L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the body build protein.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your body usually makes all the L-arginine it needs. It is also in most protein-rich foods, including fish, red meat, poultry, soy, peanuts, whole grains, beans and dairy products. (1)
The best way to get the l-arginine is by eating a healthy balanced diet.
L-arginine benefits
- Promotes muscle growth, tone and strength
- Helps with fat metabolism
- Increases immune function
- Supports male fertility
- Reduces the risk of CHD
Benefits
1) Promotes muscle growth, tone and strength
L-arginine stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete human growth hormone, which helps to build muscle and increases muscle strength and tone. It also increases fat metabolism and helps with fat loss.
2) Helps with fat metabolism
Combining arginine and ornithine supplements with weight training supplements decreases body fat, increases total strength and lean body mass. Taking the supplements can also reduce tissue breakdown over time.
The body needs ornithine, L-arginine and carnitine to metabolise fats properly. If they are in low supply, fat metabolism will slow down. An adequate amount of these three amino acids at bedtime can help maintain fat burning while sleeping.
3) Increases immune function
L-arginine may help support the immune system and also help the body to heal from wounds. You may need more L-arginine when fighting infections or when you are under stress.
4) Supports male fertility
Seminal fluid could be up to 80% arginine. Low intakes in the diet may negatively affect sperm count.
5) Reduces the risk of chronic heart disease (CHD)
According to Carlos Tello, PhD (Molecular Biology) at SelfHacked L-arginine, supplementation can increase nitric oxide production and reduce the risk of heart disease. (2)
L-Arginine works well with
- Ornithine, glutamine and tyrosine to release growth hormones
- glycine, and L-methionine to form creatine
- L-lysine to help with muscle growth
Some things to consider
You should consult your doctor before you take L-arginine if you have a medical condition and or are on medication.
Large doses of L-arginine can cause the skin to become thick and rough. You should not take L-arginine if you have herpes, either cold sores or genital herpes, because it may replicate the virus.
According to WebMD, L-arginine should not be used by children or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor. (3)
Jenna Fletcher from Medical News Today says that most doctors suggest avoiding arginine after a recent heart attack. (4)
Resources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681
- https://selfhacked.com/blog/l-arginine/#12_L-Arginine_Supplementation_Helps_Increase_Fertility
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-l-arginine#2
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323259
