You might have heard about nitric oxide (NO) if you are an athlete or exercise regularly, as this molecule is often discussed in the context of fitness. However, this compound plays a role in many processes in the body, such as supporting blood flow and acting as a signaling messenger for hormones and neurotransmitters. Low levels of NO may be linked to various health concerns that can affect the cardiovascular, hormone, and immune systems. This article will provide information on how low levels might impact your health and how to test for NO levels to help maintain a healthy balance.
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What is Nitric Oxide?
NO, also known as nitrogen monoxide, is a gas formed from the oxidation of nitrogen and is an important part of chemical signaling in regulating certain body functions. The molecule NO is more reactive than many other molecules because it has a free radical and can easily move through cells, allowing it to have various signaling functions in the body. NO is produced in the body from L-arginine, an amino acid, and has many applications in health and human function.
What is The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Body?
NO has many roles in the body. It can help blood vessels to widen, support communication between nerve cells, and trigger a release of hormones such as human growth hormone (GH) and insulin. It also plays a role in the supply and demand of oxygen in the body and helps regulate blood flow. It also relays signals to cells and acts as a messenger for the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems.
Symptoms and Indicators of Low Nitric Oxide Levels
Since NO is involved in vasodilation and regulating blood flow, low levels of NO might be related to decreased blood circulation. The following are signs and symptoms that could be associated with low nitric oxide levels:
● Narrowed blood vessels
● Inflamed artery walls
● Permeable vascular walls
● Elevated blood sugar
● Muscle soreness
● Impaired erections in men
● Decreased wound healing
Which Health Conditions Are Associated With Low Nitric Oxide Levels?
Balanced NO levels are associated with cardiac health, physical performance, healing, blood flow, and oxygen levels. Therefore, low levels of NO might affect these body systems, potentially contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, blood clots, erectile dysfunction (ED), and type 2 diabetes. A decrease in NO may be linked to endothelial dysfunction, which can affect blood flow in the blood vessels, potentially contributing to elevated blood pressure, artery inflammation progressing to atherosclerosis, increased production of platelets leading to blood clots, and permeability in the blood vessels exposing tissues to harmful substances.
Low levels of NO might also be linked to type 2 diabetes as it plays a role in the secretion and signaling of insulin to help manage blood sugar levels. Impaired blood flow is also a common factor in ED in men, called vasculogenic ED. Additionally, NO supports the initial inflammatory response, cell growth, collagen production, and the development of new blood vessels, and disruptions in this process can lead to decreased wound healing. Conditions like asthma have also been associated with low NO levels.
How Do You Test For Nitric Oxide Levels?
There are three different ways that nitric oxide levels can be tested. They include a blood and saliva sample or a breath test. Blood or plasma testing is rarely done because of its inaccuracy due to the instability of NO. Therefore, testing through plasma is not considered valid. Assessing levels of nitric oxide is relatively straightforward using salivary indicator strips.
Saliva test strips are also available. They can quantify the amount of NO present in saliva, and the color change of the strip corresponds to the overall bioavailable nitric oxide within the body during the test.
The breath test to assess for NO levels is also a tool used in managing asthma. This test evaluates the NO volume in an exhaled breath, with elevated levels potentially indicating airway inflammation and lung swelling.
Functional Medicine Labs That Help Individualize Plans For Patients With Low Nitric Oxide Levels
Functional medicine labs are used to assess for, rule out, or manage conditions that may be associated with low nitric oxide levels. Here are the labs that practitioners utilize:
Cardiometabolic Screening
The cardiometabolic test provides a comprehensive look into cardiovascular health. It measures cholesterol levels and assesses for diabetes and inflammation. This assessment can help evaluate endothelial function and the associated conditions such as ED, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular concerns that low NO levels might affect.
Blood Clotting Factors
Low levels of NO can be linked to blood clotting disorders. Therefore, testing might be considered to assess these risk factors if you have symptoms associated with low NO levels and risk for blood clotting disorders. Prothrombin measures the time it takes for blood to clot and can help assess for blood clots.
Hormone Panel
The DUTCH complete panel assesses 35 different hormones and neurotransmitters. Low NO levels can lead to hormone and neurotransmitter signaling disruptions, in which testing for these levels might be considered to evaluate for any associated symptoms or conditions such as ED in men. Low testosterone levels, vascular issues, or a mix of both can cause ED. If NO is suspected, this test can also provide measurements of neurotransmitters that may be affected.
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Summary
NO is a potent and often overlooked signaling molecule that supports many functions in the body, such as blood circulation and the cardiovascular system, hormones, neurotransmitters, and immune responses. Assessing levels of NO through salivary or breath tests can be helpful to provide guidance on any low levels that may impact heart, hormone, or immune health, allowing qualified practitioners to help you maintain these levels effectively.
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