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The amino acid, arginine, assists in wound healing,
helps remove excess ammonia from the body, stimulates immune function, and
promotes secretion of several hormones,
including insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone.
Arginine is also needed to increase protein synthesis, which can in turn
increase cellular replication. Therefore, arginine may help people with
inadequate numbers of certain cells. For example, some
studies have found that men with low sperm counts experienced an increase in the
number of sperm in their count when they used an arginine supplement.
Preliminary evidence also
suggests that arginine may help regulate cholesterol levels. Arginine also appears to act as a natural blood thinner by reducing
platelet aggregation.
Dairy, meat, poultry, and fish are good sources of
arginine, as are nuts and chocolate.
Arginine has been used in connection with the following conditions:
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Angina Congestive heart failure
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Athletic performance (for body composition and strength)
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Erectile dysfunction
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Female infertility (for in vitro fertilization)
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Gastritis
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High blood pressure
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HIV support (in combination with glutamine
and HMB)
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Infertility (male)
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Intermittent claudication (I.V. only)
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Interstitial cystitis Pre- and post-surgery health
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Wound healing
Normally, our bodies makes enough
arginine, even
when it is lacking in the diet. However, during times of high stress
(including infection, burns, and injury), the body may not be able to keep up
with its increased needs.
It is not necessary for most people to take extra
arginine.
While some people with serious infections, burns, or other trauma should take
arginine, appropriate amounts must be determined by a doctor. The optimal intake
remains unknown and is likely to vary with each individual.
So far arginine appears to
be free of obvious side effects, however longer-term studies are needed to
confirm its safety. At this time, there are no well-known drug
interactions with arginine.
People with kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor before
supplementing with arginine. Some doctors believe that people with herpes
(either cold sores or genital herpes) should not take arginine supplements,
because of the possibility that arginine might stimulate replication of the
virus.
 
L-Arginine
500 mg
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