L Arginine has many health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and increasing stamina. This conditionally essential amino acid also enhances the production of nitric oxide, a substance that has been shown to improve exercise performance. However, it should be noted that many scientific studies have been inconclusive. For this reason, it is essential to seek medical advice before starting any new supplement regimen.
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid
L-Arginine is amino acids found in most proteins. It regulates the synthesis of new skin and muscle protein. However, arginine does have several side effects. It may increase blood pressure, lower the level of HDL cholesterol, and increase bad cholesterol. Despite these benefits, many people are confused about how to get enough L-arginine in their bodies. In this article, we’ll review common uses for arginine and explore some of its side effects and benefits.
L-Arginine increases nitric oxide synthesis by vascular endothelium. It is a substrate for endothelial-specific nitric oxide synthase, which can cause an increase in homocysteine levels. Homocysteine has been shown to impair endothelial function, which may contribute to atherosclerosis.
It helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels
L-Arginine helps maintain healthy blood-pressure levels in many people, including those with hypertension. Studies show that consuming supplements of L-arginine can lower blood pressure in diabetics, women who are pregnant, and those with pulmonary hypertension. Supplementation may also help prevent preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure. A 2016 umbrella review of meta-analyses found that L-arginine lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension and in pregnant women with gestational hypertension. However, the authors caution that the research is limited due to its small sample size.
Although L-arginine is available naturally in the body, it is not present in sufficient amounts in some people. Although it is important for the immune system, there are risks of taking supplements containing L-arginine. Side effects may include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. In high doses, L-arginine supplements can increase blood pressure too much or too low. Other risks include interfering with medications, including nitroglycerin. In addition, L-arginine may activate genital herpes and cold sore viruses.
It boosts the production of nitric oxide
Acute intake of L arginine can boost the production of nitric oxide, a compound that helps widen blood vessels and may prevent or treat some circulatory conditions. The amino acid is an essential part of the diet and many sources of L arginine include fish, eggs, and red meat. It is also found in plant sources such as lentils, chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds.
Chronic L arginine supplementation increased NO bioavailability in the renin and tubular cells, and improved endothelial function and coronary blood pressure in rats. NO bioavailability is a key factor in endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, as low levels of the molecule result in damage to the target organs.
It improves exercise performance in people with low stamina
L-Arginine supplements improve exercise performance in people with low stamina and have shown promise for improving aerobic fitness. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design with four one-day laboratory trials. The first trial was an acute placebo. The next was a chronic arginine supplement. The order of the trials was determined by computer-generated random numbers in a counterbalancing manner.
The acute effect of arginine supplementation on exercise performance in people with low stamina has been evaluated using the Harvard Step Test and the VO2 max. The participants were unaware of the treatment group. The Arginine supplementation group outperformed the placebo group by nearly five minutes. The results are encouraging. However, further research is needed to fully understand how arginine improves exercise performance.
It may help with erectile dysfunction
L-Arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, has been widely used as an adjuvant to conventional ED medications. This review will highlight the different studies on this compound and its effects on the various molecules that play a role in the erection process. It will also discuss whether L-Arginine is effective in treating erectile dysfunction. This supplement can help men achieve firm erections and improve their sexual function.
In Last:
The effect of L-Arginine on erectile dysfunction has been shown to be significant when combined with another natural ingredient, pycnogenol. Researchers tested 40 men aged between 25 and 45 for three months. During the first month, the men took 1.7 grams of L-Arginine three times a day. In the second and third months, the participants took 40 mg of pycnogenol twice daily. After the third month, all the men’s sexual functions were evaluated using a questionnaire.
