12.01.11
Nitric oxide supplements are widely used for bodybuilding and athletic performance, but ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, recently set out to test if they really work. “They won’t pump up your muscles—their main claim, but ‘nitric oxide’ supplements may help you exercise intensely a little longer,” said Tod Cooperman, MD, president, ConsumerLab.com. Nitric oxide supplements don’t actually provide nitric oxide, which is a gas, but generally contain L-arginine, which can, in some people, increase nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, in turn, potentially increases blood flow to muscles and other organs.
ConsumerLab.com reviewed the clinical studies of supplements used to increase nitric oxide in the body. It found no studies demonstrating a significant increase in muscle size or fullness with such supplements. However, supplements with L-arginine may increase intense exercise endurance in older and recreational athletes. In trained athletes the supplements appear to do little. L-arginine supplements may also be helpful in people with cardiovascular conditions such as angina or atherosclerosis.
In a separate review, ConsumerLab.com recently selected and tested 10 different lactase supplements and three popular lactose-free milks, including well-known brands like Lactaid and Dairy Ease. The testing showed no enzyme activity in one lactase supplement and another with so little activity as to be of questionable value. However, most of the lactase supplements provided levels of enzyme activity known to be beneficial. Each of the lactose-free milks passed testing, having no detectable lactose, although only two provided a significant amount of vitamin D.
In terms of cost and value, ConsumerLab.com found that 9000 ALU (acid lactase unit) of lactase—enough to help with a high lactose meal—cost as little as 8 cents or as much as $6.79 depending on the brand. The cost to purchase lactose-free milks varied less, with organic milk costing slightly more than the others.
ConsumerLab.com reviewed the clinical studies of supplements used to increase nitric oxide in the body. It found no studies demonstrating a significant increase in muscle size or fullness with such supplements. However, supplements with L-arginine may increase intense exercise endurance in older and recreational athletes. In trained athletes the supplements appear to do little. L-arginine supplements may also be helpful in people with cardiovascular conditions such as angina or atherosclerosis.
In a separate review, ConsumerLab.com recently selected and tested 10 different lactase supplements and three popular lactose-free milks, including well-known brands like Lactaid and Dairy Ease. The testing showed no enzyme activity in one lactase supplement and another with so little activity as to be of questionable value. However, most of the lactase supplements provided levels of enzyme activity known to be beneficial. Each of the lactose-free milks passed testing, having no detectable lactose, although only two provided a significant amount of vitamin D.
In terms of cost and value, ConsumerLab.com found that 9000 ALU (acid lactase unit) of lactase—enough to help with a high lactose meal—cost as little as 8 cents or as much as $6.79 depending on the brand. The cost to purchase lactose-free milks varied less, with organic milk costing slightly more than the others.