L-Arginine is a variation of amino acids belonging to the group Arginine. The “L” form of Arginine is one of the 20 most common amino acids found in the body. Used for protein synthesis, L-arginine plays a role in the synthesis of several important substances in the body including, nitric oxide, growth hormone, and insulin.
L-arginine is most commonly found in foods rich in animal and plant proteins; such as fish, nuts, red meat, poultry, and dairy products. Because it is found naturally in so many common foods, it is rare to find people with low levels of L-arginine. However, it is also commonly marketed as a natural dietary supplement and used by many in the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries, as well as by body builders and athletes. It is even found in levels of as high as eight percent in many types of toothpaste for its proposed ability to reduce dental hypersensitivity.
What Does L-Arginine Do?
Amino acids are commonly known as the building blocks of proteins. L-arginine is synthesized into several different types of proteins. The most common of these is nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is also sold in supplement form because of its ability to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the muscles. The cells on the inner lining of the blood vessels use spikes in nitric oxide to signal the surrounding smooth muscle to relax, widening the blood vessels. Studies have shown that L-arginine supplements increase the nitric oxide production, making it useful for treating circulatory conditions such as erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure.
L-arginine supplements are also taken by body builders and athletes. Like most supplements, this is how taking L-arginine has gained popularity in the past few years. By lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the muscles, L-arginine allows athletes to work out longer as well as increase muscle endurance and lower the heart rate. L-arginine is also believed to play a role in the synthesis of the body’s growth hormone. This allows body builders to carry more muscle than normal.
L-arginine also stimulates the production of the hormone insulin, which is used to regulate the body’s blood sugar. Some diabetic patients take L-arginine supplements to help regulate their insulin production. However, studies have found that this can be dangerous and people with diabetes should simply try a diet rich in foods containing L-arginine.
Other ways the body uses L-arginine is the disposal of ammonia, a waste product from cellular respiration. This is another reason L-arginine supplements are attractive to athletes, decreasing the time needed to recover between workouts. This trait is also utilized by surgery patients and burn victims to reduce recovery time and prevent infection.
Because of its multi-faceted benefits to the body, L-arginine has become a popular dietary supplement in athletes, surgery patients, and people looking to prevent conditions like erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure. However, since L-arginine is found in so many foods, it is easy to maintain a high level of the amino acid without supplements and over dosing could be dangerous.
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