Have you heard of Force Factor – the bodybuilding and strength training supplement? Force Factor is a member of supplements called nitric oxide supplements (NO supplements). Let’s talk about Force Factor and reveal some facts that most people taking these products don’t know including NO supplement side effects.
What is Force Factor?
Force Factor is a nitric oxide supplement. This is what the company’s website says about their product:
It “helps move oxygen into your muscles when they need it most, sparking powerful muscle growth, strength gains, and ripped pumps.”
The website also has a page called “Discover the Science” where they tell you about how nitric oxide is used in the body.
The website also lists statements like
- “Achieve healthy nitric oxide levels”
- “Improve blood flow delivery to muscle tissues”
- “Maximize strength, endurance and power”
But, what don’t you see on the website? You don’t see any studies showing that nitric oxide improves strength or exercise performance.
They don’t mention the studies because they don’t exist. If they did you would tell you about them.
Instead what you get on the website are several “structure/Function” Claims. Structure /function claims talk about how the product (nitric oxide in this case) is used in the body. I discuss structure /function claims on my Questions about Supplements page
Nitric Oxide Facts
Even the name of this product makes people think it will make them stronger. But there is no published peer reviewed proof that any nitric oxide supplement improves strength. The main ingredient in the product is arginine. Yes there are other ingredients (like calcium etc.) but arginine is the biggie –and it’s the main ingredient in every NO supplement I’ve ever seen. Arginine is there because it helps make nitric oxide (NO) which is a gas that helps expand blood vessels.
What Is Citrulline?
Citrulline is an amino acid and is also present in this product. We can convert citrulline into arginine. So, by adding citrulline, you likely boost arginine – and NO – levels. One citrulline study noted that people who took citrulline exhausted themselves sooner on the treadmill than those who took a placebo. People also rated exercise as being harder to do when they took citrulline. The people in this study took 9 grams of citrulline which probably more than is in most supplements. While this is just one very small study it’s something to think about –especially if you are an aerobic athlete.
Arginine Research
Arginine has been studied – but not on body builders. Most of the arginine research in humans ha
s been conducted on older men with heart disease and erection problems! By boosting NO levels, blood vessels open up. This sometimes alleviates chest pains and erection problems. Why don’t the makers of NO supplements ever tell you this?
Nitric oxide producing ingredients are showing up in supplements marketed to older adults also. For example, check out my review of Vital Factors for more insights.
Nitric Oxide Side Effects
Nitric oxide has some pretty healthy benefits. But research is starting to uncover that nitric oxide has side effects and may not be safe for everybody. Researchers at MIT for example have shown that (at least in lab animals) nitric oxide may cause cancer
People with heart disease, high blood pressure or kidney problems should be cautious about arginine and other nitric oxide boosting supplements. By opening up blood vessels they can reduce blood pressure. This can cause you to get dizzy if you stand up too fast- and may make you pass out. Always tell your doctor what supplements you are taking.
Regardless of any side effects of No supplements, I am unimpressed with the lack of published peer reviewed research on these products. I believe healthy weightlifters can save their money NO supplements.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Joe. I read your review on Force Factor and I have to say although I am not of fan of Force Factor as a NO supplement I have and do use certain NO products that I must say do give me a bigger pump at the gym and give me extra energy. If you would review Jack3d. That is one of the most basic formulas that includes Beta Alanine, Creatine, … See MoreCaffeine, 1,3-Dimethylamylamine (Geranium [Stem]), Schizandrol A). Most of these ingreadents are also in products such as N.O. Explode, Superpump 250, etc. Reviewing Jack3d would be a better overall review of an NO that Force Factor. Just thought I would through this your way.
P.S. the one’s I got the most out of were Jack3d, Superpump 250, Black Powder, and NaNo Vapor.
Good stuff man! I still can’t believe NO products are still so popular! Crazy.
As for Jack3D, a buddy in the industry (although he works for a competitive company) said that caffeine per serving is over 300 mg. According to USPlabs site, they say it is less than 150mg and more than 65mg, but don’t say.
Geranium will most likely be on the FDA banned list soon (if not already) ,so suspect it will go away and consumers won’t notice a difference (probably not much in it).
I have tried Jack3d from a free sample and it was wired for hours though, but it is not something I currently use.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
Joe, just to let you and your readers know two of my co-workers had bad reactions to NO Xplode Nitric Oxide supplement (high blood pressure) and both were kept over night for observation until they stabilized. Both are fine now and both are in their mid 30′s.
Sometimes in our desire to be healthy and fit we want the quick fix even if we die trying. So please take your time getting and staying healthy and fit, you have your whole lives ahead of you!!
I for one am grateful for this site Joe, many thanks again.
Randy
Randy thanks for letting me know about that bad side effect of NO Xplode. I agree people with any kind of blood pressure problems or heart problems should steer clear of nitric oxide supplements. Same goes for kidney problems too.
how can a chemical naturally produced in the body cause cancer?
John, anyone who figures this out will have a Nobel Prize. chemicals, hormones etc made in the body can have different effects depending on many factors.
Hey Joe, I will start tacking FF tomorrow, Besides the cancer thing are there any other negative side effects of ff? This will be my first time taking supplements. I always try to stray away from them but after doing extensive research on it I have come to the conclusion that it is ok to take.
The theory behind the drug is simple but effective, now im no chemist, hell i flunked the AP Chem exam this may but I am able to understand the theory and implementation of how the drug works and it seems safe and legit. I have not been able to find any negative feedback on the drug in terms of side effects until I stumbled upon this site. Your facts seem to be a minority in this matter but you seem legit.
Sam
the idea that nitric oxide might cause cancer is very preliminary but I thought Id mention it since so few people who review supplements on the web ever mention the other side of the equation.
Personally I dont think it will hurt you if you are healthy but I also think you can do better at “your first supplement” than force factor. It’s not much more than a nitric oxide supplement and as I said, the dirty little secret behind arginine and nitric oxide is that the bulk of the research is on old men with erection problems and heart disease .
I have not seen any good proof that healthy weight lifters need nitric oxide supplements.
But, do let me know what you think Force Factor. I’m always interested in reading what people think.
Great review Joe. This is an open question to anyone who may be reading. What is the attraction of creating super huge muscles? (men?) Speaking as a woman, this is an ugly look to me. It looks unnatural and scary. Seeing those muscles does not make me want to touch them; rather they are repellant. So I’m wondering if guys just want the gigantic muscles for themselves to admire or what the deal is? I understand the idea behind the idea of competitive bodybuilding, exceeding one’s “limits,” etc. But I would really like to know from a man’s point of view, why they want to achieve this look?
I have tried FF and still have an unopened bottle. Not worth the money. Best product i have ever used is Creatine. Nothing else has given me the results like it has. Believe me I have tried many different products. Only things I have had success with are Protein for growth, Creatine to get the extra reps. Break down the muscle more causes more recovery/development. Vitamin C & Glutamine for muscle recovery & to stay healthy. Last of all Ginger Root, stops the aches in my joints.
BTW I’m 42 and in better shape now than I ever have been. Bench, Dead Lift & Squat more than I ever before.
To answer Christallins question, it parallels the same standard that is fed to young women by Hollywood and the media. Muscles = masculinity. So mixed with the more is better mentality, you get pro bodybuilding. Get muscles at any cost. Also, go to a “fitness”/bodybuilding event in your area, the trade show part. You’ll get tremendous insight and a lot of your questions will get answered. Trust me it only takes one. Great people watching.