L-Arginine’s Role in the Body, Supplement Usage and Safety

L-arginine is an amino acid commonly used for bodybuilding, sexual function, general health and supporting the immune system.

One of the most important roles for L-Arginine in the body is as a precursor to Nitric Oxide.

Nitric Oxide is a chemical that is important for regulating blood flow and dilation of blood vessels. Some users supplement with L-Arginine to increase circulation throughout the body.

This can have benefits for muscle growth, workout recovery, energy as well as sexual performance and erectile function. However, oral supplementation with L-Arginine may not be able to reliably increase Nitric Oxide Levels.

In research studies, L-Citrulline has been found more effective at increasing Arginine levels in the blood or plasma. L-Citrulline is another amino acid that gets converted into L-Arginine in the kidneys.

What do you need to know before deciding to supplement with L-Arginine?

This article will discuss the role of this amino acid in the body, as well as food sources, typical usage and safety.

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?

L-arginine is a common supplement sold in health food stores, vitamin shops and pharmacies around the world.

As an amino acid, arginine acts as a building block used to make proteins in the body.

The human body requires 20 major amino acids for health and wellness. Some are classified as essential, which means the body cannot manufacture them and they must be ingested through the diet.

Alternatively, some are nonessential meaning the body can produce them from other nutrients and they do not need to be consumed through the diet.

Natural Medicines describes L-arginine as a semi-essential amino acid, meaning it is normally manufactured by the body in sufficient quantities, but sometimes supplementation is necessary.

Thus, while the body does make arginine, sometimes it does not make enough to maintain stability, or homeostasis, in the body.

L-arginine vs. Arginine

What is the difference between arginine and L-arginine? The letter “L” placed in front of the amino acid arginine means levorotatory. It has to do with the orientation of the molecule.

This implies a similarity between an amino acid made by the body to one that is man-made – further defined as an asymmetrical or mirror image. Medical dictionaries define levorotatory as a structure with a counterclockwise rotation.

What does L-arginine do?

L-arginine is one of 20 amino acids required by the body for proper function. Each amino acid has a basic structure – also known as a backbone – that has a nitrogen-containing portion (known as an amine group) at one end of the backbone and an acid group at the other end.

These 20 amino acids differ because they each contain a unique side chain that branches from the common backbone. All chemical reactions in the body rely on at least one, and sometimes more, of these 20 amino acids.

MedlinePlus notes that L-arginine has long been promoted to aid in weight loss because it has been observed to stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone. L-arginine is also used for supporting healing processes, such as during post-surgical recovery.

L-arginine supplements are also used for congestive heart failure and other cardiac abnormalities. It is also thought to support the removal of waste from the body.

L-arginine is also used in conjunction with other prescription and over-the-counter medications for symptoms of edema, which is characterized by the extra fluid that builds up in individuals diagnosed with cardiac disorders.

L-arginine is also used to support kidney function, but there is little scientific evidence to support this use. The supplement is also used for migraine headaches, high blood pressure, infertility, erectile dysfunction and bodybuilding.

How does L-Arginine work?

L-arginine is used by the body to make proteins.

It is also a precursor to nitric oxide when it is broken down. This breakdown occurs as the body transforms the amino acid into nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide encourages the blood vessels in the body to relax or widen, which may ease blood flow and improve circulation.

L-arginine also serves as a component in the production of urea, which is an important process for the removal of ammonia from the body. Excess ammonia in the body can become toxic.

Combining L-arginine supplements and following a balanced and nutritious diet is an effective method to obtain adequate amounts of L-arginine.

Some of the most common dietary sources include:

• Nuts
• Grains
• Seafood
• Meat
• Dairy

Are L-Arginine Supplements Safe?

PubMed notes that L-arginine is generally well tolerated for short-term use when taken orally and used as directed. Dosages of L-arginine vary and no dosage guidelines have been established.

Dosages between 6 and 20 g have been taken daily by bodybuilders or those wishing to increase physical performance, muscular endurance and stamina.

It is important to check with a physician before taking L-arginine or other amino acids, especially if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. L-arginine supplementation may lead to interactions with different medications.

Dosage guidelines may differ based on manufacturer and brand, as well as age, weight and overall health and wellness. Between 3 and 6 g of L-arginine has been used for angina (chest pain) caused by coronary artery disease.

Between 6 and 20 g of L-arginine has been taken daily for congestive heart failure. Always speak with a cardiologist or family physician before using L-arginine for any medical condition.

Women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding should not use this supplement because long-term effects have not been established. L-arginine supplements may interact and interfere with the efficacy of hypertension medications, nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medications.

Avoid use of L-arginine in cases involving a recent heart attack, allergies, asthma, low blood pressure and herpes. Be sure to speak with your doctor before supplementing with L-arginine to understand what it does and to help prevent possible side effects.

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