If you're even the least bit attuned to the murmurs of the fitness world, you've heard about N.O., or Nitric Oxide, supplements. While not as widely used as say, whey protein, Nitric Oxide activators are a very commonly used supplement due to their relatively inexpensive prices and high level of safety and effectiveness.

For these reasons, Nitric Oxide supplements are used by weight lifters at every age and level experience - from the teenage novice to the experienced amateur or professional bodybuilder.

But what exactly is a Nitric Oxide supplement? While every product is not the same, they tend to act in the same way; the supplement provides a high level of the amino acid L-Arginine, which is converted into L-citruline by the body. This causes Nitric Oxide production, which benefits strength-training athletes by increasing blood flow to working muscles and stimulating the release of adrenaline.

These effects allow athletes to train at higher intensities and ensure that nutrients such as oxygen are delivered to muscles while waste products such as carbon dioxide are removed in an efficient fashion.

And while the mechanism by which Nitric Oxide supplements work is relatively simple, there is one difficult part to undertake - choosing which product to use. There is a nearly limitless array of Nitric Oxide supplements available online and in brick and mortar supplement stores.

But don't worry, you don't have to go and try each and every one. The research has been done for you, thanks to a lot of hard work and sweat. Read on to find out which Nitric Oxide supplements will help you make the most of your efforts to gain muscle or torch fat.

AllMax Nutrition is widely recognized in the supplement industry for their high-quality formulations, and this product is certainly no exception. Rather than loading this up into a "kitchen-sink" supplement, AllMax stuck with the basics here, relying on a powerful combination of Creatine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Di-Arginine Malate, Tri-Creatine Malate, Glutamine Alpha-Ketogutarate and Ashwagandha Powder.

But NOK2 doesn't just provide the effects of Nitric Oxide activation; it also stimulates the production of ATP, which is the source of energy used by cells in the body. Because there is no caffeine in this product, AllMax NOK2 can be used before any workout, regardless of whether it is day or night. NOK2 will provide great pumps, excellent recovery and no energy crash.

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This product is consistently a best seller at nearly every supplement retailer, and there's no mystery as to why. NO-Xplode will provide some of the most intense workouts of your life, and your friends may even begin asking you if you're "on" something. And in a way, you are - but nothing illegal. NO-Xplode is simply a very effective combination of a number of ingredients, including Arginine for Nitric Oxide production, but also Citrulline Malate and Creatine for strength, as well as a heavy dose of Taurine, Tyrosine and Caffeine for earth-shattering energy.

Without a doubt, this is an extremely effective product, but caution should be used by those unaccustomed to stimulants. Too much NO-Xplode can lead to jitters and possible nausea, so begin your dose on the lower end of the spectrum. Of course, this is easier said than done as NO-Xplode comes in a variety of delicious flavors.

Like NO-Xplode, this product gives you Nitric Oxide activators but also a whole lot more. With a very similar formula to BSN's product, this will increase focus and energy thanks to a solid amount of stimulants.

SuperPump 250 contains a few extras, like Rhodiola for mood-boosting and energy, as well as Alpha Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant that also has detoxifying effects. Despite the impressive ingredient list, SuperPump 250 fails to deliver as well as some other products, although your experiences may be different.

In terms of formulation, MRI NO2 Platinum is as bare-bones as it gets, but that doesn't mean it's not effective. With each dose boasting 3000mg of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, this product will deliver mind-blowing pumps as well as endurance.

What makes NO2 Platinum unique is its extended-release delivery system, meaning the effects won't be wearing off before you tire out. Another effect of the Arginine is the dilation of blood vessels, giving the often sought-after vascular look.

If energy, focus and stamina are what you're after, then Universal Shock Therapy is for you. Shock Therapy provides some great pumps thanks to the Nitric Oxide activation, but that's just the beginning. Beta Alanine and Yerba Mate provide nearly endless endurance, while Taurine, Caffeine and Tyrosine combine for explosive energy.

Shock Therapy will increase your strength and endurance while seemingly putting blinders on your brain so you can concentrate on one thing only - having the workout of a lifetime. As a bonus, Universal also included a robust antioxidant blend in this product to maximize nutrient delivery and performance.

So even though any supplement store you step into will have at least one wall full of Nitric Oxide supplements, you don't have to spend hours poring over labels and soliciting recommendations.  The products listed above are the best of the best, and each one has a solid formulation that will undoubtedly complement your efforts in the gym.  Once you begin using a Nitric Oxide supplement, you'll wonder why it took you so long to hop on board.