NOS Energy DrinkA few days ago, I accidentally bumped into my old friend at a gym. Her type has almost become extinct, probably because they never existed in large numbers to begin with – smart, fit and ridiculously attractive. So when she playfully smiled, and asked me if I want to try her secret energy elixir, I was not sure what to think.
Certainly, after all these years, it could not be that easy, and she is my friend for Chris’s sake. Okay, I am not a “player,” but I am a guy, and years of fine tuned testosterone seem to have some “side effects.” I know, excuses, excuses…
Her “secret” energy elixir turned out to be a nice looking can with NOS sign on it. What a disappointment! But wait a minute, when did they start packing Nitrous Oxide in a can for human consumption? She laughed and explained that it is a high performance energy drink.
I did not really think it was Nitrous Oxide, but can a mix of Taurine, D-Ribose, L-Carnitine, Inositol, Panax Ginseng and some caffeine deliver a human equivalent of real NOS? I was skeptical, but who knows where the fringe of science can take us? Thus, against my better judgment, I decided to try NOS and investigate what it is all about.
The main ingredients in NOS energy drink are:
Serving Size: 8.0 fl oz (240 ml)
Serving Per Container: 2
Inositol – 100 mg
Taurine – 1000 mg
D-Ribose – 250 mg
L-Carnitine – 200 mg
Panax Ginseng – 50 mg
Inositol is a non-essential vitamin. Sometimes referenced as a member of the vitamin B- vitamin complex, this water-soluble carbohydrate (sugar) is naturally found in nuts, beans and cereals. Combined with other vitamins, it could play an important role in fat metabolism and anxiety management; it also helps maintain healthy hair.
Taurine is an amino acid derivative often classified as an amino acid. It is present, in a pretty good amount, in animal protein – red meat, chicken, and fish. It may have cholesterol-lowering properties, serve as an antioxidant, and extend exercise performance.
Ribose forms the carbohydrate portion of DNA as a simple sugar. It can increase cellular energy, improve exercise performance, and delay muscle fatigue. It could also improve heart function. Some competitive athletes reported strength increase and better recovery between exercises.
L-Carnitine is an amino, it helps your body metabolize and transport fatty acid. While meats and dairy products are rich in Carnitine, its deficiency attributed to fatigue, and inept muscle recovery. It can also have a positive effect on your blood lipid profile by supporting optimal heart muscle function.
Ginseng is one of those legendary herbs with many purported benefits. It enhances athletic performance and energy, supports immune system, reduces stress, and improves concentration. Some studies have shown statistically significant improvements in oxygen uptake, recovery time (due to lower lactate level), and breathing capacity.
So what is the bottom line? The ingredients in NOS appear to be safe, but as with any supplements, consult your physician before use. These ingredients are used individually as performance enhancing supplements; however, the support for their effectiveness varies. I did not find any published studies assessing NOS energy drink as exercise performance enhancer.
The drink has a pleasant passion fruit like flavor. I felt great during my workout; it gave me smooth energy increase for several hours, slowly tapering off without any jitters. Next day my muscles felt recovered. I had no usual soreness in previously strained left deltoid, but it could be just a coincidence.
Would I use it again? I would not use it during a cutting cycle, although they have a carb-free version. I am not big on energy drinks, but I like to try new products. On those days when I feel the need for that extra kick, I may try it again.
Do you use energy drinks? What is your favorite?