L-Arginine for Weight Loss Results and Increasing HGH

L-arginine is an amino acid that has recently become a popular weight-loss supplement. Using L-arginine for diet and fat loss became particularly popular after it was recommended by Dr. Mehmet Oz of The Dr. Oz Show. It was identified as a tool to help reduce belly fat.

Does L-Arginine really work for weight loss and what type of results can you expect? Research into the supplemental use of L-arginine for weight loss is mostly isolated to animal and laboratory studies.

However, in one randomized, placebo-controlled study of obese males suffering from type II diabetes, L-arginine combined with a calorie-restricted diet and exercise was observed to cause increased overall weight and fat loss compared to a calorie-restricted diet and exercise alone. [3] This study is discussed in more detail below.

More research is needed to verify the available results and to establish what effect, if any, L-arginine has on weight loss in other groups.

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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L-Arginine: Background

L-arginine is an amino acid that acts as a building block of proteins. Arginine is described as a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that it is produced by the human body but sometimes needs to be supplemented to support good health.

Most people do not need to take arginine for proper physiological function, but some opt to supplement arginine for conditions like erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure. The amino acid is also taken to support weight loss and improve athletic performance.

It also plays a number of roles in the human body, from cell signalling to gene regulation. The complexity of interactions means that identifying the impact of exogenous (consumed or supplemented) arginine is difficult to establish.

Effects of L-Arginine

However, researchers do know that L-arginine is the substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that produces nitric oxide. This means that NOS uses arginine to produce nitric oxide, another important signalling molecule that is also a powerful vasodilator.

Vasodilation is characterized by the widening of blood vessels, which may support improved blood flow.

The relationship between arginine and nitric oxide is one of the primary reasons it has attracted the attention of athletes and bodybuilders who use L-arginine to improve muscle recovery and increase vascularity (the appearance of veins). In addition, individuals take L-arginine to support erectile dysfunction.

However, higher L-arginine levels in the blood are not always associated with increased nitric oxide production. Researchers speculate the NOS enzyme may limit the amount of nitric oxide produced, regardless of the amount of arginine in the system.

L-Arginine and Growth Hormone

In recommending L-arginine for weight loss, Dr. Oz argued that it increases the levels of human growth hormone, which can support increased metabolism and fat burning.

L-Arginine has been observed to increase human growth hormone (HGH) levels, but only at very high dosages. The University of Michigan notes that L-arginine has been observed in increase HGH levels when taken at dosages of 250 mg per 2.2 lbs. [2]

This is considerably higher than the dosage recommended on the Dr. Oz website, which is 6,000 mg (6 g) per day divided into three doses with meals. Additionally, taking oral L-arginine at the levels needed to increase HGH levels often causes diarrhea and stomach cramps.

In another study, 5 g or 5,000 mg of L-arginine taken before a weight workout was not observed to increase HGH levels in healthy male participants. [2]

However, in some studies combining arginine with weight training was observed to decrease body fat and increase strength. [2]

L-Arginine and Weight Loss Results

As noted, there are few clinical studies available to understand the effect of L-arginine on weight loss or fat storage. However, arginine has been observed to reduce obesity in animal models (rats and pigs). [4]

In a clinical trial involving obese males with type II diabetes, arginine supplementation was observed to help participants lose more weight and lose body fat as opposed to lean muscle mass.
In the study, over 300 participants were assigned to the placebo or treatment group. Participants in both groups consumed a 1,000 kcal/day diet and exercised for 90 minutes a day, five days a week. The treatment group received 8.3 g of arginine per day.

At the conclusion of the 21-day study, participants in the treatment group were observed to have modest increases in weight loss and other measures.

However, the weight lost by individuals in the treatment group was 100 % fat as opposed to members of the placebo group who lost over 40 % lean mass as part of their overall weight loss. [3]

Is L-Arginine Safe in Diet Pills?

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates oral L-arginine supplementation as “Possibly Safe” for short-term use.

Studies lasting up to three months have reported only minor side effects. L-Arginine may cause bloating and loose stools. However, the long-term effects of oral L-arginine supplementation remain unknown.

This supplement may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In addition, it is not suitable for all people. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking L-arginine for weight loss or any other purpose to make sure the supplement is safe for you.

Conclusions

More research is needed before L-arginine can be recommended as a weight-loss supplement for otherwise healthy individuals. If L-arginine is to found to be useful in weight loss, it must be combined with a comprehensive weight-loss plan that includes a healthy diet and exercise.

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