Arginine information and its role in nitric oxide production, how effective is this dietary supplement as a treatment or prevention of medical diseases?
Arginine in food and and health benefit of supplements
 

Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, is involved in numerous areas of human biochemistry, including ammonia detoxification, hormone secretion, and immune modulation. Arginine is also well known as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a key component of endothelial-derived relaxing factor, an endogenous messenger molecule involved in a variety of endothelium-dependent physiological effects in the cardiovascular system. Because of arginine's NO-stimulating effects, it may be utilized in therapeutic regimens for angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, hypertension, coronary heart disease, preeclampsia, intermittent claudication, and erectile dysfunction. In addition, arginine has been studied in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, athletic performance, burns and trauma, cancer, diabetes and syndrome X, gastrointestinal diseases, male and female infertility, interstitial cystitis, immunomodulation, and senile dementia.
    Even though the this amino acid has been postulated to be useful for some of the conditions listed above, much research needs to be done before we can be more confident about arginine's potential.

Buy L Arginine 750 mg, 60 Capsules
L Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine. Arginine supports protein synthesis as it is involved in the transport and storage of nitrogen.  Among many functions, L Arginine is used by the body to produce creatine.  Each arginine supplement tablet contains 750 mg elemental L Arginine. Usage: Take 1 to 6 arginine supplement tablets daily, or as directed by your qualified health consultant.

Serving Size 1 capsule
L Arginine  - 750 mg

Click here to buy L Arginine capsules or Passion Rx

Mechanism of action
The most likely explanation for the modest effectiveness of arginine is its conversion into nitric oxide. As discussed in Chapter 2, nitric oxide is converted into cGMP, which becomes the secondary messenger that causes smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in more blood going into the genital organs, which leads to erections. However, nitric oxide is metabolized quite rapidly, which may explain why taking arginine does not lead to consistent or prolonged erections.

L arginine supplements for anemia associated with kidney disease
L-arginine administration reverses anemia associated with renal disease.
Int J Hematol. 2007 August. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical School, Shimotsuke, Japan.
Patients with anemia associated with renal disease are usually treated by intravenous or subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin administration; however, some patients do not respond well to rhEpo, because of the presence of Epo antibody or other unknown reasons. We administered 1.3 grams a day of L-arginine to 8 elderly patients with anemia associated with renal disease. All 8 patients responded to the treatment with increases in hemoglobin levels. Six of the patients showed improved renal function. There were no significant arginine side effects. Our data show that oral administration of 1.3 grams a day of L-arginine significantly improves erythropoietin production and reverses anemia without adverse effects in elderly patients who have anemia associated with renal disease and are in the predialysis state of chronic renal failure.

Benefit in the elderly
Year-long changes in protein metabolism in elderly men and women supplemented with a nutrition cocktail of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), L-arginine, and L-lysine.
JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2009 Jan-Feb; Baier S, Johannsen D, Abumrad N, Rathmacher JA, Nissen S, Flakoll P. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
A major contributing factor to the loss of mobility in elderly people is the gradual and continuous loss of lean body mass. To determine whether supplementation of an amino acid cocktail daily for 1 year could improve the age-associated changes in protein turnover and lean body mass in elderly people. Elderly women and men were recruited for a double-blinded controlled study. Study participants were randomly assigned to either an isonitrogenous control-supplement or a treatment-supplement (HMB / Arg / Lys) consisting of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, L-arginine, and L-lysine for the 1-year study. In subjects taking the HMB / Arg / Lys supplement, lean tissue increased over the year of study while in the control group, lean tissue did not change. Compared with control, HMB /Arg / Lysine increased body cell mass (BIA) by 1.6% and lean mass (DXA) by 1.2%. The rates of protein turnover were significantly increased 8% and 12% in the HMB / Arg / Lys-supplemented group while rates of protein turnover decreased 11% and 9% in the control-supplemented subjects, at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Consumption of a simple amino acid-related cocktail increased protein turnover and lean tissue in elderly individuals in a year-long study.

L Arginine pyroglutamate
Arginine pyroglutamate is the L-arginine salt of pyroglutamic acid also known as arginine pidolate. Arginine pyroglutamate is may have some cognition-enhancing property due to the pyroglutamate part.

Arginine nitric oxide pathway
Nitric oxide released by the inner layer of cells (endothelium) in the arteries relaxes these blood vessels, keeps them flexible, and improves blood flow. Nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide) plays an important role in a wide range of bodily  processes. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, may reduce blood coagulation, helps dilate bronchi in the lungs, and relaxes the gastrointestinal system. Nitric oxide is formed from the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Impaired nitric oxide bioactivity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. As to the l arginine nitric oxide relationship, it is not fully clear at this time how effective an arginine supplement would be in terms of sustained nitric oxide production and maintenance.

