L-Arginine
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L-Arginine is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, promoting vasodilation, improving blood flow, and supporting cardiovascular health and exercise performance.
L-Arginine is an amino acid naturally found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. It is necessary for making proteins and is commonly used for circulation.
L-Arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-Arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in the body. It can be made in a lab and used in supplements.
People use L-Arginine for chest pain and various blood flow issues, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and a serious disease in premature infants called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It's also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Other names & forms of L-Arginine supplement : arginine, arg, l-arginine hcl, arginine supplement, di-arginine malate, arginine ethyl ester, arginine akg, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, arginine hydrochloride
Possible Benefits
L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, facilitating vasodilation and improving endothelial function.
- Helps support Blood Flow & Circulation by enhancing nitric oxide production, leading to improved vasodilation.
- May promote Erectile Dysfunction support through improved penile blood flow and nitric oxide availability.
- Contributes to Heart Health by lowering blood pressure and improving endothelial function.
- May aid in Muscle Performance & Recovery by increasing nutrient delivery to muscles during exercise.
Side Effects
L-Arginine serves as a nitric oxide precursor to support circulation, but starting it can produce mild sensations. Watch for:
- Possible temporary warmth or flushing, due to vasodilation
- Occasional gastrointestinal upset, bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially if taken without food
- Mild headache or lightheadedness in sensitive individuals
- Rare skin rash or itching, hypersensitivity reactions
- Temporary mild drop in blood pressure, monitor if you have hypotension
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Blood pressure medications: L-Arginine’s nitric oxide-boosting action can augment ACE inhibitors or nitrates, risking hypotension, measure blood pressure regularly.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: May mildly inhibit platelet function, compounding warfarin or Garlic, increasing bleeding risk, monitor INR.
- Diabetes medications: Could improve insulin sensitivity; when used with insulin or Cinnamon, monitor glycemia.
Precautions
Before adding L-Arginine to your routine, make sure none of the following apply to you. If they do, consult your healthcare provider:
- Individuals with herpes simplex: Arginine can trigger outbreaks; avoid if prone
- People with low blood pressure: May exacerbate hypotension; monitor readings
- Those on nitrates or phosphodiesterase inhibitors: Risk of excessive vasodilation; use under medical guidance
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited safety data; stick to dietary sources unless advised
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue two weeks prior, possible interactions with anesthesia and blood flow dynamics
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into L-Arginine benefits:
A 2021 meta-analysis suggests L-arginine supplementation reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults.
A 2021 review of 45 studies indicates L-arginine may lower the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women at risk.
A randomized trial in 56 male athletes found that 2 g/day of L-arginine improved endurance performance by 8% compared to placebo.
A 2018 double-blind study showed no significant benefit of L-arginine on erectile function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a condition, or take medication, speak with a qualified professional.
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