Nitric oxide is a simple gas found in the air and produced by the human body. It transmits signals between cells and regulates blood flow. Bodybuilders take NO supplements to increase blood flow, but excessive amounts can cause harm. NO is beneficial in moderate amounts for high blood pressure and destroying bacteria and malignant cells.
Nitric oxide is a chemical compound generated naturally by humans and animals. It is one of the simplest compound gases, having only one nitrogen (N) and one oxygen (O) in its composition, giving it the chemical formula of NO. The colorless gas is also found in the air and comes from fossil fuels and automobile emissions and becomes a pollutant. In 1992, nitric oxide was named “Molecule of the Year” because studies of the gas helped advance fields such as immunology, neuroscience and physiology.
The discovery of nitric oxide is given much credit to Joseph Priestly, an English theologian and clergyman whose interest in science also led him to discover oxygen. Priestly initially called the chemical compound “nitrous air” when he discovered it in 1772 and classified it as a toxic gas found in air. It was more than two centuries later, in 1987, when it was discovered that the gas was naturally present and also produced by the human body.
One of the most important functions of nitric oxide in the body is to transmit “messages” or signals between cells to carry out certain processes. NO is especially important in regulating and providing blood flow to certain parts of the body when needed. For example, when a person’s exposed arms need blood to keep them warm, the blood vessels will signal NO, which will then pass the message to the muscles. In turn, the muscles will relax, causing blood vessels to dilate and more blood to enter. NO also helps the body reduce blood flow levels when it’s comfortable.
Bodybuilders have harnessed nitric oxide’s unique ability to increase blood flow by taking NO supplements, presumably to deliver more blood to muscles and make them bigger. Unfortunately, excessive amounts of NO become free radicals which can destroy cells and cause more harm than good to the body. Studies have shown that NO can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and severe weakness. In the worst cases, arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat may also occur.
In moderate and prescribed amounts, nitric oxide is beneficial for patients suffering from high blood pressure and helps prevent the arteries from becoming clogged. In 1989, cells called macrophages were also shown to use the compound to destroy certain bacteria and malignant cells in the body. Nitric oxide has also been used for those suffering from erectile dysfunction.
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