L-Arginine is an amino acid involved in ammonia detoxification, hormone
secretion, and the immune system. It is is also well known as a precursor to
nitric oxide, a important component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor
within blood vessels. The
endothelium is the lining inside blood vessels and arginine supplements help
make more nitric oxide which helps to relax
and dilate blood vessels. There have been claims that this amino acid is useful in hypertension
(high blood pressure), preeclampsia, intermittent claudication (a condition in
which cramping pain in the leg is induced by exercise, typically caused by
obstruction of the arteries), and erectile dysfunction.
It has been studied for its role in athletic performance,
burns and trauma, diabetes and syndrome X, male and female infertility, and
interstitial cystitis. What does the research say about its benefits for various medical conditions?
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Usage and dosage, how much to take: Take 1 to 10 arginine supplement capsules daily,
preferably on an empty stomach, or as directed by
your qualified health consultant. As with most nutrients I recommend taking
breaks from use. It appears to be safe to take for extended periods as long as the dose
is less than 3 grams a day.
If your dose is 1 to 4 g, the capsule is a good option. If you plan to take more than 4
grams, then the powder is more a more efficient method.
How well does it work? Why take it?
Even though arginine supplements have been claimed to be useful for
some of the conditions listed above, it would be premature to be overly excited.
Much research needs to be done before we can be more confident about its role in
health and disease. However,
thus far, it
appears to have a role to play in conditions involving blood vessel dilation.
Whether this dilation is short lived or continues for an adequate period is still
being evaluated. Blood levels of arginine after supplementation usually return
back to normal after a few hours of ingestion.
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Combining with sex enhancing supplements
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Erectile dysfunction
studies, is it effective as an impotence treatment?
Can it cure erectile dysfunction?
One of the more popular supplements for sexual
dysfunction is L-arginine amino acid. It is a versatile amino
acid in animal cells, serving as a precursor for the making not only of proteins but also
of nitric oxide, urea, glutamate, and
creatine. What makes it
interesting is that it can be metabolized to nitric oxide (NO). NO is the most
powerful chemical known to dilate and engorge blood vessels in the penis and
clitoris. In my opinion, I am not impressed with the effectiveness of this amino
acid in turns of impotence or ED treatment. There are many other aphrodisiac
herbs that are much more potent and effective. What does the research say about its
role in
erectile dysfunction
or impotence treatment?
Efficacy and safety of l-arginine aspartate 8 g combined with 200 mg of adenosine monophosphate with placebo alone for intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared. ED patients demonstrated significant improvements in erectile function but no changes in sexual desire and orgasms. A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction. Andrology 2013.
A
Low dose, at 500 mg three times a day, was not found to be
effective for erectile dysfunction since it takes at least several grams to have
a noticeable effect on nitric oxide production.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 men with erectile dysfunction
tested a dose of 5 grams per day for six weeks. About a
third of the participants who received l arginine showed improvement, and that
improvement was greater than the 10% improvement seen in the placebo group.
A small trial found some improvement with a combination treatment providing a daily dose of 2,500 mg of l arginine, as well as ginseng, ginkgo, and damiana. In a four-week, double-blind study, 77 women with decreased libido were given either the combination product or a placebo. Those taking the arginine blend showed statistically greater improvement, reporting increased sexual desire in 71% of participants given the treatment. In the placebo group, 42% reported an increased libido. Other improvements included relative satisfaction with sex life and heightened clitoral sensation. No significant side effects were seen in either group. However, we don't know if the arginine had anything to do with the results.
A study done at the University of Texas at Austin examined arginine, combined with yohimbine, on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. Twenty-four women participated in three sessions in which sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either arginine glutamate 6 grams plus yohimbine 6 mg, yohimbine alone 6 mg, or a placebo. Compared to placebo, the combined oral administration substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film after one hour. It is well known that yohimbine, alone, has a significant effect on sexuality and whether arginine was a factor is not known.
