L-Arginine

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Other Names: 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, (2S)-2-Amino-5-{[amino (imino) methyl]amino}pentanoic Acid, Acide 2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoïque, Arg, Arginine, Arginine Ethyl Ester, Arginine Ethyl Ester Dihydrochloride, Arginine Ethyl Ester HCl, Arginine HCl, Arginine Hydrochloride, Di-Arginine Malate, Di-Arginine Orotate, Di-L-Arginine-L-Malate, Dl-Arginine, L-Arginina, L-Arginine Ethyl Ester Dichloride, L-Arginine HCl, L-Arginine Hexanoate, L-Arginine Hydrochloride, L-Arginine Ketoisocaproic Acid, L-Arginine L-Pyroglutamate, L-Arginine Pyroglutamate, L-Arginine Taurinate, Malate de Di-Arginine, Orotate de Di-Arginine, R-Gene 10.
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Arginine is a conditionally nonessential amino acid, meaning most of the time it can be manufactured by the human body, and does not need to be obtained directly through the diet. The biosynthetic pathway however does not produce sufficient arginine, and some must still be consumed through diet. L-Arginine and L-Lysine compete with one another for absorption and generally exert opposing effects within the body.

Arginine Food sources

Individuals who have poor nutrition or certain physical conditions may be advised to increase their intake of foods containing arginine. Arginine is found in a wide variety of foods, including:

  • Animal sources : dairy products (e.g., cottage cheese, ricotta, milk, yogurt, whey protein drinks), beef, pork (e.g., bacon, ham), gelatin , poultry (e.g. chicken and turkey light meat), wild game (e.g. pheasant, quail), seafood (e.g., halibut, lobster, salmon, shrimp, snails, tuna)
  • Plant sources : wheat germ and flour, buckwheat, granola, oatmeal, peanuts, nuts (coconut, pecans, cashews, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pinenuts), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), chick peas, cooked soybeans, dark chocolate, Phalaris canariensis (canaryseed or ALPISTE)

Special Precautions of Arginine

  • A known side effect of L-arginine is that it undermines the effect of lysine in suppression of viral infection. Therefore, for a person infected with viruses (eg. herpes virus), it is recommended to reduce L-arginine supplement dosage or not to eat foods high in L-arginine. Pregnant and lactating women are advised to be cautious with their arginine intake and dosage. Other side effects of l-arginine (when taken in high dosage and for long term) are thickening and coarsening of skin.
  • According to some human studies , arginine-HCL consumed at high doses (> 9 g/d) has been associated with side effects such as nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea.
  • Arginine Injection : Your doctor may give you an arginine injection to increase nitric oxide levels in your body. Common side effects of this injection, according to Medline Plus, include low back pain, flushing, headache, numbness, restless legs, irritation of the veins and death of the tissues surrounding the injection site. You may place an ice pack on the injection site as needed for pain. Consult your doctor if these symptoms do not resolve.

The benefits of Arginine are

  • Aids in liver detoxification
  • Detoxifies ammonia
  • Increases sperm count in males
  • Aids in kidney disorders and trauma
  • Maximizes protein synthesis
  • Helps lower cholesterol
  • Stimulates blood flow
  • Stimulates cerebral circulation
  • Promotes optimum growth
  • Helps to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass
  • Assists the body in collagen production
  • Assists in the release of growth hormones
  • Enhances immune system function
  • Cancer : Causes retardation of tumor growth and inhibits cellular replication of tumors.
  • Assists in the release of growth hormones
  • Enhances immune response
  • Improves rate of wound healing (in cases of surgical intervention)
  • Anti-Aging : activates Human Growth hormone (HGH)
  • Diabetes : Arginine helps the body metabolize glucose. Arginine can also help if you want to lower your risk of developing diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar in check now will help you prevent diabetes later.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.