L Arginine cream
Topical L-arginine cream improves blood flow and temperature in the feet of diabetics, but it is not yet clear if this leads to fewer foot ulcers or better healing of ulcers.

Arginine rich food - food high in arginine
Arginine rich foods include nuts, fish and chocolate, however practically speaking, trying to lower arginine intake in one's diet or trying to increase arginine intake through food may not make much difference in the treatment of any medical condition.

Arginine for metabolic syndrome and diabetes
Beneficial effects of a long-term oral L-arginine treatment added to a hypocaloric diet and exercise training program in obese, insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic patients.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Nov;291(5):E906-12. Diabetology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Unit, Fondazione Centro San Raffaele del Monte Tabor, Milan, Italy.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-term oral L-arginine therapy on adipose fat mass (FM) and muscle free-fat mass (FFM) distribution, daily glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and adipokine release in obese type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance who were treated with a combined period of hypocaloric diet and exercise training. Thirty-three type 2 diabetic patients participated in a hypocaloric diet plus an exercise training program for 21 days. Furthermore, they were divided into two groups in randomized order: the first group was also treated with L-arginine (8.3 grams per day), and the second group was treated with placebo. Although in the placebo group body weight, waist circumference, daily glucose profiles, fructosamine, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment index significantly decreased, L-arginine supplementation further decreased FM (P < 0.05) and waist circumference, preserving FFM, and improved mean daily glucose profiles and fructosamine. Moreover, change in area under the curve of cGMP (second messenger of nitric oxide), superoxide dismutase (index of antioxidant capacity), and adiponectin levels increased, whereas basal endothelin-1 levels and leptin-to-adiponectin ratio decreased in the L-arginine group. Long-term oral L-arginine treatment resulted in an additive effect compared with a diet and exercise training program alone on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it improved endothelial function, oxidative stress, and adipokine release in obese type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance.

Arginine and erectile dysfunction
One of the more popular supplements for sexual dysfunction is L-arginine, also referred to as arginine. Arginine is a versatile amino acids in animal cells, serving as a precursor for the making not only of proteins but also of nitric oxide, urea, glutamate, and creatine. What makes l-arginine special is that it can be metabolized to nitric oxide (NO). NO is the most powerful chemical known to dilate and engorge blood vessels in the penis and clitoris.

Low doses of l-arginine, at 500 mg three times a day, have not been found to be effective. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 men with erectile dysfunction tested arginine at a dose of 5 grams per day for six weeks. About a third of the participants who received arginine showed improvement, but that improvement was greater than the 10% improvement seen in the placebo group.

Arginine has been studied in combination with other nutrients as a treatment for sexual dysfunction in women. A small trial found some improvement with a combination treatment providing a daily dose of 2,500 mg of arginine, as well as ginseng, ginkgo, and damiana. In a four-week, double-blind study, 77 women with decreased libido were given either the combination product or a placebo. Those taking the arginine -blend showed statistically greater improvement, reporting increased sexual desire in 71% of participants given the treatment. In the placebo group, 42% reported an increased libido. Other improvements included relative satisfaction with sex life and heightened clitoral sensation. No significant side effects were seen in either group. However, we don't know if the arginine had anything to do with the results.

A study done at the University of Texas at Austin examined the effects of arginine, combined with yohimbe, on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. Twenty-four women participated in three sessions in which sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either arginine glutamate (6 g) plus yohimbine (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or a placebo, using a randomized, double-blind design. Sexual responses were measured at one hour after taking the supplements. Compared to the placebo, the combined oral administration of arginine and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film. It is well known that yohimbine, alone, has a significant effect on sexuality and whether arginine was a factor is not known.

L Arginine Side Effects
No major arginine side effects have yet been reported with the short term use of this supplement. The benefits and risks of long term arginine use are not fully known.  It is possible that one side effect of high dosage l arginine is nausea. Other possible l arginine side effects on very high dosages are digestive disturbances. It is not clear whether l arginine has side effects if used in high dosages daily for many months or years.

Dosage
This supplement comes in capsules of 500 mg, 750 mg and 1,000 mg. You can also find it in powder.

I have been getting Life Choice, L-Arginine free form, 1000 mgs., 90 vcaps, from my health food store for some time, but now they can not get it anymore. Is there any way I can order it directly from you?
    We only carry the 750 mg capsules and the powder form.

Interactions with other supplements
Q. I am interested in vinpocetine. If I am taking L arginine, is there any interaction that could prove problematic?
   A. Arginine is a safe amino acid and we have not had reports of problems when combined with medications or supplements. Vinpocetine does have side effects.