Mechanism of action, how it works
The most likely explanation for its mild effectiveness is its
conversion into nitric oxide. As discussed in
Natural Sex
Boosters book, nitric oxide is
converted into cGMP, which becomes the secondary messenger that causes smooth
muscle relaxation, resulting in blood vessel dilation, and more blood going into the genital organs, which
leads to erections. However, nitric oxide is quickly metabolized and any
potential l arginine benefit could be short lived. L
It is a semi-essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine. This
amino acid supports protein synthesis as it is involved in the transport and
storage of nitrogen. Among many functions, it is used by the body to produce creatine.
Benefits and uses
There is some supporting evidence that l arginine offers benefits in reducing
angina and lowering blood pressure, along with post heart transplant patients. Research indicates supplementation reduces pulmonary resistance and blood pressure.
Supplementation improves renal function in patients with chronic
heart
failure.
Polish researchers have found that supplements increases exercise
tolerance in stable coronary artery disease patients. Oral L-arginine improves endothelial function in
older healthy individuals.
Body building, muscle growth
I'm much more impressed with creatine monhydrate and protein
powders than l arginine for body building.
Cancer or tumors
I don't see any reason why use would
cause or prevent a cancer or tumor.
Exercise and athletic performance
Researchers at the University of Exeter in England say taking a dietary
supplement containing L-arginine amino acid to enhance the production of nitric
oxide in the body can significantly boost stamina during high-intensity
exercise. The study, published in the 2010 Journal of Applied Physiology,
suggests taking the supplement can allow athletes to exercise up to 20 percent
longer.
Growth hormone release
Some claim that the use of this amino acid supplement
in large dosages increases
human growth hormone levels. It so, the effects are minor and a better option is
to exercise daily. Exercise is a much more potent and consistent way to increase
growth hormone levels.
Heart attack
It would
seem prudent to not use this amino acid product the first few months after a
heart attack. However, at least one or two additional studies are needed to
determine whether the results of this study regarding the influence of l arginine supplements and heart attack were coincidence or whether it
does have a negative impact on heart health in those who have had a recent heart
attack.
L-arginine therapy in acute myocardial infarction:
the Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI)
randomized clinical trial.
JAMA. 2006..
A total of 153 patients following a first ST-segment elevation
myocardial infarction were enrolled; 77 patients were 60 years or older.
Patients were randomly assigned to receive L-arginine (goal dose of 3 g 3 times
a day) or matching placebo for 6 months. There was no
significant change from baseline to 6 months in the vascular stiffness
measurements or left ventricular ejection fraction in either of the 2 groups,
including those 60 years or older and the entire study group. However, 6
participants (8%) in the L-arginine group died during the 6-month study period
vs none in the placebo group. L-arginine, when added to
standard postinfarction therapies, does not improve vascular stiffness
measurements or ejection fraction and may be associated with higher
postinfarction mortality.
Benefit for heart failure and
heart disease
L-arginine supplements may improve the
physical fitness of heart failure patients by enhancing their endurance to
exercise. Dr. Stephane Doutreleau and colleagues from Institut de Physiologie,
Strasbourg, France, examined the potential benefits of 6 weeks of L-arginine
supplements on endurance exercise in 10 patients with chronic stable heart
failure. Patients who took it
experienced a significant decrease in their average heart rate throughout
exercise and the recovery period. There were no significant changes in blood
pressure and respiratory parameters. The current study supports a prior study in
which a group of heart failure patients were shown to benefit from a combination
of exercise and L-arginine supplements. In that study, the combination appeared
to help correct the abnormal functioning of blood vessels seen in chronic heart
failure. International Journal of Sports Medicine July 2006.
Heart transplant patients
Dr. Stephane Doutreleau, from Nouvel Hopital Civil, Strasbourg, France, first
compared clinical, echocardiographic, and exercise characteristics in 22 heart
recipients (all at least 6 months post-transplant) and 11 healthy control
subjects. At baseline the heart recipients had a lower exercise capacity than
controls. Dr. Stephane Doutreleau then randomized the transplant patients to
receive a 6-week treatment of either placebo or L-arginine. At 6 weeks, the
amino acid group had improvements in quality of life and exercise capacity,
whereas the placebo group had no change from baseline. With L-arginine, the mean
distance on the 6-minute walk test increasedm. During bicycle
exercise testing, the ventilator threshold during the incremental test was
delayed by 1 minute. Patients in the L-arginine group also had lower resting and
maximal heart rates after treatment. There was an improvement in quality of life. American J
Clinical Nutrition, 2010.
