4 Ways Nitric Oxide Can Improve Brain Health, Cognition & Reaction Time.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including blood flow and neurotransmission in the brain. In recent years, research has shed light on the potential of NO supplementation to improve brain health and cognitive function.

1. Increased Blood Flow and Oxygenation

One of the key functions of nitric oxide is to regulate blood flow and oxygenation in the body. By dilating blood vessels, NO increases blood flow to the brain, providing it with more oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood flow can improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and increase mental clarity.

Studies have shown that nitric oxide supplementation can lead to significant improvements in cognitive performance in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that NO supplementation improved memory and executive function in older adults with hypertension.

2. Improved Reaction Time

Nitric oxide may improve reaction time by increasing blood flow to the brain and muscles. This may enhance cognitive and physical performance by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to these tissues. This article reports that nitrate supplementation improved reaction time and exercise performance in healthy young men at simulated high altitude conditions. "Effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on physiological responses, cognitive function, and exercise performance at moderate and very-high simulated altitude" by Kelly et al. (2014).

3. Improved Neurotransmission

Nitric oxide also plays a role in neurotransmission, the process by which signals are transmitted between neurons in the brain. By modulating neurotransmitter levels, nitric oxide can improve cognitive function and increase mental clarity.

Studies have shown that nitric oxide supplementation can increase neurotransmitter levels, leading to improvements in mood, memory, and executive function. For example, a study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission found that nitric oxide supplementation improved memory performance in healthy individuals. Magnesium also plays a strong roll in neurotransmission as shown in this article (3 Ways Magnesium Supports Healthy Cognitive Function and Focus (vitaplur.io)). This is why the nootropic Pre-Boost Gum by VitaPLUR ads magnesium to its NO boosting formula as well.

4. Neuroprotection

In addition to its role in blood flow and neurotransmission, nitric oxide also has neuroprotective properties. Studies have shown that nitric oxide supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, leading to improved brain health and cognitive function. For example, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that nitric oxide supplementation improved memory performance in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

In conclusion, nitric oxide has the potential to improve brain health and cognitive function in a number of ways, including increasing blood flow and oxygenation, improving neurotransmission, reaction time and providing neuroprotection. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits of nitric oxide supplementation and to determine the optimal dosing and administration.

Sources:

• Journal of Clinical Hypertension: "Effects of Nitric Oxide on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial"

• Journal of Neural Transmission: "Nitric Oxide and Cognitive Performance: A Review of the Literature"

• Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: "Nitric Oxide and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of the Literature"

• Kelly et al. (2014): "Effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on physiological responses, cognitive function, and exercise performance at moderate and very-high simulated altitude"