So my roommate and I have been lifting for the past year or so and he recently purchased NO2. If you have not heard of NO2, it is a muscle supplement that provides more oxygen to the muscles. NO2 also contains crealtine (water bonds to the muscle making the muscle look bigger). Once he started taking the supplement he has gone up in weights exponentially and to be quite honest I am thinking of purchasing the supplement. Now there are a few questions I have. First: What are you opinions on using supplements? Secondly: Are supplements such as NO2, protein, or crealtine illegal in the Navy? (I was recently Pro Rec'd and I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my commission) Thirdly: Will taking this help on my running time or will it hurt it? (if it will hurt my run time theres no way in hell I want to use it) Thanks .
I have not heard of NO2. I've used creatine before and it was never conclusive on whether it helped. The Navy in general shouldn't have a problem with creatine, dunno about NO2. However, if you want to fly I would stay away from supplements. Here's NOMI's waiver guide entry on creatine: http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/NAMI/W.../Waiver Guide Complete - 14 November 2006.pdf Creatine Background: Although creatine came onto the scene as a performance promoter for the physically active individual, there are several questions about performance gains and safety that preclude it being authorized for general use in aircrew at this time. As for protein supplements, follow the link. Aeromed guys have a lot of discussion about it depending on how you're supplementing.
NO2 actually doesn't have creatine in it. CE2, which is made by the same company, does. Your friend is probably taking the two at the same time, which is suggested by the company. The NO2 actually prevents the water bonding of creatine, and keeps you from adding water weight. I've taken NO2 & CE2 and would suggest taking them. They helped me recover a lot faster from workouts. The only thing is that you need to have very intense workouts in order for it to work well. Also, when you do take these you need to stay well hydrated or else you destroy any effects the supplements may have. Also, I suggest Muscle Milk highly if you are trying to add sheer muscle. NO2 & CE2 are not particularly good at that.
Crealtine? Do you mean creatine? I know for a fact creatine is prohibited for use by anyone in a flight status. Also, they say all supplements have to be approved by the flight surgeon. Be smart.
The manufacturer of NO2 'does not recommend' that people taking this product participate in activities that may result in large, potentially rapid changes of ambient pressure (i.e.: flying, SCUBA) for a minimum of 48 hours after taking it. The reasoning being that the product essentially causes larger than normal amounts of nitrogen to enter solution in the blood. The last I heard, there was no official ban on using the stuff while in a flight status, but my information is at least a year or two old.
haha just playing. One of my co-workers at the bar that I bounce at uses the NOXplode stuff. I'm not sure if thats the same or not but he swears by that stuff. I've never tried it but have heard great things from him.
So is creatine and NOX and that type stuff a no-no for us BDCPers? I have avoided creatine in anticipation of my next piss test because I wasn't sure.
It is not a prohibited substance that will "pop" on a piss test. If it was, half the Marine Corps would be getting hit on it probably. Article on L-Arginine (the principle ingredient in NO2 products such as NO2, NOXplode, etc...) Creatine does not have any negative side-effects. It is found naturally in all different meat products, and your body produces it naturally. The only caution is to ensure you are drinking enough water, because your muscles will take in more water with Creatine. Article on Creatine
Oh believe me. I know all about creatine and L-Arginine. Unlike most people, I read a LOT of books on body building and nutrition before actually starting. I figured it would be difficult to determine creatine supplementation, because if you had a large enough steak or something before the test, you could set it off. Good to know. I'll go pick up some creatine tonight.
A lot of information/articles I've read on NO2 is anecdotal and causal at best. It may work, or it may just coincide with something else that works when successful people use it. I always thought it can't hurt. Being a vaso-dilator, I figure increasing blood flow is certainly beneficial during times of muscular and cardiovascular work. Is this faulty logic? The journal of sports medicine and physical fitness has done extensive studies and analyses on creatine. Perhaps they have studied NO2 as well?
1. Yes, because you assume that NO2 is a vaso-dilator. You will probably see greater benefits from caffiene, which is a proven vaso-dilator. 2. They have.