Hypertension, high blood
pressure
I need to see more studies to determine how effective this
supplement is for reducing high blood pressure, what the right dosage would be,
and how long the effects last after taking such a supplement. Some early studies
show promise but I would like to see additional papers.
Evaluation of the antihypertensive effect of L-arginine supplementation in
patients with mild hypertension assessed with ambulatory blood pressure
monitoring.
Med Sci Monit. 2010.
The study was completed by 54 participants.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was used to allot patients to either
a healthy control group (19 subjects) or the hypertensive treatment group (35
patients). Later the patients were randomized to either L-arginine (2 or 4 g
three times daily or placebo. Blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic)
showed statistically significant lowering after 4 weeks of supplementation only
in the subgroup of patients treated with 12 g daily, with a stronger hypotensive effect observed during the day.
The present findings demonstrate a strong association between
supplementation and blood pressure reduction.
Benefit in gestational hypertension
L-arginine supplementation in patients with gestational hypertension: a pilot
study.
Hypertens Pregnancy. 2007.
Patients with gestational hypertension and proteinuria and those without
proteinuria were randomized in a double-blind design to receive either L
arginine (20 grams / 500 mL intravenously daily, for 5 days followed by 4 grams
/day orally for 2 weeks) or placebo. Compared with baseline, both systolic and
diastolic blood pressure 6 days after treatment were significantly reduced in
the treatment group but not in the placebo group.
Homocysteine
Oral L arginine supplement improves hemodynamic responses to stress and reduces
plasma homocysteine in hypercholesterolemic men.
J Nutr. 2005.
We tested whether oral l-arginine (12 grams
per d for 3 weeks) affected hemodynamics, glucose, insulin, or C-reactive
protein in 16 middle-age men with high cholesterol. This study is the first to describe a hemodynamic mechanism for the hypotensive
effect of oral l arginine and the first to show substantial reductions in
homocysteine with oral administration.
Immune function
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2014. Effect of
L-arginine on immune function: a meta-analysis. L-arginine plays an important
role in immune regulation by affecting the immune response and inflammation.
This meta-analysis was performed to assess whether L-arginine supplementation
could improve the outcomes of immune function, and to evaluate the safety of L-arginine
supplementation. Meta-analysis showed that the L-arginine supplement group had a
significantly greater CD4⁺ T-cell proliferation response, and that the incidence
of infectious complications was lower
Nitric oxide production
studies and research
Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessel
relaxation. Although there is some evidence that suggests that arginine
supplements may be
useful in the treatment of medical conditions that are improved by vasodilation,
such as angina, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction,
heart failure, intermittent claudication / peripheral vascular disease, and
vascular headache, more proof is needed. Arginine also stimulates protein synthesis and
has been studied for wound healing, bodybuilding, enhancement of sperm
production (spermatogenesis), and prevention of wasting in people with critical
illness.
Amino Acids. 2015. Effects of chronic oral L-arginine administration on the L-arginine / NO pathway in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease or coronary artery disease: L-Arginine prevents renal loss of nitrite, the major NO reservoir. Despite saturation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) by its substrate L-arginine (Arg), oral and intravenous supplementation of Arg may enhance NO synthesis, a phenomenon known as "The L-arginine paradox". Yet, Arg is not only a source of NO, but is also a source for guanidine-methylated (N (G)) arginine derivatives which are all inhibitors of NOS activity. Therefore, Arg supplementation may not always result in enhanced NO synthesis. We propose that oral long-term Arg supplementation prevents loss of NO bioactivity by saving nitrite. The optimum Arg dose needs to be elaborated and is likely to be less than 10 g per day in adults. Orally and intravenously administered arginine was well tolerated by the elderly patients and young children, respectively.
The influence of two different doses of L arginine oral
supplementation on nitric oxide NO concentration and total antioxidant status in atherosclerotic patients.
Med Sci Monit. 2004.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of two different doses, 6
grams and 12 grams, in
28-day arginine oral supplementation on nitric oxide NO concentration and total
antioxidant status in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease. Oral supplementation of L arginine for 28 days
leads to substantial increases in nitric oxide and antioxidant levels in the blood of patients with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial
disease.
