Arginine
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.
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:
- Angina Congestive heart failure
- Athletic performance (for body composition and strength)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Female infertility (for in vitro fertilization)
- Gastritis
- High blood pressure
- HIV support (in combination with glutamine and HMB)
- Infertility (male)
- Intermittent claudication (I.V. only)
- Interstitial cystitis Pre- and post-surgery health
- 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-Argine for Male Sexual Fitness