I'm outta' my league here, but my wife (a trainer) said Baylor University did a double-blind, placebo test of NO2 in 2004 or 2005 which produced significant performance increases and affirmed the safety of NO2. She said something to the effect of "it's hard to use properly to gain real results --- requires lots of discipline" ... ??? Again, I personally know nothing ....
I think you may be thinking of this study: Medical Research Institute (MRI), San Francisco, CA, has released the results of a clinical study of its NO2 supplement. NO2 generates nitric oxide to enhance muscle strength, boost power and improve muscular endurance when used in conjunction with regular training. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies conducted at Baylor University's Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory established the safety and efficacy of NO2. In the study, 35 highly trained males, ages 30 to 49, were required to take either NO2 or a placebo pill during eight ... (BU did not release the study, the maker of NO2 did.) When this product first came out, I thought it held promise...and, I suppose it does to those who believe in it. Good science, but upon closer review it does not stand up. Here are some other articles, published in professional journals, which put forth a different view than the Baylor study. FWIW, I know of no college or pro strength coach who endorses the use of NO2. 1. Nathan C. Nitric oxide as a secretory product of mammalian cells. FASEB J 1992 6(12):3051-64. 2. Mayer B; Hemmens B. Biosynthesis and action of nitric oxide in mammalian cells. Trends Biochem Sci 1997 22(12):477-81. 3. Janabi N; Chabrier S; Tardieu M. Endogenous nitric oxide activates prostaglandin F2 alpha production in human microglial cells but not in astrocytes: a study of interactions between eicosanoids, nitric oxide, and superoxide anion (O2-) regulatory pathways. J Immunol 1996 1;157(5):2129-35. 4. Esposito C; Cozzolino A; Porta R; Mariniello L; Buommino E; Morelli F; Metafora V; Metafora S. Protein SV-IV promotes nitric oxide production not associated with apoptosis in murine macrophages. Eur J Cell Biol 2002 81(4):185-96. 5. Eckmann L; Laurent F; Langford TD; Hetsko ML; Smith JR; Kagnoff MF; Gillin FD. Nitric oxide production by human intestinal epithelial cells and competition for arginine as potential determinants of host defense against the lumen-dwelling pathogen Giardia lamblia. J Immunol 2000 1;164(3):1478-87. 6. Kelly RA; Smith TW. Nitric oxide and nitrovasodilators: similarities, differences, and interactions. Am J Cardiol 1996 30;77(13):2C-7C. 7. Stryer L. Biochemistry 4th Ed. Freeman & Co. 1997. BTW, Viagra works by manipulating nitric oxide within the penile chamber. Ummm, so, how many folks need NO2 ????
Hmmm...somehow I posted a crap load of info and managed to close the browser. http://www.wxumac.demon.co.uk/]Nitric Oxide Website From this site: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1524-475X.2003.11605.x/full/ L-arginine, even when it is not an essential amino acid as defined above, is a vital one. In addition to participating in protein synthesis, it plays a number of other roles in the body. These include the detoxification of ammonia formed during the nitrogen catabolism of amino acids via the formation of urea. In addition, L-arginine is a precursor in the formation of nitric oxide, creatine, polyamines, L-glutamate, L-proline, agmatin (a possible neurotransmitter in the brain) and the arginine-containing tetrapeptide tuftsin, believed to be an immunomodulator. L-arginine is a glycogenic amino acid; it can be converted to D-glucose and glycogen if needed by the body or it can be catabolized to produce biological energy. L-arginine, when administered in high doses, stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone and prolactin and pancreatic release of glucagon and insulin. Intravenous L-arginine may be used as an aid in the evaluation of problems with growth and stature that may be due to growth hormone deficiency. Intravenous arginine hydrochloride may be used as a fourth-line agent in the treatment of severe metabolic alkalosis. L-arginine is also used as an immunonutrient in enteral and parenteral nutrition to help improve the immune status in those suffering from sepsis, burns and trauma." "L-arginine supplements theoretically may potentiate the effects of organic nitrates if taken concomitantly." ---- Effects of arginine and ornithine on strength, lean body mass and urinary hydroxyproline in adult males. Elam RP, Hardin