If I take an arginine
supplement, how long does it take to convert into nitric oxide and how long does
the nitric oxide stay in the body?
These are excellent questions and at this time I don't know the
precise answers but will search for such research. Nitiric oxide stays in the blood
stream for brief periods.
Nocturnal leg cramps
Email - I used to have nocturnal leg cramps several times a
week. I have not had any at all since I started taking L-arginine capsules.
Peripheral artery disease
not helpful
L-arginine supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: no benefit and
possible harm.
Circulation. 2007.
Preeclampsia not helpful
Dietary supplementation with L-arginine or placebo in women with pre-eclampsia.
Staff AC..
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ulleval University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
The women received orally 12 grams of L arginine or placebo daily for up to 5
days. Supplementation did not reduce mean
diastolic blood pressure after 2 days of treatment compared with placebo in pre-eclamptic
patients with gestational length varying from 28 to 36 weeks.
Sperm quality
Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2014 Dec. Sperm quality in men is improved by
supplementation with a combination of L-arginine, L-citrullin, roburins and
Pycnogenol. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Prelox®R,
a combination of French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol, L-arginine, L-citrulline
and roburins, on male fertility. Sperm quality of 50 subfertile men was tested
in monthly intervals in a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled,
crossover study. Patients received 2 tablets Prelox®R or placebo twice daily
during test periods. Following a run-in period of 1 month, patients received
either Prelox R or a placebo for 1 month. After a wash-out period of 1 month,
patients received Prelox®R or a placebo in a crossover manner for 1 month. Sperm
volume, concentration of spermatozoa, total count, motility, vitality and
morphology were measured by standard methods of calculation of the Fertility
Index (FI) in monthly intervals. Activity of e-NOS in sperm was evaluated in
parallel by measuring the quantity of L-citulline produced from L-arginine.
Supplementation with Prelox R enhanced sperm volume and concentration, motility,
vitality and morphology significantly versus placebo. The Fertility Index rose
to normal values during treatment with Prelox®R. e-NOS activity in sperm was
elevated by Prelox R. No adverse effects were reported.
Sexual enhancement benefit
There are many potent herbs that have sexual enhancement properties.
Arginine is not on my top ten list of aphrodisiac supplements and I don't think
it provides significant erection enhancement except perhaps in very high
amounts.
Dosage
L Arginine is available most often as 750 to 1,000 mg capsules and in
powder form. The dosage of depends on the condition being treated. In some
cases, a dosage of more than 5 grams a day may be required.
Different forms and types
I came across a web site that said: Arginine Ornithine
Lysine is an obvious choice to promote health and wellbeing at all stages of
adult life. What's the scoop?
I have not come across any studies that indicate arginine ornithine lysine together help promote health.
Cream
I am interested in information regarding arginine as a cream. Is it as effective
as the capsules? Where do I buy it?
I have not seen studies with the cream application. I
seriously doubt enough would get absorbed for it to be effective.
I recently happened across a company, Stategic Science,
Inc., promoting the topical application of arginine cream (and their transdermal
delivery system) to restore hair growth - essentially by improving blood flow
to the hair follicles in the scalp. Also, I read recently that "Kevis" is actually the number one selling hair loss
treatment in the world, followed closely by Rogaine minoxidil in north
America. From what I've read, the active ingredient in Kevis is hyaluronic
acid which purports to restore depleted collagen around hair follicles, while minoxidil dilates blood vessels. Since Kevis and Rogaine were originally
patented and sold by UpJohn. As
an alternative to the minoxidil / finasteride approach, I was wondering if topical
arginine, perhaps in conjunction with hyaluronic acid, would be worth
considering.
Since we have not seen studies with arginine cream
and hair growth, and the same for hyaluronic acid, we can't say whether these
two nutrients in the form of a cream would be effective to restore hair loss.
History,
discovery
L arginine was first isolated in 1886. In 1932, it was found to be
required for the generation of urea, which is necessary for the removal of toxic
ammonia from the body. In 1939 it was also shown to be required
for the synthesis of creatine, the muscle builder.
