L-arginine is an amino acid found in high protein-containing foods, such as animal products and nuts. The typical dietary suggested intake is 4–5 grams/day. The body not only obtains argine from food but is also synthesizes from citrulline mainly in the kidney.
Many experts suggest that supplementing with arginine enhances exercise and athletic performance in several ways. First, some arginine is converted to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that can increase blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skeletal muscle. Next, increased vasodilation can speed up the removal of metabolic waste products related to muscle fatigue, such as lactate and ammonia, that the body produces during exercise. Third, arginine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of creatine, which helps supply muscle with energy for short-term, intense activity. Fourth, arginine may help increase the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH), which in turn increases insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, both of which stimulate muscle growth.
The research to support supplemental arginine as a performance enhancer is limited by itself but is often combined with other supplements such as BCAAs and glutathione. Results are conflicting but show significant positive outcomes than without supplementation.
ARGININE USE MAY
- enhance strength
- improve exercise
- increase athletic performance
- promote muscular recovery after exercise
- preventing the common cold
- improving kidney function after a kidney transplant
- reduce peak of pre-eclampsia
- boost the immune system
- preventing inflammation in the digestive tract in premature infants.
- Topically
- helps to speed wound healing
- increase blood flow to cold hands and feet (helpful in those with diabetes)
- for sexual issues in both men and females
IS ARGININE SAFE
Most study results suggest that up to 9 g/day arginine for several days or weeks is safe and well tolerated. At higher doses of 9–30 g/day, the gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and nausea, and slightly reduced blood pressure were most commonly reported adverse reactions.
ARGININE CONTRAINDICATIONS
Arginine injection absolutely contraindicated in patients with known arginine hypersensitivity or a hypersensitivity to any components of the product.
- Caution is advised for use in patients with renal, hepatic and electrolyte impairment. Arginine can be metabolized to nitrogen-containing products. Nitrogen or acute amino acid burden on patients with impaired renal function when administering arginine injection.
- An Arginine injection contains 47.5 mEq chloride/100 mL, which should be considered in patients with an existing electrolyte imbalance
- Severe hyperkalemia can occur in patients with severe hepatic disease and moderate renal insufficiency taking spironolactone prior to the arginine infusion
- Arginine causes a direct shift of intracellular potassium to the extracellular compartment therefore caution should be used in patients with hepatic and renal failure due to decreased metabolism of arginine and decreased clearance of potassium
ARGININE DOSING
There is NO standard doing for L-Arginine. Dosing typically varies depending on reason for administration: performance, sexual dysfunction, immunity protection.
The most common oral doses were 2–10 g/day as a single dose and up to 20 g/day divided into three doses.
Typical dosing is 200 mg SQ/IM 2-3 times per week and for performance benefits it can be taken daily before bed.
L-Arginine should be taken continuously for 2 or 3 months to gain the most benefit
