Our body produces arginine only in amount needed to perform its functions, but sometimes it is not enough to cover these needs; here come the supplements!
Index
But what are its functions?
- Glucose synthesis, proteins, creatine and nitric oxide
- Detoxification of nitrogen residues
- Immunostimulating action
- Antioxidant action
- In sports: myprotective, anabolic and structural activity
Arginine-based supplements can be useful in the case of particularly restrictive diets, stress, physical trauma, burns, diabetes, cardiac diseases, hypertension and male fertility disorders.
Arginine and cardiovascular problems
Its use has established itself in the cardiology field for its various modes of action.
Its administration has proved useful in cases of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and angina pectoris in decreasing vascular damage, improving cardiac perfusion and rheological characteristics blood.
Arginine and fertility
It has proven useful in improving the quality and motility of spermatozoa in patients with oligospermia.
Arginine and trauma
Arginine facilitates the structural and functional recovery of the damaged tissue, thanks to its ability to induce the synthesis of proline, the fundamental amino acid of collagen.
Arginine and immunity
It has proved useful in patients with severe wasting due to HIV, malnutrition, drug addiction, in improving the immunological structure.
Arginine and diabetes
Arginine stimulates the synthesis of insulin, which can be helpful in diabetes and especially in pre-diabetes, since it helps to avoid the worsening of symptoms and the onset of full-blown diabetic pathology.
Arginine and sports activity
Arginine has an antioxidant role especially during intense workouts; it also has a detoxifying role in nitrogen waste, which is higher in athletes.
But when and how should this supplement be taken?
The intake of arginine, via tablets or powder, should go by 3 to 20 gr daily, divided into several assumptions. In sports, the recommended dose is 3 grams, generally taken before training or before sleep.
Side effects and contraindications
- Within 10 grams per day, taking arginine does not cause side effects; above 15 g, gastro-intestinal problems such as cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
These effects are greater if the intake is made intravenously, compared to the oral one.
Arginine is contraindicated when taking medications containing cyclosporine, ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. - If a patient has liver and kidney disease, the use of arginine should be kept under close medical supervision.
- Herpes patients should also not use this supplement, as arginine is present in the viral proteins of herpes simplex and could cause relapses.
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the use of this supplement is not recommended, as there is a risk that it may be transmitted to the fetus, who would not be able to tolerate its high dosage.
Have you ever used this supplement? What effects have you noticed?
Tell us about it in the comments!