When Should You Take L-Arginine?

L-arginine is a considered a nonessential amino acid that is manufactured by the body under normal dietary conditions but might need supplementation. It is naturally found in nuts, meats, eggs and dairy products.

History

• Swiss chemist Ernst Schultze first isolated Arginine from a lupin seedling in 1886. In 1932, it was discovered that L-arginine detoxifies ammonia from the body, and in 1939, it was found to aid the body in making Creatine.

Function

• L-arginine increases nitric oxide (NO) levels, controlling blood vessel tone and flexibility. It stimulates production of insulin and enhances immune function.

Benefits

• L-arginine supplements have been found to reduce blood pressure and boost immune system responses to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. It is considered crucial for optimum muscle growth and tissue repair. Research conducted at New York University School of Medicine had positive results in treating impotency in men with L-arginine because of its ability to aid in NO increase. A study reported in the Natural Pharmacist Encyclopedia showed positive results using L-arginine for postmenopausal women with a history of sexual arousal difficulty.

Recommendations

• As a part of a daily preventative program, 2 g of L-arginine between meals should be taken. Men can add an additional gram before intercourse for erectile dysfunction. For Type 2 diabetics, a dose of 1000 mg three times a day between meals is commonly used. Using L-arginine to treat an existing heart condition should only be done under a physician's supervision.

Warning

• Nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin might have amplified effects when supplementing with Arginine. It might also promote growth of the herpes virus.