Arginine research study
Dietary supplementation with L-arginine or placebo in women with pre-eclampsia.
Staff AC.. Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ulleval University Hospital, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
To investigate the effect of dietary intake of the NO-donor L-arginine on the diastolic blood pressure in women with pre-eclampsia. A randomized double-blind study was designed to compare the effect of L-arginine and placebo in pre-eclamptic women with gestational length ranging from 28+0 to 36+0 weeks. The women received orally 12 g of L-arginine or placebo daily for up to 5 days. The primary end-point was to identify a difference in diastolic blood pressure alteration between the two groups after 2 days of intervention. Secondary end-points included the interval from study start to delivery, the proportion of women delivered after 2, 5 or 10 days from treatment start and mean birth weight. There was no statistically significant alteration in diastolic blood pressure in the L-arginine group compared with the placebo group after 2 days of treatment. No differences in the proportions of women delivered by day 2, 5 or 10 after study start, in the mean interval from study start to delivery, or in mean birth weight percentile were observed between the two groups. Oral L-arginine supplementation did not reduce mean diastolic blood pressure after 2 days of treatment compared with placebo in pre-eclamptic patients with gestational length varying from 28 to 36 weeks. Whether L-arginine treatment could be clinically beneficial for the mother or the fetus if started earlier in the disease process than for the women in our study remains to be seen.

Arginine supplements questions
Q. Thank you for all the Information on your web sight. I am trying to take a vitamin and mineral supplement with arginine, and I get pain in my penis then herpes outbraves. Arginine is found in many foods, but only chicken and supplements with arginine seem to cause this problem. Will L-Lysine counteract this problem of pain and outbrake, without negating the positive effect of arginine.
   A. We are not impressed with the effectiveness of lysine for herpes.

Q. I have read countless informative articles on l-arginine and i decided to try some. i ordered l-arginine from a website called Blessed Nutritions. Most of the articles i have read say nothing but positives of taking arginine, except for some side effects. I received my arginine product today and i have consumed 30 grams throughout the day. My question is...is that potentially dangerous? The only arginine side effects i have noticed from taking that much is diarrhea. i was thinking of taking 30 grams of arginine daily but i'm not sure if that's a good idea. Generally, do you know what the maximum dosage of arginine should be taken daily, and for how long? I am an 18 year old male and i was interested at the idea that consuming enough arginine daily could stimulate the pituitary gland to release HGH.
   A. Long term human studies are not available to determine the safety of arginine use in high doses. We don't see the need at your age to take arginine for hgh release. Exercise and deep sleep are your best options. It's possible high dose of arginine over prolonged periods may cause side effects that would make you regret taking it, but we can't be sure of this at this time.

Q. There are so many forms of arginine. In one magazine i came across ads for the following arginine products: L-Arginine Alpha Keto Glutarate, L-Arginine L/DL-Malate, L-Arginine Base or Mono HCl. Which form of arginine is better?
   A. There are hardly any human studies available with the various form of L arginine that it is very difficult to make any recommendations regarding the use of these l arginine supplements.

Q. I received info about a Source Naturals product that has arginine and citrulline. It said: "L-Arginine is well known for its heart function and circulation support, along with muscle metabolism and energy. Now in combination with L-Citrulline, it forms a powerful supplement to support the generation of Nitric Oxide (NO) in supporting performance in many areas of life. " What do you think of the combination of arginine and citrulline?
   A. It's hard to say when no studies are available with the arginine citrulline combination.

Q. Can a supplement w/ith L-Arginine and some Lysine raise Epstein Barr IgG levels? In my opinion arginine stimulates growth hormone, which, in research, can worsen the titers of the EBV virus. Mmore research should be done on taking L-Arginine (or growth hormone), with 'contraindications' for those with viruses. my Epstein Barr IgG level was 160: now it is 2000 !
   A. We have not seen research regarding the influence of arginine or lysine supplement use and Epstein Barr IgG levels, so we don't know.

Q. I have been reading that L-arginine is good for cardio health, production of Nitric Oxide, circulation, etc. But I have also read articles about concerns for free radicals because it is being added to the system and not created whereas citrulline malate is a precursor to L-arginine and therefore prompts the body to create more Arginine itself. Here is the information I was reading: "I would add citrulline malate is a precursor to arginine in our bodies. Taking arginine directly will have a good effect, but it also leads to the creation of free radicals because it is added to the system and not created. Hence the body thinks that something is awry and tries to compensate. With citrulline malate, the body sees this is as normal, uses its natural hormonal system to create arginine in response to citrulline. Excess citrulline malate then also does something really cool; it scavenges free radicals and also removes ammonia from your system (ammonia being a by product of muscle building). If you do supp directly with arginine, it is probably a good idea to take some strong antioxidants to deal with the free radicals. I think alpha lipoic acid is the best. Which of these supplementation methods would be more beneficial / less destructive to the body or should both be passed up. The idea sounds valid. I like to go as natural I can and let the body create what it needs naturally with help if needed. I don't really want to bypass the bodies ability to create what it needs unless it is safe.
   A. The statement you have sent us on arginine and citrulline appear to be one's person's opinion and we have not seen actual research that validates this viewpoint. For cardiac health, see heart disease info.