L-Arginine Effects on Nitric Oxide and Circulation

The effects of L-arginine on the body are thought to be numerous.

L-arginine, often referred to simply as arginine, is an amino acid that can be produced by the body.

It is crucial for good health and proper physical function.

L-arginine is involved in the synthesis of Nitric Oxide and creatine in the body. It is also required for the creation of urea, which is required to remove ammonia from the body.

In addition to these physiological functions, arginine also acts as a building block of proteins.

L-arginine is used for a variety of purposes, ranging from supporting cardiovascular function to athletic performance. L-Arginine effects may also include improved sexual function and supporting the ability to achieve an erection for men.

There are varying levels of scientific evidence to support the common uses of supplemental L-arginine.

For instance, although the supplement is commonly used to support physical performance, there is contradictory scientific evidence that it is useful.

L-Arginine

Amino Acid

Pre-Workout

Muscle Growth

Sexual Health

How It Works:

• Boosts nitric oxide production for workouts
• Reduces fatigue & promotes muscle growth
• Supports immune function & sexual health

Dosage:

Between 3 - 6 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Supplementing L-Arginine

L-arginine is one of 21 amino acids that are used in proteins within the body.

These amino acids all share a basic molecular structure, sometimes called a backbone.

The amino acid backbone contains an amine group at one end and an acid group at the other end.

Amino acids are differentiated from one another based on the side chains that extend from this backbone. These side chains vary in complexity, size, shape and composition.

Arginine is classified as a nonessential amino acid. Of the 21 amino acids in the body, nine are essential and 10 are nonessential.

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body, at least not in sufficient amounts for optimal physiological function. Thus, these essential amino acids must be consumed through foods.

The human body can manufacture approximately half of the nonessential amino acids (including arginine) when it has access to the necessary components (including nitrogen), but the rest are gained from foods or supplements.

Natural Medicines describes L-arginine as a semi-essential amino acid to indicate that while the body does generally produce it in sufficient quantities, supplementation is sometimes required.

L-Arginine Effects

MedlinePlus states that L-arginine is used by consumers in a number of ways. Advocates claim that supplementing with L-arginine leads to a number of health effects, from boosting the immune system to preventing the common cold.

L-arginine benefits and effects can sometimes be enhanced when combined with other supplements and over-the-counter medications.

L-arginine may support some cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and erectile disorders.

This amino acid has been observed to convert to nitric oxide in the body, which is one of its main therapeutic effects. Nitric oxide serves to relax blood vessels, allowing them to dilate or widen. This facilitates enhanced blood flow and circulation.

L-arginine is also believed to stimulate the release of insulin and growth hormone, which may help support symptoms of diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Drugs.com notes that the most common medicinal uses for L-arginine effects are based on its anti-platelet, anti-ischemic and anti-thrombotic properties.

Effects for Bodybuilders and Sexual Function

Bodybuilders and athletes also supplement with this amino acid to promote muscle growth and improved workout efficiency. Nitric Oxide boosters like L-Arginine are commonly used to increase protein synthesis, shorten recovery time for workouts and enhance strength gains.

When Nitric Oxide synthesis is increased, it causes your blood vessel walls to relax or dilate. This increases circulation, without causing blood pressure to rise. The result is improved delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to all cells within the body.

Nitric Oxide can also support sexual performance by increasing libido, stamina and erectile function. L-Arginine is sometimes combined with Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) in the treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.

By supporting circulation to the genitals, these supplements may alleviate some of the causes of ED.

L-Citrulline vs. L-Arginine Effects

However, there is some evidence that L-Citrulline may be more effective than L-Arginine for both bodybuilding and sexual performance enhancement.

L-Citrulline is another amino acid that gets converted into L-Arginine in the body.

In research studies, this supplement is noted to have greater oral bioavailability, which means it is better used by your body.

Research shows that oral supplementation with L-Citrulline capsules actually increases blood L-Arginine levels more than if you were to take L-Arginine on its own.

The effects of L-Arginine are largely similar to those of L-Citrulline once this amino acid is inside the body. L-Citrulline first gets converted into L-Arginine and can then be used to synthesize Nitric Oxide as well.

Negative L-Arginine Effects

L-arginine is generally well tolerated when taken appropriately, with few reported side effects. Label instructions should always be followed.

Pregnant and/or nursing women should not take L-arginine because the effects of supplementation on developing babies and infants remain unknown.

The National Institutes of Health notes that L-arginine should be used with caution by individuals taking prescription medications for high blood pressure.

L-arginine may lower blood pressure and may interact with antihypertensive drugs, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. When combined with such medications, L-arginine may contribute to a drastic drop in blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications.

L-arginine may also affect blood sugar levels. Consequently, it may interact with anti-diabetic medications, such as Glucotrol and Avandia.

L-arginine is believed to stimulate the pancreas to secrete glucagon, a hormone released when blood sugar levels are low, which may explain its observed capacity to affect blood sugar levels.

Establishing a Safe L-Arginine Dose

To promote positive L-arginine effects, it is recommended that consumers follow label instructions.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking L-arginine to make sure the supplement is safe for you. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications.

In general, dosages may vary according to age, weight and heath status. In addition, dosage amounts may vary based on use.

For example, MedlinePlus recommends using 6 to 20 g of L-arginine per day, divided into three doses, for congestive heart failure.

However, angina or chest pain linked to coronary artery disease has a much lower dosage, ranging between 3 and 6 g three times daily.

According to Drugs.com, a number of side effects are possible with L-arginine use, but these side effects are generally rare. Adverse reactions, such as temporary nausea and diarrhea, have been reported.

In addition, L-arginine may interact with insulin and medications for lowering cholesterol. Diabetics should not supplement with L-arginine without the permission of their doctor.

Dosages to support L-arginine effects are best established by a professional healthcare provider. Be sure to speak with your doctor to make sure supplementing with L-arginine is safe for you.

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