L-Arginine Hydrochloride (HCL) Supplement Benefits & Safety

L-arginine hydrochloride (HCL) is a formulation for the amino acid L-arginine that is sometimes used in dietary supplement.

L-arginine HCL is used for exercise performance, erectile dysfunction, immune system performance and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure).

In humans, L-arginine is involved in protein synthesis and is a substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS).

NOS acts on L-arginine to produce nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator. Vasodilators trigger vasodilation, which is characterized by the expansion of blood vessels and the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue.

The hydrochloride form of L-arginine shows improved bioavailability compared to L-arginine. Oral L-arginine supplements have been observed to temporarily increase nitric oxide levels, which can have benefits for bodybuilders, athletes and men’s health.

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 a semi-essential amino acid.

This means that the body normally produces sufficient levels of L-arginine, but in rare cases supplementation may be required.

Individuals suffering from protein malnutrition, excessive lysine production, burns, or excessive ammonia production may need to supplement L-arginine.

Deficiency is not a common condition in developed countries.

However, even in non-deficient individuals, supplementing with L-arginine hydrochloride may have benefits for athletic performance, circulation and general health.

Although L-arginine is produced by the human body, it can also be consumed through one’s diet. L-arginine may be obtained by consuming complete proteins, such as those in meat, dairy and beans, as well as select incomplete proteins, such as the ones found in spinach, garlic, grapefruit and strawberries.

L-Arginine and Nitric Oxide

As noted, L-arginine is the substrate for the enzyme that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule in the human body.

One of its many physiological effects is that it induces vasodilation, which is characterized by the widening of blood vessels and the relaxation of smooth muscle tissue.

These characteristics of nitric oxide make it an important signaling molecule. In fact, scientists Robert Furchgott, Louis Ignarro and Ferid Murad were awarded the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for their work in identifying NO as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.

L-Arginine Hydrochloride is most commonly supplemented as a natural Nitric Oxide booster for bodybuilders. Nitric Oxide supplements can also support sexual function and improve symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction.

Nitric Oxide and the Human Body

When nitric oxide levels are low, blood circulation slows and areas of the body may not receive an appropriate blood supply. Thus, most complications that arise from low nitric oxide levels are connected to the heart and blood vessels.

For instance, men who experience low nitric oxide may experience erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and may become easily fatigued.

Other complications that arise from low nitric oxide levels include restless leg syndrome, clogged arteries, loss of feeling in the limbs, cold hands and feet, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chest pain, coronary artery disease and decreased mental capacities.

Nitric oxide opens blood vessels, which may improve circulation and oxygen delivery. Oxygen is transported throughout the body via the blood.

Thus, when blood flow is decreased or restricted, the body does not receive enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen caused by poor circulation may cause many daily activities to become exhausting endeavors.

L-Arginine Hydrochloride Uses

Many of L-arginine hydrochloride’s uses relate to its observed ability to increase nitric oxide levels.

It is often used to increase athletic performance, improve sex drive, increase muscle mass and improve physical abilities.

Athletes sometimes use L-arginine to increase nitric oxide levels to support blood flow, increase performance and speed post-workout recovery times. Taking this supplement is said to improve muscle pumps following an intense workout.

In a 2002 study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers reported that intravenous L-arginine supplementation reduced both ammonia and lactate plasma levels (both ammonia and lactate contribute to exercise fatigue and aching muscles).

The authors concluded that L-arginine supplementation may enhance the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway. [2] The effect of taking L-arginine hydrochloride orally (e.g., in capsule form) was not investigated in this study.

Topical Application

L-arginine can also be applied topically as a cream. In this form it is used to speed up post-surgery recovery, improve sexual function in both men and women and decrease healing time for wounds.

Supplement Forms and Doses

L-arginine hydrochloride is available in many forms, including: creams and other topical applicants, intravenous (IV) liquid, tablets and capsules.

The most commonly used forms of L-arginine hydrochloride are those taken orally, namely tablets and capsules.

Some average dosages are as follows:

• Individuals with chest pain from angina have taken between 3 and 6 g of L-arginine per day for a period of up to one month.
• Individuals with angina who need to prevent nitroglycerin tolerance have taken 700 mg (.7 g) of L-arginine four times per day for a total of 2.8 g.
• Individuals with erectile dysfunction have taken 5 g per day.
• Infants have been given 261 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days in order to prevent inflammation of the digestive tract.
• Dosages over 30 g per day have not been studied and should be avoided.

Side Effects of L-arginine Hydrochloride

For most people, taking L-arginine hydrochloride is thought to be relatively safe.

Possible side effects of using L-arginine HCL capsules or powder include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gout, abnormalities in blood circulation, low blood pressure, inflammation of the lungs and airways, allergies and worsening of asthma symptoms.

High-doses of L-arginine may be potentially fatal in children. Low-doses may be safe for children, but a physician should be consulted before administering this supplement to a child.

Contraindications

Those with allergies or asthma should avoid taking L-arginine hydrochloride. This supplement may increase the severity of symptoms associated with the herpes virus and cause the virus to multiply.

Individuals with low blood pressure, kidney disease, kidney failure, and/or cirrhosis should not take L-arginine hydrochloride. For those with conditions affecting the kidneys, L-arginine may cause spikes in potassium levels, resulting in irregular heart rhythm.

Individuals who are scheduled for surgery should stop taking L-arginine hydrochloride at least three weeks before the scheduled procedure. Also, those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure or suffered a heart attack should not take L-arginine hydrochloride.

L-arginine should not be combined with medications to treat erectile dysfunction. Both L-arginine and medications for erectile dysfunction may lower blood pressure. Low blood pressure may result in dizziness, faintness or loss of consciousness.

Be sure to speak with a doctor before taking L-arginine hydrochloride to make sure the supplement is safe for you.

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