Other animal studies suggest a possible role for arginine in prevention of adhesions, a painful type of internal scarring that can occur with surgery. Human trials of formulas including arginine are discussed below, but the benefits of supplemental arginine alone have not been studied in surgery patients. At very high intakes approximately mg per 2.
However, at lower amounts recommended by some manufacturers 5 grams taken 30 minutes before exercise , arginine failed to increase growth hormone release and may even have impaired the release of growth hormone in younger adults. Large quantities mg per 2. High amounts of arginine or ornithine do not appear to raise levels of insulin, another anabolic bodybuilding hormone.
More modest amounts of a combination of these amino acids have not had measurable effects on any anabolic hormone levels during exercise. Nonetheless, double-blind trials conducted by one group of researchers, combining weight training with either arginine and ornithine mg of each, twice per day, five times per week or placebo, found the amino-acid combination produced decreases in body fat, resulted in higher total strength and lean body mass, and reduced evidence of tissue breakdown after only five weeks.
Supplementation with the amino acid , L-arginine 16 grams per day , has been shown to improve fertilization rates in women with a previous history of failed attempts at in vitro test tube fertilization. Various amino acids have shown promise for people with gastritis. In a double-blind trial, taking mg of cysteine four times daily provided significant benefit for people with bleeding gastritis caused by NSAIDs such as aspirin.
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that stimulates healing of gastritis. In a preliminary trial, 1—4 grams per day of NAC N-acetyl cysteine given to people with atrophic gastritis for four weeks appeared to increase healing.
Glutamine , another amino acid is a main energy source for cells in the stomach and supplementation may increase blood flow to this region. Patients in surgical intensive care units often develop gastrointestinal problems related to a glutamine deficiency.
When burn victims were supplemented with glutamine, they did not develop stress ulcers, even after several operations. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent glutamine supplementation might prevent or help existing gastritis. Preliminary evidence suggests the amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow, but research has yet to investigate the effects of arginine supplementation in people with gastritis.
The amino acid arginine is needed by the body to make nitric oxide, a substance that allows blood vessels to dilate, thus leading to reduced blood pressure. Intravenous administration of arginine has reduced blood pressure in humans in some reports. In one controlled trial, people not responding to conventional medication for their hypertension were found to respond to a combination of conventional medication and oral arginine 2 grams taken three times per day.
Arginine supplementation increases protein synthesis and improves wound healing in animals. Two controlled trials have shown increased tissue synthesis in surgical wounds in people given 17—25 grams of oral arginine per day. Most people do not need to take extra arginine. While some people with serious infections , burns , or other trauma should take arginine, appropriate amounts must be determined by a doctor. Levels used in research vary considerably 2—30 grams per day.
Most research on cardiovascular disease has used between 6 and 20 grams per day. Optimal intakes remain unknown and are likely to vary depending upon the individual. Dairy, meat and poultry, and fish are good sources of arginine. Nuts and chocolate also contain significant amounts of this amino acid. Normally, the body makes enough arginine, even when it is lacking in the diet. However, during times of unusual stress including infection , burns , and injury , the body may not be able to keep up with increased requirements.
Arginine works with ornithine in the synthesis of growth hormone. For most people, arginine has so far appeared to be free of obvious side effects. However, longer-term studies are needed to confirm its safety. In a double-blind study, supplementation with 9 grams of arginine per day for six months, beginning within 3 to 21 days after a heart attack , resulted in an increase in the mortality rate. Arginine is beneficial for other manifestations of heart disease, such as heart failure and angina.
However, because of the potential for arginine to cause adverse effects in heart patients, people with heart disease should consult a doctor before taking arginine.
There have been two case reports of severe allergic reactions following intravenous administration of L-arginine; 2 however, allergic reactions have not been reported after oral administration.
People with kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor before supplementing with arginine. Some doctors believe that people with herpes either cold sores or genital herpes should not take arginine supplements, because of the possibility that arginine might stimulate replication of the virus.
Administration of large amounts of arginine to animals has been found both to promote 3 and to interfere with cancer growth. JAMA ; Case report of an anaphylactoid reaction to arginine. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol ; In a new meta-analysis of existing studies, scientists have found that taking vitamin D supplements does not improve muscle strength. What are some of the best creatine supplements? This article covers creatine, including its different types, its effectiveness, and a list of products….
