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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
NO-Xplode: a case of supplement-associated ischemic colitis
Charles D Magee1, Fouad J Moawad, Frank Moses
1Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
Performance-enhancing supplements, like NO-Xplode, can cause ischemic colitis (IC) in younger individuals by reducing blood flow. This case highlights supplements as a potential cause of ischemic bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ischemic colitis (IC) is typically caused by reduced splanchnic blood flow.
- Medications are an emerging cause of ischemic bowel disease in younger populations.
- Over-the-counter supplements may also induce IC via similar mechanisms.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old active duty service member developed IC.
- The patient used the performance-enhancing supplement NO-Xplode prior to symptom onset.
- This case suggests a link between supplement use and IC.
Findings:
- NO-Xplode use was associated with the development of ischemic colitis.
- The supplement's pharmacology and mechanism of injury were reviewed.
- This case expands the known causes of IC in young adults.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider supplements as a potential cause of IC in younger patients.
- Further research into the vascular effects of performance-enhancing supplements is warranted.
- This finding may influence guidelines regarding supplement use and patient counseling.
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