L-arginine is an amino acid
that helps the body make proteins. It can be obtained naturally in the diet and
is also found in dietary supplement form. Foods rich in L-arginine
include plant and animal proteins, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish,
and nuts.
L-arginine also helps rid
the body of ammonia (a waste product) and stimulates the release of insulin. In
addition, your body uses arginine to make nitric oxide (a compound that relaxes
the blood vessels). Although some studies suggest that L-arginine may benefit
certain health conditions, other research shows that L-arginine may have
harmful effects on some individuals.
Uses for L-Arginine
By improving blood flow in the
body, some proponents claim that L-arginine may help heart conditions, such as
chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, leg cramping and weakness due to
obstructed arteries (a condition known as intermittent claudication), and
erectile dysfunction (ED).
Some people use L-arginine
to boost the immune system, improve athletic performance, shorten recovery time
after surgery, and promote weight loss. L-arginine is also used for
bodybuilding.
There's also some evidence
that L-arginine may help with interstitial cystitis and preeclampsia.
Benefits of L-Arginine
At this point, there are few
clinical trials testing the potential benefits of L-arginine. Here's a look at
a few findings from the available research:
Erectile Dysfunction
Some research has examined whether
L-arginine
supplements may benefit men with erectile dysfunction, also known as ED.
L-arginine is thought to enhance nitric oxide and—in turn—relax the muscles
surrounding blood vessels supplying the penis. As a result, blood vessels in
the penis dilate, increasing blood flow, which may help maintain an erection.
In a 2017 study published in
the journal Andrology, for instance, levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline
(another amino acid) were measured in people with erectile dysfunction.
Researchers found that levels of both amino acids were lower in men with
erectile dysfunction than in those without ED.
A couple of small studies
have explored the use of L-arginine in combination with French maritime pine
bark extract.
Heart Disease
Early proponents suggested
that L-arginine could protect the heart and benefit people with heart disease,
however, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
in 2006 found that arginine didn't improve blood vessel stiffness or heart
function in people 60 years or older who took arginine in combination with
standard treatment after a heart attack. What's more, the researchers found
that "arginine may be associated with higher postinfarction
mortality."
Further research suggests
that arginine supplementation could raise the risk of heart disease. Until we
know more, L-arginine supplements cannot be recommended as a treatment for
heart disease.
Nutrition Therapy
Taking L-arginine in
combination with an omega-3 fatty acid and nucleotides have been explored to
reduce recovery time, protect against infection, and promote wound healing
after surgery. The supplement in combination with other supplements has also
been used to increase lean body mass in people with cancer.
Side Effects
L-arginine can cause a
number of side effects including indigestion, nausea, headache, bloating,
diarrhea, gout, blood abnormalities, allergies, airway inflammation, worsening
of asthma symptoms, decreased insulin sensitivity, and low blood pressure.
Higher doses of L-arginine
can increase stomach acid, so it may also worsen heartburn, ulcers, or
digestive upset caused by medications. In addition, L-arginine may aggravate
symptoms in people with herpes.
L-arginine may interact with
certain medications, such as blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, or
drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. If you have diabetes or heart
disease, avoid taking L-arginine. Some studies have found that chronic
L-arginine supplementation may decrease insulin sensitivity, while others have
found no effect or increased insulin sensitivity.
As with many other
supplements, L-arginine hasn't been tested for safety in pregnant women,
nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking
medications.
The Takeaway
In most cases, the body
maintains an adequate supply of L-arginine on its own. However, severe burns,
infections, and injuries can deplete the body's supply of arginine. Under these
conditions, it is necessary to ensure proper intake to meet the increased
demands.
Due to evolving research on
the relationship between L-arginine and heart disease, avoid taking L-arginine
supplements unless you have consulted your doctor first about the possible
benefits and risks.
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