Taking L-arginine supplements has become popular due to its use in body building and injury recovery. However, most people already have a normal to high level of L-arginine found in their body due to its presence in many common protein rich foods. Though the benefits of L-arginine are more researched and proven than many dietary supplements, over dosing can be dangerous.
L-arginine is commonly found in cream, powder, and pill form. The cream is most often used to treat male, and some female, sexual conditions such as erectile dysfunction. It has been much more thoroughly researched for males though, and many of its believed uses in female sexual conditions have been disproven. All forms are L-arginine are relatively cheap, ranging from 5-20 dollars, and produced by many of the big supplement companies such as Vitamin Shoppe and Natrol. The pill and powder form are taken for many reasons including the treatment and prevention of migraines, congestive heart failure, recovery form kidney surgery, bladder inflammation, and leg cramps due to blocked arteries.
L-Arginine Healing Benefits
Most of the research of L-arginine has been done in its benefits for injury and surgery recovery. When taken with other supplements and drugs such as ribonucleic acid and cyclosporine (a drug used after kidney transplants), it is shown to decrease recovery time. This is due to L-arginine’s role in the synthesis of the human growth hormone (HGH) and its role is disposing the waste product ammonia. HGH increases muscle and tissue growth the body needs to repair injuries. L-arginine’s ability to relax the smooth muscle and increase blood flow in the injured area allows more HGH to arrive at the site of the injury as well as other important healing agents such as clotting platelets. Though it is used in many types of injury prevention, L-arginine has been proven most effective in bone tissue regeneration. It is also used by athletes to decrease recovery time between workouts; however no conclusive evidence of this has been discovered.
An over dosing of L-arginine can cause several damaging side effects the body. L-arginine is shown to increase stomach acid which can lead to increased heart burn or indigestion. There is also evidence that the herpes virus uses L-arginine to multiply so it should not be used if you have the disease. Many people take L-arginine to ease the symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain. While it is proven that L-arginine will help with the symptoms and increase ability to exercise, the common belief that is cures coronary artery disease has been disproven in studies.
Because L-arginine lowers blood pressure and raises insulin levels, it can be dangerous when taken by diabetics and people with already low blood pressure. This can lead to dizzy spells and nausea as well as fainting.
Though L-arginine supplements are popular because of its versatility and natural production by the body, over dosing can lead to many complications. Depending on what it is being taken for, people should never take more than 15 grams a day and prolonged use without breaks is not suggested.
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