L-arginine converts to nitric oxide in the body, helping blood vessels relax and improve circulation. Studies have also demonstrated its benefits in terms of treating erectile dysfunction as well as speedy recovery from exercise.
Arginine is considered conditionally essential, meaning the body usually can produce enough to meet its own requirements, although certain medications could affect production.
Improved Energy Levels
Arginine is a vital amino acid necessary for producing nitric oxide in our bodies, an effective vasodilator which improves blood flow while also aiding with muscle recovery after intense exercise. Nitric oxide also works well at helping those suffering from chronic diseases feel better after engaging in physical exercise, helping their recovery time by up to 60%! Supplements containing arginine have also been known to boost immunity function and shorten durations of infections and illnesses.
L-arginine can be found in foods like poultry, fish, red meat, dairy products, nuts and whole grains. As a semi-essential amino acid produced by our bodies it also increases nitric oxide while improving oxygen utilization during exercise – this may enhance aerobic and anaerobic performance especially during long distance events. Arginine also benefits include increasing nitric oxide levels as well as improving aerobic and anaerobic performance – but may need other amino acids in order to do this. It increases nitric oxide production while improving oxygen utilization during exercise as well as increasing nitric oxide. In addition to increasing nitric oxide, its benefits also increase nitric oxide by improving oxygen usage during exercise which may enhance performance by improving aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance, especially during long distance events.
Studies have demonstrated that arginine can be taken safely up to a daily dosage of 30 grams; anything beyond this limit may cause nausea and diarrhea. For maximum effect, supplement arginine before workouts – some research indicates 3-6 grams taken preworkout can increase resting growth hormone levels by 100% while increasing ATP production and decreasing post-exercise muscle damage.
Though its exact mechanism remains unknown, arginine has been shown to enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen uptake and energy efficiency. This could be because arginine assists with protein synthesis needed for muscle growth; additionally it can decrease accumulations of lactic and ammonia acids after intense exercises.
Nagaya et al conducted an in-depth investigation in 2011 into the effects of supplemented arginine on cardiovascular and respiratory exercise performance among patients with pulmonary hypertension. Peak oxygen consumption was measured, and supplemented arginine intake resulted in significant increases associated with increased blood flow to muscles.
Studies have also demonstrated the benefits of arginine for increasing male sperm motility and improving fertility for women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). One particular research project found that pairing low glycemic index diet and l-arginine improved conception rates among PCOS sufferers who also experienced hormonal imbalance.
Supports Kidney Function
L-arginine is one of the body’s own amino acids and also found in food such as fish, red meat, poultry, beans, soy, nuts and whole grains. Arginine is known for improving blood flow and circulation by producing nitric oxide – helping relax blood vessels wider to improve flow – which in turn aids lower high blood pressure while potentially aiding those suffering with erectile dysfunction or high blood pressure. Furthermore, this amino acid may boost immune system function, aid metabolic health and even protect kidneys in some individuals.
Arginine is considered semi-essential because the body can produce enough of it on its own under normal circumstances, though an increase in demand may exceed supply requiring supplements as an essential source. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory properties may offer significant relief to those suffering from chronic inflammation.
This amino acid helps protect healthy kidneys by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing nitric oxide levels in urine, acting as a natural chelator of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to improve endothelial cell function among those suffering coronary artery disease, while another double-blind study concluded it significantly decreased superimposed acute renal failure following radiologic contrast media administration to patients with impaired kidney function.
In one model of progressive renal failure, supplementing with arginine was found to increase GFR and RPF, reduce proteinuria, prevent interstitial fibrosis, monocyte infiltration, tubular injury as well as increase urinary nitrite excretion and improve renal vascular tone. Furthermore, in remnant rat models of renal failure it has been demonstrated to restore renal nitric oxide syntheses, thus slowing progression of disease progression.
Arginine may help prevent tubular damage and slow renal disease progression in rats with bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO). This model displays decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased blood pressure, proteinuria and tubular damage. Administering L-Arginine restored nitric oxide production while increasing diuresis and decreasing proteinuria.
Supports Immune System Function
Research has uncovered that the immune system serves many protective roles, including producing cytokines and chemokines to regulate inflammation. Arginine plays an essential role in maintaining an efficient and fully functional natural defense system as well as creating an anti-inflammatory state to safeguard against diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. Sufficient levels of arginine may even offer protection from cardiovascular disease and obesity.
As an essential amino acid encoding an mRNA for protein synthesis, arginine has unique metabolic properties which have profound effects on immune cell biology and function. As a substrate for distinct metabolic pathways involved with immune response regulation (e.g. macrophage and dendritic cell immunobiology), availability, synthesis, catabolism are regulated at physiologically relevant concentrations within cells and their microenvironments to enable diverse pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory immune responses to be activated accordingly.
Studies have demonstrated that in vitro restriction of arginine levels significantly inhibits T cell activation and proliferation by downregulating CD3z subunit of TCR complex [216-218]. Restoring exogenous arginine through either arginase inhibition therapy or supplementation can restore these effects on cell activity [217-221].
Under conditions such as critical illness or surgery, our bodies’ requirements for arginine can increase significantly due to physiological demands. Supplementation through oral or IV administration may help boost immune function and blood flow while managing these circumstances.
L-citrulline is an amino acid found naturally in our bodies and used as an supplement to increase its production, but recent research indicates it may even be superior when it comes to raising levels of arginine because it has greater bioavailability.
Arginine is an amino acid found in various food products such as poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, seeds and vegetables. Although small amounts can be produced naturally by the body, in order to remain at optimal health levels arginine must still be taken in in order to stay optimally healthy. Primary benefits of taking in more arginine include improving vascular function and blood flow which in turn lower blood pressure, improve erectile dysfunction symptoms, promote heart health and keep erectile dysfunction under control.
Supports Heart Health
Arginine supplements help heart health by increasing blood flow to your arteries and decreasing your blood pressure. Your body converts arginine to nitric oxide, widening arteries while decreasing your blood pressure. In addition, studies suggest it lowers cholesterol levels thereby improving overall cardiovascular wellbeing; some research supports its health-giving qualities while not all do; those with low stamina, circulation issues or an existing history of heart disease may benefit from taking arginine supplements as supplements may boost their energy and stamina as an aid.
L-arginine is considered an essential amino acid; that means your body cannot produce it on its own and must get it through food or supplementation. Arginine can be found in many foods like nuts, red meat, soy beans and whole grains; however the most abundant source is L-citrulline which converts to arginine in your liver and kidneys.
No matter whether taken alone or combined with other nutrients, arginine supplements can enhance exercise performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles during strenuous activity. A 2021 meta-analysis confirmed this finding by showing arginine can increase maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max).
Some researchers have conducted clinical studies using L-arginine for those suffering from coronary artery disease to investigate its impact on vascular function and exercise capacity. Schulman et al. [35] conducted their investigation on 153 participants receiving either 3g of L-arginine three times daily for six months or placebo and observed no increase in either diastolic or systolic blood pressure during mental or physical stress tests, yet significantly enhanced coronary artery response to an acetylcholine infusion.
Researchers have used arginine to help improve exercise tolerance of those living with obstructive coronary artery disease or stable angina. One study compared L-arginine supplementation vs low dose beta blockers during standard Bruce protocol exercise testing; supplementation improved time to exhaustion, rate pressure product and ability to generate 1mm ST depression during exercise – leading to improved exercise performance which correlates with lower systolic blood pressure readings.