GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that
the body can synthesize in the liver, however in times of stress or trauma arginine becomes an
essential amino acid. Arginine is found in beans, brewer’s
yeast, chocolate, dairy products, eggs, fish, legumes,
meat, nuts, oatmeal, popcorn, raisins, seafood,
seeds, sesame seeds, soy, sunflower seeds, whey, whole grains.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Arginine boosts nitric oxide production, making
it potentially useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, intermittent claudication, angina, impotence, and sexual dysfunction in
women. Arginine relaxes blood vessels, keeps arteries flexible, and seems
to act as a natural anticoagulant by reducing the “stickiness” of platelets. Preliminary evidence suggests that arginine may help to regulate
cholesterol levels. Together, these benefits suggest that
arginine may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart
attack, and stroke. Arginine is also vital for the
production of protein
and the secretion of the
hormones glucagon and insulin, it also stimulates
the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Arginine can also help to
increase sperm production, boost the
immune system, and aid wound and burn
healing.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Decreased sperm count.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
A typical therapeutic dosage of arginine is
2-3 g per day. Most people do not need to take supplementary arginine. People suffering from serious
burns, infections, or other trauma may need extra arginine,
however the doseage should be decided by a
doctor.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Possible side effects include diarrhea and
nausea. Individuals with renal or
hepatic insufficiency and those with insulin-dependent
diabetes should avoid large doses of arginine. As
should people who are allergic to eggs, milk, or wheat. Notes: L-Arginine should not be taken in
combination with L-Lysine, as lysine is an antagonist of arginine. L-Arginine can interfere with
the metabolism of lysine, which can reactivate the herpes
simplex virus. People taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAID’s) such as aspirin, and drugs that alter potassium levels, for example ACEinhibitors, should be cautious if taking supplementary arginine.
People with kidney or liver disease should consult their
doctor before taking supplementary arginine.
