A Closer Look at the Formula

As we age, a natural decline in nitric oxide (N.O.) production can impact everything from energy levels and blood pressure to physical performance. Nitric Boost, a dietary supplement from Simple Promise, enters the market with a direct promise: to counteract this decline. It claims to use a blend of natural ingredients to boost N.O. levels, thereby enhancing blood flow, revitalizing energy, and supporting cardiovascular health.

This review will conduct an objective analysis of Nitric Boost’s formula. We will dissect each ingredient based on scientific literature, evaluate the potential for efficacy based on dosage, and assess its overall value to determine if it can deliver on its promises.

Detailed Ingredient Analysis

The core of any supplement’s effectiveness lies in its ingredients and their dosages. Nitric Boost’s formula contains several well-regarded compounds for N.O. production. However, most are grouped into a 1500 mg proprietary blend, making it impossible to know the exact amount of each. This is a significant drawback for a transparent analysis.

Advanced Nitric Oxide Blend (1500 mg)

• L-Citrulline & L-Arginine
  • What are they? These are amino acids that play a central role in the body’s nitric oxide cycle.
  • What is their function according to science? L-Arginine is the direct fuel for nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that produces N.O. L-Citrulline is converted into L-Arginine in the kidneys. Oral supplementation with L-Citrulline has been shown to be more effective at increasing plasma L-Arginine levels than supplementing with L-Arginine itself, as it bypasses breakdown in the liver (1). This process leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure.
  • Is the dosage effective? Unlikely. Clinical studies demonstrating significant benefits for circulation and performance typically use L-Citrulline doses ranging from 3,000 mg to 6,000 mg per day (2). Since the entire proprietary blend is only 1,500 mg and contains at least four ingredients, the amount of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine is almost certainly well below the clinically effective range.
• Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris)
  • What is it? A concentrated powder from the beetroot vegetable, which is naturally rich in inorganic nitrates.
  • What is its function according to science? The body converts dietary nitrates into nitric oxide through a separate pathway from the L-Arginine cycle. This has been shown to improve exercise efficiency, support healthy blood pressure, and increase blood flow (3).
  • Is the dosage effective? Impossible to determine, but likely insufficient. Effective doses of beetroot extract vary based on nitrate concentration, but studies often use amounts equivalent to 500 mg or more of beetroot powder. As part of a 1500 mg blend, the dose may provide some benefit but is unlikely to be optimal.
• Pine Bark Extract
  • What is it? An extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, standardized for compounds called procyanidins.
  • What is its function according to science? Pine Bark Extract has been shown to stimulate the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme, which directly increases N.O. production in the blood vessels. It also possesses potent antioxidant properties that protect N.O. from degradation (4).
  • Is the dosage effective? Questionable. Clinical studies often use doses between 100-200 mg per day. It is plausible this amount is included, but without transparency, it remains speculation.

Other Key Ingredients (Individually Dosed)

• Grape Seed Extract (150 mg)
  • What is it? An extract rich in antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins.
  • What is its function according to science? Grape Seed Extract helps protect the cardiovascular system by reducing oxidative stress. By neutralizing free radicals, it helps preserve the fragile nitric oxide molecules, extending their life and action in the bloodstream (5).
  • Is the dosage effective? Yes. Doses between 150-300 mg per day have been shown to support healthy circulation and blood pressure. The 150 mg in Nitric Boost is a clinically recognized dose.
• Quercetin Dihydrate (100 mg)
  • What is it? A flavonoid antioxidant found in many plants, including onions and apples.
  • What is its function according to science? Quercetin supports endothelial health and has been shown to inhibit an enzyme that degrades N.O., thereby increasing its bioavailability.
  • Is the dosage effective? It is on the low end. While some benefits can be seen at this dose, many studies use 500 mg or more per day for significant cardiovascular effects.
• Vitamin C (100 mg) & Vitamin B3 (Niacin, 50 mg)
  • What are they? Essential vitamins with roles in antioxidant defense and energy metabolism.
  • What is their function according to science? Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help regenerate other antioxidants and protect N.O. from oxidative damage (6). Niacin plays a role in over 400 enzymatic reactions, including energy production and vasodilation (the “niacin flush”).
  • Is the dosage effective? These are reasonable supportive doses, not intended as high-potency standalone treatments.

Efficacy Analysis

Does Nitric Boost have the potential to deliver on its promises? Theoretically, yes; practically, it is questionable.