DH, Sutton RA, Hagen L. "Twenty-two adult males participated in a 5 week progressive strength training program. One half the subjects received the amino acids L-arginine and L-ornithine and the other half, a placebo. The study used a double blind protocol so that subjects as well as investigators had no knowledge of which substances were being administered. Dosages amounted to 2 grams or 1 gram each of L-arginine and L-ornithine, and 600 mg of calcium and 1 gram of Vitamin C as placebos. These supplements were taken orally for a total of 25 administrations. Following the short term strength program using progressively high intensities, tests were taken for total strength (TS), lean body mass (LBM) and urinary hydroxyproline (UH). The results from ANOVA showed that subjects who were taking the arginine-ornithine combination scored significantly higher in TS and LBM (p less than .05), and significantly lower in UH (p less than .05), than subjects on placebos. It was concluded that arginine and ornithine taken in prescribed doses can, in conjunction with a high intensity strength training program, increase TS (Total Strength) and LBM (Lean Body Mass) in a relatively short period of time. Arginine and ornithine also aid in recovery from chronic stress by quelling tissue breakdown as evidenced by lower UH levels."
Thanks, Doc. I'll pass it to the Boss .... she's not too impressed, BTW, with NO2. I guess it's really all about $$$$$, isn't it. That's a statement ... not a question....
That's for sure. It's amazing the prices they can charge for these so called wonder supplements and still have people buying them by the truckload. I guess if people want instant gratification they'll be willing to pony up the cash to try to get it.
To answer your questions.... First: I would not suggest anyone use them until they have put forth considerable work beforehand. Most supplements will work more efficiently after the athlete has gained a higher level of conditioning through hard work. Secondly: Illegal? no Allowed in aviation? No Thirdly: Taking NO2 will improve your run time...but likely for two reasons. 1. You have just spent a buttload of money, and the darn thing better work...so maybe you train harder. 2. If you run with your wallet...... Fourthly...ok, my add-on. A normal person can utilize (protein) about .8 to 1.6 g/Kg of body weight. **about two hamburger patties** An endurance athlete can utilize about 1.2 to 2.2g/Kg of body weight. This is due to oxidation of BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids). So.....you could, in sound theory, up your level of protein, up your level of BCAAs (avoid triptophan as it competes with BCAAs through the blood-brain barrier and raises serotonin levels) and up your level of L-arginine and I would expect you to lower your run times....ASSUMING that you have kept all other things equal.
Yup, it is. Too bad some companies take a bit of science and then, all too often wrongly, apply it in simple terms to the human body. A prime example is myostatin inhibitors. There are many terrible muscle wasting diseases. Myostatin is known to inhibit muscle stem cells, although the exact means is unkonw. So, logic says, and it happens to be true, that myostatin inhibitors will help to slow the process of muscle degeneration via the aforementioned muscle wasting diseases. Pics of mice whose myostatin has been severly inhibited. Soooo, along comes the fitness industry who says...hey, if we can market a myostatin inhibitor.......well, I think you know the rest of the story. Myostatin inhibitors are very expensive and they do not work. I am so sure of that statement that I will bet raptor10s left nut that they will never work because those mice had their genes manipulated. In othe rwords, ya' gotta do it at the cellular level. Sucking down a few pills or injecting onself with chemicals will not produce the desired effect. One of the ways to assist is my
Is that the test that took part in 2001 because in 2005 **Wikipedia** says that Which would imply that he was no longer breeding the gene out of mice (as is the case in natural cases of a defective myostatin gene) but that the introduction of a chemical was enough to induce the changes at the cellular level. Hopefully the testing revolving around the MYO-029 myostatin inhibitor antibody will show positive results in Muscular dystrophy rehabilitation and my left nut will have done its patriotic duty...
How generous of you. I'm going to start making bets using my friends essential body parts as collateral. Brett
