Nitric Oxide Supplements UK
L-Citrulline and beetroot extract are two of the most widely used ingredients in sports nutrition. This page explains what they are, what the published literature has examined, what our formula contains, and what UK regulations allow us to say about them — which is less than most brands selling these ingredients would have you believe.
Author: Dr Chun Tang, MBChB (Manchester), MRCGP, MBA
Practising GP, 26 years of clinical experience. GP at Pall Mall Medical (CQC-registered), Manchester. As featured in The Telegraph, The Mirror, The Independent and Women's Health.
The Biochemistry, Stated Plainly
Nitric oxide is a signalling molecule produced naturally in the body. It is generated by two broad routes: an enzymatic pathway that uses the amino acid L-arginine as a substrate, and a dietary nitrate pathway involving nitrate-rich foods, oral bacteria and subsequent conversion in the body.
L-Citrulline is an amino acid that the body converts to L-arginine. Beetroot is one of the more concentrated dietary sources of nitrate. That is the mechanistic rationale behind the ingredient pairing, and it is why both appear so frequently in pre-workout formulations.
A note on claims. Neither L-Citrulline nor beetroot extract has an authorised health claim on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register, and there is no authorised claim relating to nitric oxide production, exercise performance, blood flow or "pump". We are therefore describing what these ingredients are and what the scientific literature has investigated. We are not telling you what they will do for you, because we are not permitted to, and because the honest answer is that individual responses vary considerably.
What Is in Nitro Ox
-
3000mg L-Citrulline per serving
-
500mg beetroot extract at 10:1 concentration
- 150 capsules per bottle
- Capsule format — no flavouring, sweeteners or colourings
Why 3000mg
The published research on L-Citrulline has generally used doses in the low single grams per day. Many commercial products list citrulline prominently on the front of the tub and then deliver a few hundred milligrams inside a proprietary blend. We have set the serving at 3000mg and disclosed it openly, so you can compare it against the literature yourself rather than taking our word for it.
The same principle applies to the beetroot extract. A 10:1 concentration is stated on the label because "beetroot extract" without a concentration ratio is close to meaningless as a comparison point.
Citrulline or Citrulline Malate?
You will see both on UK shelves. Citrulline malate is L-Citrulline bound to malic acid, usually sold at a 2:1 ratio — meaning a stated 3000mg of citrulline malate delivers roughly 2000mg of actual citrulline. Nitro Ox uses free-form L-Citrulline, so the 3000mg figure is the citrulline itself. When you compare products, check which one you are looking at.
Practical Notes
- Take as directed on the label, or as advised by a healthcare professional
- Beetroot can harmlessly discolour urine or stools — this is expected and not a cause for concern
- Speak to your GP first if you take nitrates, blood-pressure medication, or medication for erectile dysfunction, as the interaction potential is meaningful
- Not intended for under-18s, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding
How We Make It
- Manufactured to GMP-aligned standards
- Independently tested
- Doctor Designed by Dr Chun Tang
View Nitro Ox — 150 capsules
Important information. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. This article is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take prescription medication, have a diagnosed condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting any supplement.
Manufactured in HACCP and GMP certified facilities for Little Ox Ltd, Suite 3.05, Jactin House, 24 Hood Street, Manchester M4 6WX
