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Is L-Arginine safe to use as a dietary supplement?
L-arginine is an amino acid found naturally in the body.
It is considered a semi-essential amino acid, which means that the body is capable of manufacturing this compound, but it may need to be supplemented in certain conditions.
It is used as a dietary supplement to improve athletic capacity, muscle growth, sexual performance, fertility, cognitive abilities, cardiovascular function and to stimulate the immune system.
L-Arginine is found in a number of common foods, including turkey, beef, pork, chicken, soybeans, peanuts, dairy and chickpeas. It can also be taken in capsule form or as a component of a protein powder mix.
Intake of L-Arginine is generally considered safe, though there may be some side effects linked to its use as a supplement. These side effects are not considered dangerous when using L-Arginine at appropriate dosages. Adverse effects typically consist of gastrointestinal upset, a reduction in blood pressure or headaches.
L-Arginine may also interact with certain prescription drugs or other dietary supplements. Individuals with certain medical conditions, including allergies, asthma, cirrhosis, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT), Herpes virus, hypotension, myocardial infarction (MI) and renal disease should speak to their doctors before using this supplement.
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L-arginine serves as a foundation for the synthesis of numerous beneficial compounds in the body.
These include glutamate, creatinine, urea, polyamines (essential molecules required for the proliferation and differentiation of cells) and another amino acid called proline.
L-arginine is also converted into nitric oxide in the blood, which functions as a vasodilator. Vasodilators cause blood vessels to expand diametrically.
This results in an increase in circulation throughout the body, but without causing blood pressure to rise.
This amino acid is also involved in the synthesis of hormones, structured proteins, and enzymes in the body. It can aid in the release of insulin, glucagon, growth hormone and prolactin.
It is also a precursor to a variety of biological compounds that promote immune system response and functions.
Uses for L-Arginine Supplements
Given that we know the body needs small amounts of L-Arginine to perform so many functions, endogenous Arginine is safe and not linked to side effects. But what about the therapeutic dosages taken for different health goals?
Supplementing with this amino acid is believed to be good for wound healing by enhancing the development and growth of blood vessels. The amino acid also improves blood flow and increases delivery of oxygen, nitrogen, and other nutrients to wound sites.
This can also have positive benefits for muscle growth and athletic performance. By increasing circulation of energy, oxygen and other nutrients needed to build proteins, this supplement may support improved recovery from workouts as well as muscle building and strength increases.
L-Arginine is sometimes used for the treatment of some types of heart disease. This supplement may help to reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases, improve immune system function and response, as well as provide anti-aging benefits.
Arginine may also decrease fluid buildup associated with congestive heart failure and decrease inflammation. These effects may support treatments for those diagnosed with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, coronary artery disease, as well as angina (chest pain) associated with heart disease.
Studies involving L-arginine are continuing to examine the benefits for scar tissue formation, diabetic insulin sensitivity, central nervous system function, muscular activity and sexual function.
Is L-Arginine safe?
Natural Medicines rates L-Arginine as Possibly Safe when taken orally and appropriately for up to three months.
In clinical studies lasting up to three months, there have only been minor side effects reported.
There is insufficient data from clinical trials lasting longer than three months to determine long-term safety.
In some users, L-arginine may cause side effects including bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in some individuals. Some users may experience an allergic reactions or worsening symptoms of asthma after using this supplement.
L-arginine is not recommended for everyone. Individuals taking blood pressure medications should not take L-arginine unless approved by a cardiologist or doctor. Combining this supplement with hypotensive medications may increases the risk of low blood pressure.
L-Arginine Interactions
L-Arginine may also interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and increase the vasodilatory effects of these drugs. This combination may also increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ACE inhibitors include benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik).
It may increase the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and may cause an increase in potassium levels. It should be used with caution by individuals taking losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan, (Micardis), and eprosartan (Teveten).
Interactions may occur with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs including aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), and warfarin (Coumadin). It may also interact with isoproterenol and nitrates.
L-arginine has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in patients diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Using this supplement with anti-diabetes drugs could cause hypoglycemia.
Caution is advised before taking L-Arginine with antihypertensive drugs. These include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix). This is not a complete list.
L-Arginine may cause an unsafe increase in potassium levels in the blood (Hyperkalemia) if it is combined with potassium-sparing diuretics. These include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyrenium).
This supplement may interact with Sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagara. This combination could theoretically cause hypotension, though this has not been reported in any humans.
How to Use L-Arginine Safely
The Mayo Clinic states that therapeutic dosages of arginine can range from 400 mg to 6,000 mg, depending on the reason it is being used. Age, weight, and other medical factors should be considered when determining the appropriate dosage.
Approximately 5g taken orally once a day for six weeks may be recommended as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
For bodybuilders, a single dosages of 6g taken once or twice daily may enhance exercise performance when taken for up to 28 days. L-Arginine can be taken with or without food, but should be taken with sufficient amounts of water.
Individuals with high cholesterol levels may take up to 7g of the supplement orally three times daily for four weeks.
L-Arginine dosages of up to 30g daily have been well tolerated by some individual, but may cause temporary adverse effects including nausea and diarrhea. To stay safe while taking L-Arginine, it is best to start with a lower dosage and do not take more than what is necessary.
Always discuss the use of L-arginine with your doctor before taking this supplement. Your doctor can tell you whether this supplement is appropriate for you, depending on your medical history and current use of any medications or supplements.
While L-Arginine is safe for most individuals, it may not be recommended for certain people.
- Natural Medicines. L-Arginine: Professional Monograph. Reviewed May 2013.
- Ceremuzy?ski L, Chamiec T, Herbaczy?ska-Cedro K. Effect of supplemental oral L-arginine on exercise capacity in patients with stable angina pectoris. Am J Cardiol. 1997 Aug 1;80(3):331-3.
- Chen J, Wollman Y, Chernichovsky T, Iaina A, Sofer M, Matzkin H. 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 Feb;83(3):269-73.
Article last updated on: April 1st, 2018 by Nootriment