Deficiency
Symptoms of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, hair loss,
skin rash, constipation, and fatty liver. This is a
semi-essential amino acid, because although it is normally synthesized in
sufficient amounts by the body, supplementation is sometimes required
(for example, due to inborn errors of urea synthesis, protein malnutrition,
excessive lysine intake, burns, peritoneal dialysis, and rapid growth).
What are some foods high
in arginine?
All foods that have protein contain this amino acid.
L Arginine side effects, safety, risk, danger, toxicity,
overdose
I have not come across any significant l arginine side effects up to now.
It is possible that one adverse effect with high dosage is nausea. Other
possible side effects on very high dosages are digestive disturbances. I have
personally taken more than 10 grams at one time at least on three different
occasions without any significant adverse effects. But, it is not clear whether
it causes negative reaction if used in high dosages
daily for
many months or years. It is unlikely that dosages of less
than 3 grams a day would lead to any untoward effects.
Amino Acids. 2015. Safety of long-term dietary supplementation with L-arginine in rats. Beginning at 6 weeks of age, male and female rats were fed a casein-based semi-purified diet containing 0.61 % L-arginine and received drinking water containing L-arginine-HCl. These supplemental doses of L-arginine were equivalent to 0, 286, and 573 mg L-arginine/kg body-weight/day, respectively, in humans. Supplementation with L-arginine increased plasma concentrations of arginine, ornithine, proline, homoarginine, urea, and nitric oxide metabolites without affecting those for lysine, histidine, or methylarginines, while reducing plasma concentrations of ammonia, glutamine, free fatty acids, and triglycerides. L-Arginine supplementation enhanced protein gain and reduced white-fat deposition in the body. Based on general appearance, feeding behavior, and physiological parameters, all animals showed good health during the entire experimental period; Plasma concentrations of all measured hormones (except leptin) did not differ between control and arginine-supplemented rats. L-Arginine supplementation reduced plasma levels of leptin. Additionally, supplementation increased L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase activity in kidneys but not in the liver or small intestine. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with L-arginine (e.g., 3.6 g/kg body-weight/day) is safe in rats for at least 91 days. This dose is equivalent to 40 g L-arginine/kg body-weight/day for a 70-kg person.
I have followed your career since my wife and
I heard you at a book review at the La Quinta Hotel several years ago. I was taking l arginine 6 grams per day over several months
and came down with rosacea, which cleared up when I stopped taking it and with
standard treatment by a dermatologist. I have read stories by body builders of
their faces getting "rough" when taking large doses and wonder if they have
undiagnosed rosacea. Keep up the good work.
A. Thanks, this is the first I have heard of rosacea as an adverse
reaction.
Ornithine, arginine, amino acids, and human growth hormone release
Certain amino acids can stimulate the release of growth hormone when infused intravenously or administered orally. Some individuals ingest amino acids before strength training workouts thinking that this enhances exercise-induced growth hormone release thereby promoting greater gains in muscle mass and strength. Although IV arginine administration consistently leads to increased circulating growth hormone concentration, oral arginine doses that are great enough to induce significant growth hormone release are likely to cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. During exercise intensity is a major determinant of growth hormone release. Up to now studies have not consistently found that pre-exercise oral amino acid supplementation to enhance growth hormone release. In addition, no major studies have found that oral supplementation with amino acids such as arginine or ornithine before strength training increases muscle mass and strength to a greater extent than strength training alone.
Metabolism by the kidneys
The kidney plays a major role in arginine metabolism in 3 principal ways:
arginine synthesis, creatine synthesis, and arginine reabsorption. Arginine is
made in the kidney from citrulline produced by the intestine. The renal enzymes
of synthesis, argininosuccinate synthetase and argininosuccinate lyase,
occur in the cells of the proximal tubule. The rate of synthesis
depends on citrulline delivery and does not appear to be regulated by dietary
arginine availability. Renal synthesis in humans produces approximately
2 grams per day, which may be compared to an intake, from a Western diet, of
approximately 4 to 5 grams a day.
Use by women
Is l arginine for a woman appropriate? What is the correct dosage? Also, is it a
vitamin?
I need to see more studies to determine whether a woman would need
to take such a supplement. It is not a vitamin but an amino acid.
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