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What are some of the best bodybuilding supplements? In this article, we look at possible benefits of various supplements and provide a list of…. The benefits and side effects of L-arginine. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.
What is L-arginine? Benefits of L-arginine Side effects of L-arginine Natural ways to get enough L-arginine We include products we think are useful for our readers. L-arginine is one of many amino acids the body needs to function properly. Share on Pinterest L-arginine is found in eggs, fish, and red meat. Benefits of L-arginine. Side effects of L-arginine. Share on Pinterest For certain groups of people there may be some risks involved in taking L-arginine as a supplement.
Natural ways to get enough L-arginine. Share on Pinterest Plant based proteins such as chickpeas are a good source of L-arginine. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and divided into essential and nonessential categories. Nonessential amino acids are made in the body, but essential amino acids are not. As such, they must be provided through dietary intake 1.
L-arginine is considered semi-essential or conditionally essential, meaning that it becomes essential under certain circumstances and conditions, including pregnancy, infancy, critical illness, and trauma 2.
Additionally, it acts as a precursor to other amino acids , including glutamate, proline, and creatine, and is essential for the health and functioning of your immune system.
Arginine is necessary for the development of T-cells, which are white blood cells that play central roles in immune response 2. Because L-arginine has so many critical roles in your body, a deficiency in this amino acid can disrupt cellular and organ function and lead to serious adverse health outcomes 2. L-arginine is produced in several ways. It can be synthesized from the amino acid citrulline through the breakdown of body proteins, or it can be obtained through dietary protein intake 2.
The average daily intake of L-arginine from foods is reported to be 4—6 grams 4. Additionally, L-arginine can be obtained by taking supplements. L-arginine supplements are widely available and can be found in powder, liquid, capsule, and tablet form at grocery stores, supplement stores, and online. L-arginine supplements are taken by many populations, including athletes and those who have certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, for a variety of reasons. Research has shown that L-arginine may offer a variety of potential benefits when used as a supplement.
However, results are mixed, and L-arginine may not be as effective for some conditions as many supplement companies claim. Limited evidence suggests that L-arginine supplements may enhance exercise performance by increasing nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow and oxygenation to muscles. For example, a randomized study in 56 male soccer players found that treatment with 2 grams of L-arginine daily for 45 days significantly increased sport performance, compared with a placebo group 6.
Another small study in 9 men demonstrated that those who drank a beverage containing 6 grams of L-arginine 1 hour before intense exercise had significantly increased blood levels of nitric oxide and were able to exercise longer, compared with a placebo group 7.
However, most studies investigating this relationship have found that L-arginine is not beneficial for improving athletic performance 8 , 9 , 10 , L-arginine supplements may benefit those with high blood pressure. Studies have shown that taking L-arginine supplements may help lower both your systolic the top number and diastolic the bottom number blood pressure readings.
L-arginine is needed for the production of nitric oxide, which is necessary for the relaxation of the cells that make up blood vessels, as well as blood pressure regulation. A review of 7 studies found that supplementing with L-arginine by both oral and intravenous IV administration significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure by up to 5. Arginine becomes essential when your body is compromised due to conditions like infection and trauma, and your arginine needs significantly increase due to physiologic demands.
Under these circumstances, your body can no longer fulfill your arginine needs, which must be met through external sources. Arginine depletion during critical illness or after surgery leads to serious adverse effects, including impaired immune function and blood flow. To avoid these potential complications, arginine supplements are used frequently in the clinical setting to treat a variety of conditions. For example, oral or IV arginine is commonly used to treat serious infections like necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, cases of sepsis, burns, chronic disease, and wounds, as well as in pre- and post-surgical and trauma patients 5 , Research shows that L-arginine may benefit those with diabetes by improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity L-arginine is needed for the production of nitric oxide.
Therefore, increasing nitric oxide availability may help enhance the function of cells that secrete insulin and help your body use blood sugar more efficiently. Some research has shown that long-term treatment with L-arginine supplements may prevent diabetes in at-risk populations A study in people with impaired blood sugar regulation found that treatment with 6.
In addition to the potential benefits listed above, some research suggests that L-arginine supplements may be helpful when used in the following ways:. This list is not exhaustive, and L-arginine has been studied for its potential beneficial effects on various conditions, including obesity, heart disease, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS , infertility, and anxiety, either used on its own or in combination with other supplements.
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