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Arginine

Table of Contents

  1. Arginine: The Essential Amino Acid for Optimal Health and Performance
    1. What is Arginine?
    2. The History of Arginine
    3. Effects and Benefits of Arginine
    4. Medical Uses of Arginine
    5. Usage of Arginine
    6. Combinations with Co-factors
    7. Warnings
    8. References

Arginine: The Essential Amino Acid for Optimal Health and Performance

 

Arginine is an amino acid that is essential for human health. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including immune system function, hormone secretion, and blood flow regulation. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history, effects and benefits, medical uses, usage, combinations with co-factors, and warnings related to arginine.

 

What is Arginine?

 

Arginine is an amino acid that is classified as semi-essential, meaning that while it can be produced by the human body, it is also obtained through dietary sources such as meat, dairy products, and nuts. It is a precursor to nitric oxide, which is a molecule that plays a vital role in regulating blood flow, immune system function, and hormone secretion.

 

The History of Arginine

 

Arginine was first discovered in 1886 by Swiss chemist Ernst Schulze. It was later synthesized in 1895 by Ernst Cohen and Henri Henriques. In the early 20th century, arginine was found to be an essential amino acid for the growth and development of animals. It wasn't until the 1990s that arginine's potential health benefits started to gain attention, and it became a popular supplement in the fitness and bodybuilding communities.

 

Effects and Benefits of Arginine

 

Arginine is known to have a wide range of effects and benefits on the human body. Some of the most notable include:

 

  1. Improved Blood Flow: Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps to relax blood vessels, increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscles and organs.

  2. Immune System Function: Arginine is also involved in the production of white blood cells, which play a vital role in the body's immune response.

  3. Hormone Secretion: Arginine stimulates the production of growth hormone, insulin, and other important hormones in the body.

  4. Wound Healing: Arginine has been shown to improve wound healing by increasing collagen production.

  5. Erectile Dysfunction: Arginine has been found to improve erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis.

 

Medical Uses of Arginine

 

Arginine has been used for a variety of medical purposes, including:

 

  1. Cardiovascular Disease: Arginine has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

  2. Erectile Dysfunction: Arginine has been used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in men.

  3. Wound Healing: Arginine has been used to improve wound healing in patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

 

Usage of Arginine

 

Arginine is available in supplement form and is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve exercise performance and recovery. The typical dosage for arginine supplements is 2-5 grams per day. It is important to note that high doses of arginine can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid its use.

 

Combinations with Co-factors

 

Arginine is often combined with other amino acids and co-factors to enhance its effects. Some common combinations include:

 

  1. Citrulline: Citrulline is another amino acid that is converted into arginine in the body. Combining citrulline with arginine can increase nitric oxide production and improve blood flow.

  2. Creatine: Creatine is a popular supplement used by athletes to increase muscle strength and power. Combining creatine with arginine can improve exercise performance and recovery.

  3. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can improve nitric oxide production and blood flow when combined with arginine.

 

Warnings

 

While arginine is generally safe for most individuals, there are some precautions that should be taken. High doses of arginine can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals with

certain medical conditions, such as asthma or herpes, should also use caution when taking arginine supplements, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, arginine may interact with certain medications, including blood pressure medications and erectile dysfunction drugs. As with any supplement, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting to use arginine.

 

References

 

  1. Wu G. Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino Acids. 2009;37(1):1-17.

  2. Wijnands KA, Castermans TM, Hommen MP, et al. Arginine and Citrulline and the Immune Response in Sepsis. Nutrients. 2015;7(3):1426-1463.

  3. Guimarães DD, Lubianca Neto JF, Poli de Figueiredo LF, et al. Arginine: a potential ergogenic aid for athletes. Sports Med. 2007;37(8):714-738.

  4. Tang JE, Lysecki PJ, Manolakos JJ, et al. Bolus arginine supplementation affects neither muscle blood flow nor muscle protein synthesis in young men at rest or after resistance exercise. J Nutr. 2011;141(2):195-200.

  5. Leong DK, Fung KP. Arginine and wound healing. Chin Med. 2010;5:16.

  6. Klotz T, Mathers MJ. Erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010;11(9):1475-1486.

  7. Böger RH, Bode-Böger SM. The clinical pharmacology of L-arginine. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001;41:79-99.

  8. Martinez-Puig D, Hill C, Schlotterbeck G, et al. L-arginine and citrulline supplementation in sport: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):126.

  9. Gokce N, Keaney JF Jr, Hunter LM, et al. Risk stratification for postoperative cardiovascular events via noninvasive assessment of endothelial function: a prospective study. Circulation. 2002;105(13):1567-1572.

  10. Chen J, Wollman Y, Chernichovsky T, et al. Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic erectile dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. BJU Int. 1999;83(3):269-273.

 

Updated on 21 Apr 2023