Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that the body produces from other amino acids. Most people do not need to obtain this amino acid through their diet. Just because it is non-essential does not mean that the body cannot benefit from its supplementation. Arginine supports healthy immune function and muscle growth. It also promotes growth hormone production and serves as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO).
Manufacturers include this amino acid in sports supplements to support muscle growth and exercise performance. Arginine also appears in formulas for immune health, tissue repair, and sexual wellness. Researchers have also studied this amino for cardiovascular health, liver function, obesity, arthritis, healthy aging, and blood sugar balance.
What Are The Health Benefits of Arginine?
An Anabolic: Muscle Building and Tissue Repair
It plays an important role in the metabolism of protein and nitrogen containing compounds. Thus, it has an important role in muscle building and regaining muscle after periods of illness or inactivity. Arginine helps produce polyamines that support tissue growth and repair. It supports muscles, the intestinal lining, and wound healing. Many athletes combine argininge with ornithine before strength training. This combination may help increase circulating growth hormone levels. Since growth hormone is responsible for anabolic tissue growth in the body, co-supplementation can help further promote muscle growth.
A Precursor to Nitric Oxide
The body converts this amino acid into nitric oxide (NO). Nitritc oxide relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation. Nitroglycerin works by increasing nitric oxide to improve blood flow to the heart. The dilation of blood vessels allows the body to get more oxygen to its tissues for enhancing athletic activity, alleviating impotence, improving sensation for both sexes, and increasing male sexual performance. Many athletes use this amino to support healthy nitric oxide production naturally. Researchers have also studied arginine for reducing nitroglycerin tolerance in people with angina.
Arginine Boosts Immune Health
It enhances the activity of the thymus; the gland that produces T cells for the immune system. T cells are important for anti-viral (like HIV) and anti-cancer activity. Arginine may support antiviral defenses by strengthening normal immune function.
Arginine Supplement Varieties
The biologically active form of arginine is L-arginine. In supplement form, it is available as powders, capsules, and combination formulas. Manufacturers commonly include it in circulation, immune, recovery, and sports formulas. Some products contain arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG). During digestion, the body separates and absorbs both compounds efficiently. The arginine performs the functions listed above promoting anabolic muscle growth, while the remaining alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) helps to improve peak athletic performance by reducing problems caused by the build-up of ammonia in the tissues. Thus, for athletic performance, AKG-arginine supplementation may be preferable.
How Can I Take Arginine Supplements?
Arginine often comes in a powder form or in capsules and the recommended dose is between 3 and 6g orally per day. Take amino acid supplements on an empty stomach (at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal) to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids. In particular, arginine supplementation causes loss of the amino acid lysine from the body. It is recommended that you co-supplement lysine if you take arginine on an ongoing basis.
Important Information
Pregnant or nursing women should not use arginine. Do not use arginine if you have herpes, schizophrenia, current Pseudomonas infection, decreased ability to clot, or a history of stroke. Consult your healthcare practitioner before using arginine if you are on medications for: high blood pressure, Viagara, or nitroglycerine as combination with arginine may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure.
