Oxystorm
What is Oxystorm®?
Oxystorm® is an extract from an Amaranthus species considered to be one of the richest sources of natural, organic nitrate. Oxystorm® helps to increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide is an essential molecule for the human body that supports many integral and essential bodily processes. This includes, among other things, a widening of the blood vessels, which enables an increased transport of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, as well as a better and faster removal of toxic metabolic products and is also partly responsible for the so-called pump during training. Especially during conditions of oxygen deficiency, e.g. during anaerobic training with weights, Oxystorm® can help athletes reduce fatigue and maintain optimal muscle performance and function by increasing the circulating amounts of nitric oxide.
The benefits of Oxystorm® at a glance:
- Increased nitric oxide levels to naturally dilate blood vessels for better blood flow to muscles and body tissues.
- Has a heart-protective effect through positive effects on blood pressure.
- Is clearly superior to conventional beet extract in many respects.
What properties distinguish Oxystorm® from beet extract?
| Oxystorm® | Beet extract | |
|---|---|---|
| pH value | 7 (neutral) | 5.5 (acidic) |
| Nitrate content | 7-9% | <2% |
| Potassium content | 8-14% | <2% |
| Oxalate content | Not detectable | 10%-15% |
Oxystorm not only contains 4 times more nitrate, it also contains 4 to 7 times more potassium, which is important for many bodily and muscle functions, than beet extract. In addition, unlike beet extract, Oxystorm® is free from oxalate, which is associated with a number of health problems such as kidney stones.
What are the results of clinical studies on the effects of Oxystorm®?
Oxystorm® causes an immediate nitrogen oxide boost (1)
The following results are from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study conducted at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in the USA with a single dose of 1000 mg Oxystorm® (1).
The body's universal "energy currency" is synthesized primarily by the cell's mitochondria - the power plants that make up 20% of the cell's volume and use oxygen. The energy produced is transported to all parts of the body to maintain the function and work of the cells. The economy of energy conversion is of crucial importance during intense physical exertion, such as that which occurs during hard training sessions, as otherwise a so-called oxygen debt quickly develops.
In a scientific study (1), it was observed that Oxystrorm® can supply the body with large amounts of nitrate and significantly increase nitric oxide levels in the body (see Figure 1). Clinical studies have shown that Oxystorm® increases nitric oxide levels via a conversion of nitrate to nitrite - a pathway also known as the nitrate - nitrite - nitric oxide pathway. The nitric oxide generated by Oxystorm® increases VO2 max and maximizes energy production, leading to a reduction in fatigue and physical weakness during strenuous exercise or physical work.
Nitric oxide has been identified as an important endothelium relaxing factor. It is released by the endothelium itself and results in relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue of the blood vessels (Palmer et al., 1987). The authors of the study also reported that the increased nitric oxide levels are due to higher nitrite levels in saliva (see Figure 2).
Figure 1: Plasma nitrate levels (NO3ˉ) after administration of an Amaranthus extract and a placebo (high significant difference (p < 0.001) between the Amaranthus and the placebo group at all time points except at the 0 hour and 24 hour mark) (Source: (2)).
Figure 2: Nitrite level (NO2ˉ) in saliva after administration of an Amaranthus extract and a placebo (high significant difference (p < 0.001) between the Amaranthus and the placebo group at all time points except at the 0 hour and 24 hour mark).
Figure 3: Increase in nitric oxide levels after taking Oxystorm®
Dosage and areas of application
The dosage used in sports is generally between 500 and 2000 mg per single dose, usually taken before training. Oxystorm® is taken either as a powder stirred directly into water or in the form of capsules, tablets or as a component of other products.
References
- Haun, C. T., Kephart, W. C., Holland, A. M., Mobley, C. B., McCloskey, A. E., Shake, J. J., ... & Martin, J. S. (2016). Differential vascular reactivity responses acutely following ingestion of a nitrate rich red spinach extract. European journal of applied physiology, 116(11-12), 2267-2279.
- Subramanian D, Gupta S, Pharmacokinetic study of amaranth extract in healthy human subjects-A randomized trial, Nutrition (2016)