L-arginine Side Effects – Is this Supplement Safe to Take?

L-arginine is an essential amino acid and important building block of proteins within the body.

It is used as a supplement to improve exercise function, boost sexual drive and performance, support the immune system and to enhance overall health.

As a naturally occurring compound that our bodies can produce on their own, it is generally considered safe for the majority of users, but may cause adverse effects in some cases.

L-arginine side effects can largely be prevented by avoiding high doses of this supplement and not combining it with other supplement or drugs that may cause an interaction.

Use of this natural compound may be contraindicated in some individuals and you can speak to your doctor to determine whether it is appropriate for you.

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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What is L-arginine Used For?

The human body can produce L-arginine as it is needed, which explains why there is a low rate of side effects when it is used properly.

It is in cases of malnutrition or impaired conditions like injury, that eating arginine rich foods may be essential.

All animal derived products like cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, ricotta and whey protein drinks are high in L-arginine. Beef and pork and most sea foods are also good sources.

For vegetarians, chick peas, granola, lupins (now available in flake form) nuts, oatmeal, seeds, soybean and wheat germ and wheat flour are sources.

L-arginine is used for heart and blood vessel conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. L-arginine is also used for recurrent pain in the legs due to blocked arteries (intermittent claudication). It is also used to treat senile dementia in the elderly.

This supplement also helps treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and male infertility. It has been called a “Prosexual Nutrient” for its ability to support male and female sexual function, with lower risk of side effects than many other supplements and drugs.

Medicinal Benefits of L-Arginine

Some people use L-arginine to help prevent the common cold. It is also used to improve athletic performance (by 21%) and to boost the immune system. It is also used after kidney transplants.

In a study in published in the July 1997 Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation it showed L-arginine facilitates renal vasodilatation and natriuresis (process of excretion of sodium in the urine via action of the kidneys) in renal transplant patients.

It also counteracts the antinatriuretic side effect of cyclosporine (a systemic immunosuppressant).

L-arginine is also used together with other OTC’s (over-the-counter) and prescription medications for various ailments. It is used together with ibuprofen for migraine headaches. It is used with conventional chemotherapy drugs for treating breast cancer. It is combined with other amino acids for treating weight loss in people with AIDS.

It is taken with fish oil for reducing infections and to help improve wound healing. This helps to shorten recovery time after surgery.

It is applied to the skin to shorten the time needed for wound healing. It is also used to increase blood flow to cold hands and feet in people with diabetes. It is also used as a cream for sexual difficulties in both men and women.

It stimulates and boosts the production of T-lymphocytes (type of white blood cells which form the defense system of the body) from the thymus gland, to strengthen the immune system. It is used for victims of AIDS and other immuno-deficiency diseases.

This supplement’s ability for tissue healing and growth hormone stimulation are being studied in research that focuses on effects of the aging process.

L-arginine Side Effects

L-arginine side effects include abdominal pain, allergies, airway inflammation and bloating.

It may also cause blood abnormalities, diarrhea, gout, low blood pressure and worsen Asthma.

It should not be taken by people who have just had a heart attack. It has caused potentially life-threatening irregular heart beat.

Use with caution if pregnant or breast feeding. It is sometimes used for preventing inflammation of the digestive tract in premature infants. High doses should be avoided by children as it may cause death and other negative effects. It should be used with caution for people with cirrhosis.

It should also not be taken by people with Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency. People with this condition are unable to convert arginine into creatine.

L-arginine may make people with a Herpes Virus condition worse. It is thought the herpes virus needs L-arginine to multiply.

It should not to be taken by individuals who have low blood pressure as this supplement may also lower blood pressure. It can cause high potassium levels with people with kidney disease.

It should be stopped two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Its use might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery.

Medication Contraindications

Side effects of L-arginine may be caused by interactions between this natural supplement and other supplements or drugs that are used concurrently. It is important to check with your doctor for a full list of contraindicated medications.

Do not take antihypertensive drugs with this supplement. These medications include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) and furosemide (Lasix).

Medications that increase blood flow to the heart (Nitratres) should also be avoided as this combination with L-arginine may cause dizziness and light-headedness. These medications include nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat), and isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Sorbitrate).

Sildenafil (Viagra) may also interact with this supplement. This medication can lower blood pressure. Taking this medication with this supplement can cause the blood pressure to go too low and result in side effects.

L-arginine side effects should be noted and the supplement avoided for people who have had a heart attack and for people with Asthma as it could result in death. It should also be avoided if taking blood flow medication for the heart or antihypertensive medication and if taking Viagra. It may also make herpes virus conditions worse.

Otherwise the benefits of using this supplement can improve the quality of life for those with erectile dysfunction. It is also used for building up muscle mass and the body’s immune response for those with malnutrition and for people who suffer bone and tissue damage.

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