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What is the best L-Arginine supplement that you can buy online?
Arginine is an amino acid – a class of compounds that perform a variety of functions in the body. Most are a component in the synthesis or production of proteins.
Arginine is normally found in the body and can be ingested by eating many protein-rich foods.
Once in the body, arginine becomes nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator (a compound that can widen blood vessels).
Because of its role as a vasodilator, researchers have examined the role of arginine in treating a variety of conditions that can be improved through vasodilation, including heart disease, clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) and erectile dysfunction.
L-arginine supplements are also commonly used by bodybuilders in the hope that higher nitric oxide levels will enhance blood flow, muscle stamina and performance.
With the possible health benefits associated with L-arginine, finding the best supplement that works for your purposes will be a matter of understanding the amino acid’s function in the body and current scientific evidence about its efficacy.
Pre-Workout
Muscle Growth
Sexual Health- Boosts nitric oxide production for workouts
- Reduces fatigue & promotes muscle growth
- Supports immune function & sexual health
What does L-Arginine do?
Related Topics
- L-Arginine
- L-Arginine Benefits
- Benefits for Men
- Benefits for Bodybuilding
- Effects on Blood Pressure
- Arginine Aspartate
- Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
- Arginine Pyroglutamate
- Arginine Ornithine and Lysine
- Suggested Dosages
- Food Sources
- Comparison to L-Citrulline
- Best Supplement
- Topical Cream
- 500 mg Tablets
- Arginine Extreme
- Buy L-Arginine Powder
- Side Effects
The body converts arginine into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide encourages blood vessels to relax or open, resulting in improved circulation and blood flow.
L-arginine supplements, as a protein building block, also provides a wide variety of other benefits, according to MedlinePlus.
It is often taken for heart health as well as blood vessel health. It is often used to treat intermittent claudication or recurring pain in the lower extremities commonly caused by blocked arteries.
L-arginine has also been used in the treatment of symptoms of elderly or senile dementia, as well as to treat male infertility and erectile dysfunction.
In many cases, L-arginine is combined with other prescription medications, herbal remedies or supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. It is believed that when combined with other components, the best L-arginine supplements may help enhance the efficacy of some drugs.
For example, MedlinePlus notes that when used for migraines, L-arginine can be used in conjunction with ibuprofen for relief. When combined with fish oil, L-arginine can improve healing time following a surgical procedure and may help reduce the rate of infections.
Despite the potential benefits of L-arginine, there is insufficient evidence to understand the role of the amino acid in wound healing, the prevention of heart attacks, or in the improvement of kidney function for those dealing with kidney disease or kidney failure.
The National Institutes of Health, as described by Medline Plus, notes that combining L-arginine with ibuprofen appears effective in treating migraines, though it’s unknown whether the relief is caused by the ibuprofen or the L-arginine.
The same goes for L-arginine used in conjunction with a variety of other forms of prescription and over-the-counter medications for certain conditions. What is known however, is that L-arginine, due to its properties as an amino acid, has been utilized by people for treatment of everything from the common cold to infertility.
Buying the Best L-Arginine Supplement
Many proponents of supplement usage encourage consumers to choose quality products, but differentiating between a high vs. low quality supplement can be difficult.
One resource for consumers is the US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP).
The USP is a scientific not-for-profit organization that establishes standards for medicines, food products and supplements.
Supplement producers can voluntarily submit their product to the USP, which will ensure that ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanical extracts, fine chemicals, and non-botanicals are of good quality.
L-Arginine supplements meeting the organization’s criteria will carry a USP stamp, which ensures that the product quality is consistent and that ingredients have met standards for strength and purity.
A USP label also ensures that ingredients are prepared in accordance with manufacturing regulations. Such products meet minimum standards for the quality of raw materials utilized in making dietary supplements like L-Arginine capsules or powder.
Further information about the program can be found at USP.org.
Quality and ingredients will depend on brand or manufacturer as well as country of origin. In the United States, products that have met auditing criteria and stringent testing are labeled dietary supplement USP verified. This mark is typically found on supplement packages, labels and promotional materials.
A number of countries around the globe also have their own quality standard organizations that determine quality in supplements.
Contraindications
L-Arginine may be beneficial to health and wellness, but there are times when interactions can occur with medications.
MedlinePlus and the National Institutes of Health do not recommend taking L-arginine supplements if already taking any antihypertensive drugs, as it may lead to extremely low blood pressure.
Some of the most common antihypertensive medications include Capoten, Diovan, and Cardizem. Avoid use of L-arginine when taking anti-diabetes medications, including Glucotrol, Avandia, Amaryl and others.
L-arginine supplements should not be taken in conjunction with ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for high blood pressure, or anticoagulant or anti-platelet forming drugs including Plavix, aspirin, Coumadin, and others.
It is extremely important to speak with your doctor before starting any supplement program to avoid any possible drug interactions and to make sure the product is right for you.
Have you used this supplement in the past? Share your reviews of the best brand of L-Arginine supplements below.
- Jabecka A, Ast J, Bogdaski P, Drozdowski M, Pawlak-Lemaska K, Cielewicz AR, Pupek-Musialik D. Oral L-arginine supplementation in patients with mild arterial hypertension and its effect on plasma level of asymmetric dimethylarginine, L-citruline, L-arginine and antioxidant status. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2012
- Alvares TS, Conte-Junior CA, Silva JT, Paschoalin VM. L-arginine does not improve biochemical and hormonal response in trained runners after 4 weeks of supplementation. Nutr Res. 2014
- Neri I, Monari F, Sgarbi L, Berardi A, Masellis G, Facchinetti F. L-arginine supplementation in women with chronic hypertension: impact on blood pressure and maternal and neonatal complications. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2010
- Alves GN, Tavares AM, Vieira PJ, Sprinz E, Ribeiro JP. Oral L-arginine modulates blood lactate and interleukin-6 after exercise in HIV-infected men. Int J Sports Med. 2014
- Fahs CA, Heffernan KS, Fernhall B. Hemodynamic and vascular response to resistance exercise with L-arginine. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009
- Bogdanski P, Szulinska M, Suliburska J, Pupek-Musialik D, Jablecka A, Witmanowski H. Supplementation with L-arginine favorably influences plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 concentration in obese patients. A randomized, double blind trial. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013
- Grasemann H, Ratjen F. Nitric oxide and L-arginine deficiency in cystic fibrosis. Curr Pharm Des. 2012
Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment