| L-ARGININE Arginine is necessary for the execution of
many physiological processes. These physiological processes include hormone secretion, an
increase in growth hormone output, the removal of toxic waste products from the body, and
immune system defenses.
Because Arginine is a precursor of nitric
oxide [which is responsible for vasodiolation] it is often used for supporting healthy
sexual function.
Recently, dietary supplements containing
Arginine have become popular due to Arginine's nitric oxide producing ability, its ability
to scavenge free radicals, as well as its ability to signal muscle cells, release growth
hormone, support healthy cholesterol, and enhance fat metabolism. Arginine helps regulate
salt levels in the body.
For this reason it should be of interest to
competing bodybuilders, as retaining water under the skin can make one looks smooth,
bloated and washed out. The nitrogen retaining abilities of Arginine are well-known within
the bodybuilding and scientific communities. Arginine is also believed to be crucial for
muscle growth due to its vasodilating abilities, as well as its ability to participate in
protein synthesis.
Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Everyone. Populations in particular need of
arginine are growing children, infants, athletes, the obese or overweight, and the
elderly. In adult populations Arginine is considered to be a non-essential amino acid. For
children, by contrast, Arginine is essential to the defense and development of the
adolescent immune system.
Persons suffering from injury can benefit
from supplemental arginine, as demand for arginine is increased during times of bodily
injury and repair. Persons suffering from low sexual health may also benefit from use of
Arginine due to its vasodilating properties. Arginine will act to increase the diameter of
blood vessels, thereby allowing increased blood flow to reach constricted areas.
Arginine presents benefits to hard training
athletes. Supplementing with Arginine may boost the immune system, thereby allowing the
athlete to train harder and avoid the detrimental effects of minor health problems
associated with overtraining.
Athletes who are discontinuing the use of
androgenic or anabolic steroids may benefit from supplemental arginine because steroids
often lead to hypertension, and the accumulation of bad cholesterol. Arginine has been
shown to help reverse these conditions.
Due to Arginines ability to increase growth
hormone levels, its ability to encourage lipid oxidization, its ability to lower blood
pressure, and its ability to decrease arterial plaque, supplemental arginine may prove
beneficial for obese persons.
How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Individuals with existing heart or
psychiatric conditions should consult with their physician prior to supplementing with
Arginine. With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with
too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have
not yet been established, so it is best to do what is known as "tolerance
mapping".
Take a small dosage for one week, note the
benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized
and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the
optimal dose. This process is similar to "receptor mapping" for bodybuilders who
use insulin and steroids.
Many protein powders on the market are
fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular
attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from sources. If you do not feel
comfortable following the above described procedure, it is always best to follow the
directions as prescribed on the products label. |
