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NO2

tickBoosts energy
tickMuscle Builder
tickStrength enhancer
How does it work?
Dubbed by some as the "new" creatine, NO2 is one of the most popular supplements in the United States. Used 30 minutes prior to a workout, NO2 gives users a "perpetual pump" that lasts long after the workout is over. Its effect on nitric oxide synthesis also means that bodybuilders using NO2 regularly for several weeks usually gain both muscle size and strength.

Per capsule:
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate: 1000 milligrams
Niacin: 20 milligrams
Glucose: 50 milligrams
How does it work?
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate acts to stimulate the production of nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide acts as your body's master "cell-signalling" molecule, directing and ordering a complex array of activities. It regulates blood flow, muscle contraction, nerve signalling and muscle growth, to name just a few [3]. The functions of this molecule are very impressive. However, you can't just go out and buy nitric oxide (known also as NO). Instead, you use Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, which is a natural, non-drug method of creating NO in the human body. Arginine has been shown to increase NO production in blood vessels, where it widens their diameter, increasing blood flow without elevating blood pressure. Wider blood vessels carry more blood to muscles and tissues, delivering increased amounts of protein, carbohydrate and the various anabolic hormones (such as growth hormone and testosterone) needed for muscle growth. When nitric oxide is present in the muscles, it activates “gene-expression” and turns on the body's muscle-building mechanism (commonly called protein synthesis).

The most obvious and immediate benefit of extra NO is the enhanced "pump." Some bodybuilders report that their pumps were far larger and lasted longer. They looked bigger. Their muscles felt fuller and tighter. Some of them literally felt pumped all day. But the pump is really only a side effect. The real benefit is the ability of NO to rapidly generate new muscle growth, increase strength and accelerate recovery in all of the muscles - the small as well as the larger ones. Scientists still don't why, but NO stimulates protein synthesis in the muscle. That protein then goes on to form muscle tissue.

Plain arginine supplements (or even red meat, which is rich in arginine) won't produce the same results. For a supplement to be effective at boosting nitric oxide levels continuously, it needs to have some kind of extended-release delivery system. This is achieved by combining Arginine with Alpha-Ketoglutarate. Arginine also boosts the production of growth hormone. Human growth hormone helps in muscle building, leading to increased muscle size and strength. Growth hormone also decreases body fat. Arginine is a very popular treatment for erectile dysfunction, and has a reputation for restoring sex drive and confidence [1, 2].

Niacin
Niacin (also called vitamin B3) is one of eight water-soluble B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert carbohydrates into sugar, which is "burned" to produce energy. Niacin plays an important role in ridding the body of toxic and harmful chemicals. It also helps the body make various sex and stress-related hormones in the adrenal glands and other parts of the body.

Glucose
Glucose is also known as a monosaccharide. It can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of your intestines, and helps to increase the uptake and absorption of Niacin and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate.
How do I use it?
For optimum results, take 2-4 tablets 30 minutes before training. This will increase muscle pump and fullness. You can also take 2 tablets 3 times a day with a creatine-based product (such as Creatamax 8000GL) to aid muscle growth.
What results can I expect?
Most bodybuilders report greater pumps - not just during the workout, but throughout the day - when NO2 is taken before exercise. NO2 also accelerates muscle growth, though the effects are not instant, and take 20-30 days to become apparent. Some people may also notice a strong increase in libido when using this product.

1. Gonzalez-Cadavid NF, Rajfer J. (2000). Therapeutic stimulation of penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and related pathways. Drugs Today, 36, 163-174
2. Moody JA, Vernet D, Laidlaw S, Rajfer J, Gonzalez-Cadavid NF. (1997). Effects of long-term oral administration of L-arginine on the rat erectile response. Journal of Urology, 158, 942-947
3. Grange RW, Isotani E, Lau KS, Kamm KE, Huang PL, Stull JT. (2001). Nitric oxide contributes to vascular smooth muscle relaxation in contracting fast-twitch muscles. Physiological Genomics, 5, 35-44

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