The selection of ingredients is scientifically sound. The formula combines N.O. precursors (L-Citrulline, L-Arginine), a nitrate donor (Beetroot), N.O. production enhancers (Pine Bark), and protective antioxidants (Grape Seed, Vitamin C, Quercetin). This multi-pathway approach creates excellent synergy on paper.

However, the critical failure is the lack of dosage transparency and the low total amount of the proprietary blend. At 1,500 mg, the blend cannot possibly contain the clinically effective doses of its primary drivers, especially L-Citrulline. Users may experience mild effects due to the combination of ingredients, but it is highly unlikely to produce the robust cardiovascular and performance benefits seen in studies using proper dosages.

Safety and Side Effects

The ingredients in Nitric Boost are generally well-tolerated by healthy adults. Potential side effects are typically mild and may include:

• Digestive Upset: L-Arginine can sometimes cause bloating or diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
• Headaches: Changes in blood flow can occasionally trigger headaches.
• Niacin Flush: The 50 mg of niacin may cause a temporary reddening of the skin, itching, or a sensation of warmth. This is a harmless reaction.

Who should NOT take this product?

• Individuals taking medication for high blood pressure or nitrates for heart conditions (e.g., nitroglycerin) must consult their doctor, as boosting N.O. can have an additive effect.
• People on blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin) should exercise caution.
• Pregnant or nursing women.
• Individuals with a history of herpes simplex virus, as L-Arginine may trigger outbreaks.
• Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Cost-Benefit Analysis & Value of Bonuses

Nitric Boost is priced as a premium supplement:

• 1 Bottle: $59
• 3 Bottles: $147 ($49 per bottle)
• 6 Bottles: $234 ($39 per bottle)

Each bottle contains 30 servings. This places the cost per serving between $1.30 and $1.97.

From a cost-benefit perspective, the value is poor. For comparison, you could purchase standalone, clinically dosed L-Citrulline (6,000 mg/serving) and Beetroot powder for a combined cost of approximately $0.70 – $1.00 per serving.

While Nitric Boost offers the convenience of an all-in-one formula, you are paying a premium price for what is likely an underdosed product. There are no additional bonuses offered (e.g., e-books, community access) to enhance the value.

Manufacturer’s Reputation

Nitric Boost is manufactured by a company named Simple Promise.

• Transparency: The company’s transparency is mixed. They claim their products are made in a GMP-certified facility in the USA, which is a positive quality standard. However, the use of a proprietary blend is a major mark against transparency, as it hides the most crucial information from the consumer: the dosage.
• Third-Party Testing: There is no readily available Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from a third-party lab on the website to verify the purity and potency of the ingredients.
• Reputation: Simple Promise appears to be a standard direct-to-consumer supplement brand with a range of products. General consumer feedback is varied, which is typical for this type of company.

Criterion	Score (1-10)	Weight	Weighted Score
Formula Efficacy	5.0	35%	1.75
Safety and Purity	8.0	25%	2.00
Cost-Benefit	4.0	15%	0.60
Value of Bonuses	1.0	15%	0.15
Brand Trust	6.0	10%	0.60

Recommendations

• Recommended for:
  • Individuals seeking a mild, general-purpose circulation support formula.
  • Those who prioritize the convenience of an all-in-one product over optimal dosage and are not on a tight budget.
• NOT Recommended for:
  • Athletes or individuals seeking significant improvements in workout performance.
  • Users who require clinically effective doses of ingredients like L-Citrulline.
  • Budget-conscious consumers who can get better value by purchasing ingredients separately.
  • Anyone who demands full formula transparency.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long does it take for Nitric Boost to work? Some effects related to blood flow, like a better “pump” during exercise, might be noticeable within the first week. However, more significant benefits for cardiovascular health and blood pressure can take several weeks of consistent daily use.

2. Can I take Nitric Boost with my blood pressure medication? No, not without consulting your doctor. Nitric oxide supplements lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels. Combining them with blood pressure medication could cause your blood pressure to drop to unsafe levels (hypotension).

3. Is Nitric Boost safe for everyone? No. While its ingredients are generally safe for healthy adults, it is not recommended for pregnant/nursing women or individuals with certain medical conditions. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before use, especially if you are taking any prescription medications.

4. What is the main benefit of increasing nitric oxide? The primary benefit is vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. This leads to improved blood flow, which can result in healthier blood pressure, increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, better physical performance, and enhanced overall cardiovascular function.