Arginine information Arginine in food - Health benefit of L arginine supplements
l arginine nitric oxide, arginine for diabetes

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 arginine 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.
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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 Tablet
L Arginine  - 750 mg

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Arginine is also available as Arginine-Powder

Mechanism of Action of Arginine
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.

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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.

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 l arginine. 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.

Arginine Research update
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 (p = 0.4). 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 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.

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 and to know which l arginine product is best to use.

 Q. Should arginine be taken with meals or on an empty stomach?
    A. Arginine is probably better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach.
 
 Q. Can I take arginine regularly for many months?
    A. As with most nutrients, we recommend taking breaks from use. In the case of arginine, it appears to be safe to take for extended periods as long as the dose is less than 3 or 4 grams a day.

Q. Is l arginine better to take as a capsule or powder?
    A. It depends on how much you plan to take. If your l arginine dose is less than 2 grams, the capsule works. If you plan to take several grams, then the arginine powder is more efficient.

Q. Can l arginine and glutamine amino acids be taken together?
   A. We don't see any obvious side effects that would occur if
Glutamine and arginine were taken together.

Q. I take Passion Rx for sexual drive enhancement. Are there potential additional arginine side effects if combined?
   A. As long as your arginine dose is less than 2 grams, it should not interfere with Passion Rx or cause additional side effects.

Q. i would like to know can i take amino acids arginine and ornithine with amitriptyline.
   A. We can't make that decision for you, all we can do is provide general info these supplement. Drug and nutrient combinations are rarely tested to know how they interact.

Q. I was reading information about the health benefits of l-arginine (blood pressure, cholesterol, sexual issues), and it says that you should be careful to purchase the right kind of l-arginine in order to avoid bad side effect. The following quote is from an article that I read about choosing the proper supplements. Can you please respond to the information in this quote. "Since the precursor to the neurotransmitter nitric oxide is L-arginine, a formula containing L-arginine can be effective as an alternative to Viagra, but the formula must be carefully designed not to increase or stimulate the production of free radicals and/or peroxynitrite. Do not rush out and buy plain L-arginine, because L-arginine without the correct synergists and co-factors or an improperly prepared L-arginine formula can cause reactivation of the herpes virus as well as the stimulation of peroxynitrate. Formulas containing free forms of both L-arginine and Lysine are to be avoided. When shopping for an L-arginine nitric oxide formula, make sure the research behind the formula is valid and safe (at least ten years of research). If the company marketing an L-arginine formula cannot validate that they have had an L-arginine product publicly "on the marker” for at least five years with no FDA/FDC violations or negative health reports, look elsewhere. The consumer should ask the manufacturer of the product to explain the metabolic pathway or methodology by which his product stimulates the production of NO or provides NO to the body. The product should also be low glycemic, as insulin-stimulation is contraindicated in an arginine formula."
   A. It does not appear that the website you quote has reliable information. They say arginine can be an alternative to Viagra," which is not a true statement and the rest of the quote has too many uneducated statements on arginine which do not make it worthwhile to take the time to respond. For reliable arginine information, see the link at the top of the page.

Q. I have been taking arginine and ornathine for two years now. 3-5 grams first thing in the morning and last thing at night with Airborne. (effervescent vit-C tablet) I take it for maintenance of the endothelial cells. Your thoughts on this?
   A. We are not in a position to give individual suggestion on what to take. There are countless products that are available to the public. Please see heart disease link for info you can discuss with your doctor.

Q. What do you know about Dr. Anne de Wees Allen and her research on arginine and her patented formula?
   A. We have not heard of Dr. Anne de Wees Allen.

Q. Does arginine help with impotence?
   A. We doubt it makes much of a difference, at least in the short term, there are better sexual herbs for this purpose, see impotence page.

Q. I heard that L-Arginine was not good for a diabetic to take. Is this true.
   A. We have no reason to believe that reasonable amounts of arginine would be harmful to a patient with diabetes. In fact, one study shows potential benefits.

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.
Because chronic L-arginine supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and endothelial function in nonobese type 2 diabetic patients, 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 g/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 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; P < 0.001), 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.

Q. Are there foods that increase arginine levels?
   A. There are many, and surprisingly watermelon is one of them.
Plasma concentration of arginine can be increased through intake of citrulline from watermelon.

Q. I'm surprised you do not mention that taking L arginine supplement could cause break out of herpes. Its all over the internet regarding L arginine supplementation.
   A. As of January 2008, we have not found any human studies that indicate taking l arginine supplements increase the outbreak of herpes. If you find such a study mentioned on the sites that discuss increased herpes outbreak with the use of arginine supplements, please let us know.

Q. What are your thoughts on sustained release L-Arginine for endothelial support and healthy blood pressure?
   A. We have not seen any studies regarding the benefit of sustained release l arginine as of January 2008, so we don't know if this form or arginine supplement offers any benefit beyond that of regular arginine supplements, and whether it is true that sustained release arginine stays in the blood stream longer.

Q. A recent serum amino blood test of mine indicates that I have no detectable arginine level. I have the results for about 35 amino acids. Would these results interest you in your research? Also, I would really appreciate any documentation (or links or pointers to articles) that describe in more detail such a condition.
   A. Except in rare cases of amino acid abnormalities which are often detected in infancy or early childhood, we have not found blood tests of amino acids to be helpful in diagnosis or treatment in adults.

Q. I was reading some articles on the work of Dr. Linus Pauling. He was using lysine, mineral ascorbates, and
l-arginine in one of his powder formulas. I have read that lysine and arginine should not be used together because they will cancel their effectiveness. They should be taken separately to be effective about 1-2 hours apart.
   A. We have not seen any human arginine and lysine studies that support or negate this viewpoint.

Q. Is there any problem combining arginine supplement with Avena-Sativa supplement?
   A. We don't see any risk with the combination as long as the avena sativa dose is reasonable..

 

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