L-Arginine Uses for Muscle Growth, Heart Health and More

What is L-arginine used for and what kinds of benefits can someone taking this supplement expect?

L-arginine is an amino acid, one of 20 required by the body for proper health and physiological function.

Because it is an amino acid, it plays numerous roles in the human body.

Arginine was first isolated in the late 1880s. Since then, researchers have examined the different roles that this compound plays in the body.

The most basic function of L-arginine is to serve as a building block for protein synthesis. Protein is required for many bodily functions, including healing and muscle development.

PubMed and the U.S. National Library of Medicine note that L-arginine may support healing following surgical procedures, especially when used in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

It is also a popular bodybuilding supplement because it is a known constituent of protein and encourages vasodilation, which may help improve blood delivery to the muscles.

L-Arginine is also used to promote sexual performance, energy, weight loss, immunity and general 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

Top L-Arginine Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Sources of L-Arginine

L-arginine is considered a nonessential amino acid, meaning the body is able to produce the compound from other molecules.

In contrast, essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed through food.

Natural Medicines describes L-arginine as a semi-essential amino acid, which means that the body normally produces sufficient amounts, but sometimes supplementation is required.

It is possible to supplement with L-Arginine by increasing your intake of protein-rich foods. You can also use protein powders or L-Arginine supplements that come in either powder or capsule format.

Another way to increase your levels of L-Arginine is by taking supplements that contain the amino acid L-Citrulline. This compound gets converted into L-Arginine in the body.

According to research studies, L-Citrulline is better able to increase L-Arginine levels over a long period of time in the blood. This supplement has a higher level of bioavailability and is better absorbed following oral consumption.

Common Uses of L-Arginine

In medical settings, L-arginine is used for asthma, burns, chest pain, coronary artery disease and cognitive function. It is also used for some complications of diabetes, including peripheral neuropathy.

L-arginine converts into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide, in turn, promotes vasodilation, which is characterized by the widening of the blood vessels and arteries.

Because it helps trigger vasodilation, L-arginine is often used for vascular and cardiovascular conditions, such as:

• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
• Angina or chest pain
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Migraine headaches

Always speak to a physician before using L-arginine for any cardiac condition. L-arginine has been observed to lower blood pressure and may interfere with some medications. For instance, when combined with some heart medications it can cause blood pressure to drop too low.

L-arginine is also used for peripheral vascular disease, preeclampsia (defined as high blood pressure during pregnancy), as well as a number of respiratory infections.

This supplement has also been used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, as well as to increase production of sperm. However, clinical studies regarding the efficacy and benefits of L-arginine uses for such conditions remain inconclusive.

L-Arginine Usage for Bodybuilding

One of the most popular uses of this amino acid today is as a bodybuilding supplement.

This amino acid may stimulate muscle growth and help athletes recover faster following an intense workout.

This is accommodated through the increased levels of Nitric Oxide that may be associated with L-Arginine supplementation.

However, research trials show that L-Citrulline is more effective for increasing Nitric Oxide synthesis.

As a vasodilator, Nitric Oxide increases the flow of oxygen, glucose and other nutrients through the circulatory system. This helps to improve delivery of nutrients needed for muscle growth as well as improving athletic performance and workout efficiency.

Bodybuiders also take L-Arginine to reduce fatigue during intense exercise by increasing oxygen uptake into muscles. This supplement is also said to support better muscle pumps.

While L-Arginine usage for bodybuilding is very common, L-Citrulline is more effective.

How to Use L-Arginine

There is no established recommendation for L-arginine doses. It is important to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of the product you are using.

Dosages of L-arginine may also depend of age, weight, health and any contributing or diagnosed medical conditions that may or may not require prescription medications.

Some common dosages of L-arginine, as per the Mayo Clinic, include the following:

• Asthma: 50 mg/kg of body weight, taken orally.
• Cognitive function: 1.6 g taken orally once per day for three months.
• Breast cancer: 30 g per day, taken orally, for approximately three days.
• Coronary artery disease: 9 g divided into three doses taken orally for anywhere between three days and six months.
• Type II diabetes: approximately 3 g of L-arginine taken orally three times a day.
• Erectile dysfunction: approximately 5 g per day, taken orally, for six weeks.

The Mayo Clinic notes that dosage and duration may differ for specific conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart failure.

Side Effects from L-Arginine

L-arginine is generally well tolerated. However, it may increase the risk of bleeding because it expands the blood vessels. The Mayo Clinic notes that those diagnosed with any type of bleeding disorder should only use L-arginine with caution.

This amino acid may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. Common blood thinners or anticoagulants, including warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and anti-platelet drugs like Plavix, may interact with L-arginine.

Even over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may interact or cause undesired side effects, including a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Individuals with diabetes should exercise caution when taking L-arginine because it may affect blood sugar levels. Individuals taking sexual enhancement drugs, such as Viagra, should avoid using L-arginine.

Taking over 30 g of L-arginine in a single dose may increase the risk of accumulated toxicity. Additional side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, rash and other mild-to-moderate side effects.

Anyone diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition should only take L-arginine under the guidance of the cardiologist or physician in charge of their treatment plan.

There is insufficient evidence available to establish the safety of L-arginine for pregnant and/or nursing women. Be sure to speak with your doctor before using L-arginine to determine whether it is appropriate for you.

Rate This Article

(3 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5, rated)