In collaboration with Isagenix scientists, Arizona State University researchers have found that AMPED NOx increases nitric oxide bioavailability in healthy men.

The researchers presented their findings during a poster session at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting at Experimental Biology in Chicago on April 25, 2017. The FASEB Journal also publishes the study abstract.

“The findings are intriguing because you might not expect to see any change in nitric oxide bioavailability in a healthy adult population,” said physiologist Karen Sweazea, Ph.D., the study’s lead author and an associate professor at Arizona State University.

“Our study also provides scientific support that taking plant-based nitrates in the form of a concentrated drink can have cardioprotective effects even in healthy men,” Dr. Sweazea said.

Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Study

The study randomised 48 healthy men, ages 18-40, to two groups either consuming one serving per day of AMPED NOx or a prune juice placebo, which is very similar to AMPED NOx in calories, carbohydrates and polyphenols, but without any nitrates.

Dr. Sweazea explained that the subjects also avoided using antiseptic mouthwash during the trial. “This was to take advantage of bacteria already present in the mouth,” she said. These oral bacteria are involved in converting nitrate from vegetables into nitrite in saliva – as part of the nitrate/nitrite enterosalivary circulation system – which can influence nitric oxide levels in the bloodstream.

The researchers collected a variety of cardiovascular health measurements – body composition, blood pressure, fasting blood samples and flow-mediated dilation (a measure of blood vessel function) – at baseline and after one and two weeks. The subjects also completed questionnaires about their sleep quality and mood.

The study found AMPED NOx significantly increased plasma nitrates and nitrites in the subjects indicating better nitric oxide bioavailability. The drink shot also supported healthy blood pressure while demonstrating a small trend toward improving flow-mediated dilation compared to prune juice. There was no evidence found of improvement or disturbance to sleep or mood during the two-week nutritional intervention.

Nitric Oxide Bioavailability and Athletes

“You could speculate that we may have seen even greater evidence of positive cardiovascular benefits in non-fasted individuals or in regards to athletic performance, but we’d need to confirm those effects with further research,” said Dr. Sweazea.

The study was the first to provide a clear demonstration of a rise of nitrates in the bloodstream, improved nitric oxide bioavailability and cardiovascular benefits using AMPED NOx, said Eric Gumpricht, Ph.D., Isagenix Manager of Research and Science, a co-author of the paper.

“We plan on continuing to evaluate both acute and chronic effects of AMPED NOx in athletes as well as non-athletes for additional performance and cardiovascular benefits,” said Dr. Gumpricht.

About AMPED NOx

In early 2017, AMPED NOx joined the Isagenix AMPED portfolio of products for improving athletic performance. 

AMPED NOx is a 60 ml drink concentrate of vegetable and fruit extracts – including beet, celery and pomegranate – containing naturally sourced nitrates and polyphenols for supporting nitric oxide production and blood flow.

Through the support of blood flow to heart and muscles, AMPED NOx is intended for athletes who are looking for better workouts, improved cardiovascular fitness and sustained performance levels.

The statements appearing in this article have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, on medication, have a medical condition or are beginning a weight loss program, consult your GP before using Isagenix products or making any other dietary changes. Discontinue use if adverse event occur.

Reference

Sweazea KL, Johnston CS, Miller B, Gumpricht E. Beet juice energy drink increases nitric oxide bioavailability… in healthy men [abstract]. FASEB J, 2017 April; 33(1) Supp. 966.10. Available at: http://www.fasebj.org/content/31/1_Supplement/966.10.abstract?sid=0a2d6ff5-90e5-47bc-82ae-88e908fb8cec