In short
USANA Circulate+ is a stick-pack drink mix. USANA's science resource says it is built around the two ways the body makes nitric oxide: red spinach extract provides dietary nitrate, L-arginine provides the amino acid the body uses to make nitric oxide, and grape seed extract adds antioxidant properties to support circulation and overall cellular health.
What is nitric oxide?
USANA's science resource says maintaining healthy circulation is important to cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing, and that a healthy diet, regular exercise and wholesome habits all affect blood flow. Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule of one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. The page lists several roles it plays: vasodilation, immune response, antioxidant effects, exercise performance and neurotransmission, as well as maintaining healthy inflammation.
Two pathways the body uses to make nitric oxide
- Dietary nitrate pathway: nitrates are absorbed in the gut and concentrated in the salivary glands, bacteria in the mouth convert them to nitrites, and the acidic environment of the stomach reduces the swallowed nitrites to nitric oxide;
- L-arginine pathway: the amino acid L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
According to the page, the ingredients of Circulate+ use both pathways to support the body's natural ability to produce nitric oxide.
Red spinach extract
The page says leafy greens such as spinach are excellent sources of dietary nitrate, and that red spinach extract is included in Circulate+ for its high nitrate content. Red spinach extract (Amaranthus dubius) contains approximately twice the amount of dietary nitrate per kilogram of fresh weight compared to beetroot powder.
L-arginine and the three forms of NOS
USANA's science resource says L-arginine is considered semi-essential: the body can produce it, but additional amounts may be needed from dietary sources or supplements. NOS has three main forms:
- Endothelial NOS (eNOS): found in the cells lining blood vessels, linked to blood flow and vasodilation;
- Neuron NOS (nNOS): found in the nervous system, linked to neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity and regulation of blood flow in the brain;
- Inducible NOS (iNOS): found in various cell types, particularly immune cells, linked to supporting strong immune cells and regulating normal inflammatory responses.
Grape seed extract
The page says grape seed extract has long been used in supplements for its high antioxidant content, and that it is also a main ingredient in USANA's Proflavanol C. In Circulate+, its antioxidant properties combine with red spinach extract and L-arginine to support vasodilation, circulatory functions and immunity.
Key ingredients and usage
- Key ingredients: red spinach extract, L-arginine and grape seed extract; check the label for your market for the full list;
- Usage: add one stick pack to 8-10 oz. (about 240-300 mL) of water, or to taste, mix thoroughly, and enjoy;
- Flavour and format: flavour and pack details can differ by country, so follow the label for your market.
Good to know
- Supplements do not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle;
- If you are pregnant, nursing, taking a prescription drug or have a medical condition, consult your physician first;
- Product labels differ by country, so always follow the label for your market.
Official resources
- π USANA price list (member vs retail prices)
- π Order Circulate+ from USANA
- π USANA Circ+ product page
This guide is based on USANA's science resource (Ask The Scientists). *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
