Noxygen Blend
Also known as: Nitric Oxide Blend, NO Blend, L-Arginine Nitrate, L-Glycine, Agmatine Sulfate, L-Ornithine HCl, Hawthorne Berry (Crataegus pinnatifida) Powder, Beet Root (Beta vulgaris) extract, Noxygen Blend
Overview
Noxygen Blend is a proprietary multi-ingredient complex designed to enhance exercise performance, increase blood flow, and support cardiovascular health by boosting nitric oxide (NO) availability. It combines amino acids such as L-Arginine Nitrate, L-Glycine, Agmatine Sulfate, and L-Ornithine HCl with plant extracts like Hawthorne Berry (Crataegus pinnatifida) Powder and Beet Root (Beta vulgaris) extract, which are rich in nitrates. The blend is typically classified as a pre-workout or endurance-enhancing supplement. While individual components like L-Arginine and beet root have been extensively studied for their roles in NO production and vascular function, direct high-quality randomized controlled trials on the specific Noxygen blend are limited. The blend aims to induce vasodilation, thereby improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles during physical activity. Despite its plausible mechanism, the overall research maturity level for the blend itself is moderate, with most evidence derived from studies on its individual ingredients.
Benefits
The Noxygen Blend is marketed to offer several benefits, primarily related to enhanced exercise performance and cardiovascular support. Individual components like L-Arginine and beet root have shown modest improvements in endothelial function and exercise tolerance in some randomized controlled trials, particularly in populations with existing endothelial dysfunction or cardiovascular risk factors. These benefits are attributed to increased nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow. However, a significant limitation is the lack of direct, high-quality evidence for the Noxygen Blend itself. A 2020 study on a similar multi-ingredient nitric oxide blend found no significant improvement in exercise performance, blood flow, or autonomic nervous system function in healthy adults. Secondary effects, such as potential antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, may arise from the hawthorne berry and beet root extracts, though their clinical significance can vary. Overall, while the theoretical basis for benefits exists, the effect sizes observed in studies on nitric oxide precursors are generally small to moderate, and the clinical relevance of the Noxygen Blend remains uncertain, especially in healthy populations.
How it works
The Noxygen Blend primarily functions by aiming to increase nitric oxide (NO) production within the body, which is a potent vasodilator. L-Arginine serves as a direct substrate for the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which converts L-Arginine into NO. Additionally, dietary nitrates from beet root are converted to nitrites and then to NO via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, a process that involves oral bacteria and subsequent systemic reduction. Agmatine sulfate and L-Ornithine HCl are also included, potentially modulating NO pathways indirectly or supporting arginine metabolism. By increasing NO availability, the blend promotes vasodilation, leading to improved blood flow and enhanced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles during exercise. This mechanism is intended to support endurance and overall exercise performance. The absorption and bioavailability of these components vary, with L-Arginine having variable oral bioavailability and beet root nitrates requiring specific conversion steps.
Side effects
The Noxygen Blend is generally considered safe at typical supplement doses. However, users may experience some side effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a common side effect reported with L-Arginine, one of the primary components. Less common side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, include headaches and flushing, which are typically attributed to the vasodilatory effects of increased nitric oxide. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, may include hypotension (low blood pressure) in sensitive individuals. It is crucial to be aware of potential drug interactions; the blend may have additive effects with antihypertensive medications, potentially leading to an excessive drop in blood pressure. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals taking such medications. The blend is contraindicated in individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure or those currently on nitrate medications due to the risk of severe hypotension. Data on its safety in special populations, such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe cardiovascular disease, are limited, and its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for the Noxygen Blend can vary as it is a proprietary blend with varying ingredient ratios. However, based on its primary components, general guidelines can be inferred. For L-Arginine, doses ranging from 3-6 grams per day have been used in studies to show effects, while beet root nitrate doses around 300-600 mg of nitrate per day are typically considered effective. Proprietary blends like Noxygen commonly provide approximately 2 grams of the NO blend per serving. The maximum safe dose for L-Arginine is generally considered up to 9 grams per day, with higher doses increasing the likelihood of side effects. For acute effects, particularly for exercise performance, it is often recommended to take the blend 30-60 minutes before exercise to maximize its vasodilatory impact. The form of the supplement, typically powder mixed with water, can influence absorption. It's important to note that nitrate bioavailability from beet root can be enhanced by avoiding antibacterial mouthwash, as oral bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrate-nitrite-NO conversion pathway. Additionally, cofactors like Vitamin C and other antioxidants may support NO stability.
FAQs
Does Noxygen Blend improve exercise performance?
Current high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials does not consistently support significant performance enhancement in healthy adults, despite its theoretical benefits.
Is it safe to combine Noxygen Blend with other supplements?
Generally, yes, but caution is advised if you are taking blood pressure medications due to potential additive effects on lowering blood pressure.
How long until effects are noticed?
Acute effects on blood flow and vasodilation may be noticed within an hour of consumption, but consistent performance benefits are not reliably observed.
Are there any common misconceptions about Noxygen Blend?
A common misconception is that all nitric oxide blends dramatically improve exercise performance. Rigorous trials do not consistently support this claim for healthy individuals.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7039476/ – This randomized controlled trial (Blake et al., 2020) investigated a multi-ingredient nitric oxide blend similar to Noxygen in healthy adults. The study found no significant improvements in exercise performance, blood flow, or autonomic function, questioning the efficacy of such blends in this population. It was well-controlled but limited to healthy young adults.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32293681/ – This source (Cohen et al., 2020) highlights the importance of verifying supplement ingredient accuracy, particularly for proprietary blends. While not directly about Noxygen's efficacy, it underscores the need for independent verification of label claims and ingredient effectiveness in the supplement industry.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2308-3425/12/4/112 – This systematic review (MDPI, 2022) on pre-workout supplements discusses various ingredients' effects on exercise and cardiovascular markers. It suggests that while isolated ingredients like betaine may have some benefits, multi-ingredient nitric oxide blends like Noxygen require more specific and rigorous study to substantiate their claimed effects.
