The human body is a complex system that requires a variety of nutrients to function optimally. For athletes, the right nutrient intake is crucial to maximize performance and endurance. A key factor in enhancing performance is the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that improves blood flow and muscle performance. Especially noteworthy are the amino acids L-Arginine and L-Citrulline.
Our CEO explains it in an interview:
The Importance of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule produced in the endothelial cells of blood vessels. It promotes the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, leading to improved circulation. For athletes, this means better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles as well as more efficient removal of metabolic waste. The result: increased endurance and faster recovery after intense workouts.
The Creation of Acceleraid: Innovation and Passion
Our founder Georg is an avid athlete himself and early on recognized the importance of nitric oxide, L-Arginine, and L-Citrulline for athletic performance. At the 2012 Olympics, he noticed that many Olympians were consuming large amounts of beetroot juice to achieve the desired effects of nitric oxide production. However, the side effects were hard to miss: high nitrate content, unpleasant taste, and red urine were just some of the issues.
Georg saw the potential to overcome these drawbacks and worked intensely on finding a better solution. This laid the foundation for Acceleraid, a health drink that leverages the benefits of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline without the unpleasant side effects of beetroot juice.
L-Arginine: The Direct NO Precursor
L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as a direct precursor for nitric oxide production. Through the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), L-Arginine is converted into NO in the body, which has several positive effects on athletic performance:
• Increased Blood Flow: By dilating blood vessels, blood flow is improved, optimizing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles.
• Enhanced Endurance: Better circulation leads to increased oxygen availability in the muscles, boosting endurance.
• Faster Recovery: Improved removal of metabolic waste, such as lactate, allows muscles to recover more quickly after exercise.
L-Citrulline: The Indirect NO Booster
L-Citrulline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that is converted into L-Arginine in the body. This conversion occurs primarily in the kidneys and offers several advantages over L-Arginine:
• Higher Bioavailability: L-Citrulline is absorbed more efficiently by the body and has a longer half-life in the blood than L-Arginine.
• Indirect Increase in L-Arginine Levels: By converting into L-Arginine, L-Citrulline supports continuous NO production, leading to sustained improvement in circulation.
• Reduced Digestive Issues: Some athletes report gastrointestinal discomfort when taking L-Arginine. L-Citrulline is better tolerated in this regard.
Synergistic Effect of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline
Many athletes benefit from the combined intake of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline. While L-Arginine promotes quick but short-term NO production, L-Citrulline ensures a longer-lasting and more stable increase in L-Arginine levels in the blood. This combination maximizes the effects on circulation, endurance, and recovery.
Acceleraid: The NO Boost System for Peak Performance
Acceleraid harnesses the synergistic power of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline to provide an efficient NO Boost System. This system helps athletes naturally enhance their performance by optimizing blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to muscles, and shortening recovery times. The carefully formulated blend in Acceleraid ensures that athletes get the most out of their training without having to endure the negative side effects of traditional methods like consuming beetroot juice.
Conclusion
L-Arginine and L-Citrulline are powerful nutrients that can help athletes enhance their performance. By promoting nitric oxide production, they improve circulation, endurance, and recovery. A mindful and well-balanced intake of these amino acids can make the difference between good and outstanding athletic performance.
Thanks to Georg’s innovative work and the development of Acceleraid, athletes can now enjoy the benefits of these amino acids without the unpleasant side effects of beetroot juice. By integrating L-Arginine and L-Citrulline into your diet, you can unlock the full potential of your athletic abilities and achieve your training goals more effectively.
Sources:
• Link: PubMed
2. The Effects of Consuming Amino Acids L-Arginine, L-Citrulline (and Their Combination) as a Beverage or Powder, on Athletic and Physical Performance: A Systematic Review
• Link: MDPI
3. Effects of Chronic Supplementation of L-Arginine on Physical Fitness in Water Polo Players
• Link: PubMed
4. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature
• Link: PubMed
5. Acute Effect of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation in Recreationally Resistance Trained Men and Women
• Link: PubMed