourage your body to produce more of its own nitric oxide. These products are popular among athletes and bodybuilders seeking to achieve a better "pump" during workouts.

Key ingredients in NO boosters

The most common ingredients found in these supplements are amino acids and nitrates, which function differently to support the body's NO production.

L-Arginine: This is a conditionally essential amino acid and a direct precursor to nitric oxide via the L-arginine-NO pathway. While it directly aids NO synthesis, oral L-arginine has limited effectiveness for some due to a high rate of breakdown in the gut and liver before it reaches the bloodstream.
L-Citrulline: A non-essential amino acid, L-citrulline is often considered a more effective supplement than L-arginine. This is because L-citrulline is not broken down as readily in the body and is efficiently converted to L-arginine in the kidneys, leading to higher and more sustained levels of L-arginine for NO production.
Nitrates: Found naturally in certain vegetables like beetroot and leafy greens, dietary nitrates are converted by oral bacteria and then in the stomach into nitrite, which is then further converted into nitric oxide.

Nitric Oxide vs. Nitric Oxide Boosters


Feature	Nitric Oxide (NO)	Nitric Oxide Boosters
Nature	A short-lived gas signaling molecule.	Dietary supplements containing precursor ingredients.
Origin	Produced naturally by the body from amino acids and nitrates.	Synthetically produced or derived from food sources.
Function	Causes vasodilation to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.	Provides the raw materials to aid the body's own nitric oxide synthesis.
Availability	Not directly ingestible as a supplement due to its gaseous nature and short half-life.	Available in capsules, powders, liquids, and gummies.
Regulation	An endogenous molecule; its production is a natural physiological process.	Regulated as dietary supplements, which face less stringent oversight than pharmaceuticals.
Side Effects	Not applicable, as it's naturally produced. Deficiencies can lead to health issues.	Can cause bloating, diarrhea, or low blood pressure in some cases.

Natural vs. Supplemental Sources for Boosting NO

Many people can effectively boost their nitric oxide levels through a balanced diet and regular exercise, eliminating the need for supplements.

Dietary sources

Consuming foods rich in nitrates is one of the most effective and safest ways to increase NO production naturally. When you eat nitrate-rich foods, bacteria in your mouth convert nitrates to nitrites, which are then converted to nitric oxide in the body.

Good dietary sources include:

Beetroot and beetroot juice
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula
Celery
Carrots
Watermelon, a natural source of L-citrulline

Exercise and lifestyle factors

Regular physical activity is also a powerful natural booster of nitric oxide. Exercise improves the function of the endothelium, the thin layer of cells lining your blood vessels that produce nitric oxide. When you exercise, these cells are stimulated to release more NO, promoting vasodilation and keeping your blood vessels healthy. Other lifestyle factors include getting some sunlight, which can trigger NO release in the skin, and limiting the use of mouthwash, which can kill the beneficial bacteria needed for the nitrate-to-nitrite conversion.

Risks and Considerations

While natural methods of boosting nitric oxide are generally safe, the use of supplements comes with certain considerations. Since the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements with the same strictness as medications, the quality and potency of different products can vary. Furthermore, some individuals may experience side effects such as digestive issues or low blood pressure, especially when combining boosters with other medications. Before taking any new supplement, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that a nitric oxide booster is not the same as nitric oxide itself. The booster is a supplement containing precursor ingredients like L-arginine, L-citrulline, and nitrates that help the body produce its own NO. This naturally occurring gas is vital for cardiovascular health and athletic performance. While supplements can offer a way to increase NO levels, particularly for athletes, a balanced diet rich in vegetables and regular exercise are proven and safer methods for supporting healthy nitric oxide production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitric oxide is a gas molecule produced naturally by the body. It acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the inner muscles of blood vessels to increase blood flow, which helps regulate blood pressure, transport oxygen, and support exercise performance.

Nitric oxide boosters are supplements that contain precursor ingredients, such as amino acids (L-arginine and L-citrulline) and nitrates (from foods like beetroot), that stimulate your body's natural production of nitric oxide.

No, L-arginine is a direct precursor to nitric oxide, but it is less bioavailable than L-citrulline. L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the kidneys and is often more effective at raising blood arginine and nitric oxide levels.

Yes, a diet rich in nitrate-heavy foods like beetroot, spinach, and other leafy greens can significantly increase your body's nitric oxide production. Regular exercise also promotes healthy nitric oxide levels.

Nitric oxide supplements are generally considered safe, but potential side effects like digestive issues, headaches, or low blood pressure can occur. Because they are not as strictly regulated as medications, it is wise to consult a doctor before use.

Research on the effects of nitric oxide supplements on athletic performance is mixed, with some studies showing potential benefits for endurance and strength, particularly in untrained individuals. However, evidence is not unanimous, and natural methods are also effective.

People with low blood pressure should be cautious, as nitric oxide boosters can further lower blood pressure due to their vasodilating effect, potentially causing dizziness or fainting. A healthcare provider should be consulted before use.

The best dietary sources of natural nitrates include beetroot, spinach, arugula, celery, and other dark, leafy green vegetables.

Yes, some research shows that mouthwash kills the beneficial oral bacteria that help convert dietary nitrates into nitric oxide. Limiting its use can help maintain adequate NO production.