Arginine

  What is Arginine?
Why Arginine? How does Arginine Work?
Arginine Supplements
What to Know about Taking Arginine Supplements

What is Arginine?

Arginine is a nonessential amino acid found in a variety of foods. It plays a role in several important body functions, including cell division, wound heating, immune function, and the removal of ammonia from the body. Arginine may also be important during growth periods, since experts believe it may stimulate secretion of human growth hormone.

 

Why Arginine? Arginine Benefits

Arginine and Heart Disease

Arginine helps make nitric oxide, which dilates or relaxesarteries, making blood flow more freely and thus lowering blood pressure. Nitric oxide also helps prevent clot formation and plaque buildup on artery walls that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Because of arginine's role in the production of nitric oxide, it has been suggested that the amino acid may be useful as a treatment for a variety of heart conditions. Doses as large as 30 grams of arginine per day have been used to treat congestive heart failure.

Experts have also looked at the role of arginine in intermittent claudication (painful cramping in the calf as a result of poor circulation). Individuals with advanced hardening and narrowing of the arteries often have difficulty walking due to a lack of blood flow to the legs. In one study, individuals who consumed snack food bars containing arginine were able to improve their walking distance. After two weeks of eating two bars per day, the study participants were able to walk 66 percent farther.

Arginine and Other Potential Benefits

Scientists are looking at the possible use of arginine as part of a treatment strategy during angioplasty, coronary bypass, and heart transplantation. Some are also investigating whether arginine may improve sperm function and thereby help treat male infertility. As much as 30 grams of arginine have been given before chemotherapy treatments to help improve immune function in patients with breast and colon cancers. Although these areas of research are promising, much more research is needed. Despite claims to the contrary arginine supplementation has not been shown to build muscle, prevent colds, treat impotence, or improve athletic performance.

 

Arginine Supplements

Most people get the arginine they need through food or via production in the body and supplements are not recommended for children. The average U.S. diet provides about 5.5 grams of arginine per day. However, certain conditions can deplete the body's arginine stores, including infections, severe burns, and injuries. Although arginine appears to have some beneficial effects, there have been no long term studies on the safety of arginine supplementation.

L or D?

Amino acid names on supplement labels are frequently preceded by the letters "L" or "D." This refers to the chemical form of the amino acid. Those with the "L" in their name are the most similar to amino acids in the body, and are therefore preferable over the "D" forms.

L-Arginine 1000mg (100 Tabs) from Jarrow Formulations is highly recommended by nutritionists for it's great price and superb quality. Jarrow Formulations' L-Arginine 1000mg is produced from 100% free base, U.S. Pharmaceutical Grade L-Arginine.

> Click here for L-Arginine 1000mg from Jarrow Formulations

 

What to Know about Taking Arginine Supplements

- Arginine is found in tablets capsules, bars, drinks, and protein powders ranging in dosage from 2 to 3 grams per day. Arginine is also found in amino acid combinations.

- Arginine supplements are usually well tolerated, but increased sodium and water losses have been seen in some individuals.

- Since dietary supplements (or claims for them) are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, quality control and potency problems may exist with arginine supplements.



 
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