Arginine is a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid, in humans, widely studied over the years.
In humans its efficacy has been seen to be in the levorotatory form. Depending on the age of the individual, the demand for l-arginine is different, and particularly in young people and children there is greater difficulty for the body to synthesize arginine than in adults.
Beneficial Effects
The beneficial effects of 'arginine are many, and hundreds of scientific studies have attempted to demonstrate the results, which, in particular, can be summarized as follows:
In humans its efficacy has been seen to be in the levorotatory form. Depending on the age of the individual, the demand for l-arginine is different, and particularly in young people and children there is greater difficulty for the body to synthesize arginine than in adults.
Beneficial Effects
The beneficial effects of 'arginine are many, and hundreds of scientific studies have attempted to demonstrate the results, which, in particular, can be summarized as follows:
- it helps to dispose of ammonia and nitrogenous wastes;
- increases the production of nitric oxide;
- helps combat muscle 'fatigue;
- stimulates the immune system;
- helps relax blood vessels and prevent different kinds of cardiovascular problems;
- stimulates creatine, l-proline and l-glutamate production;
- in large doses stimulates growth hormone and prolactin;
- stimulates skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation and muscle glucose uptake.
Arginine , Growth Hormone and Physical Activity.
It is interesting to make a brief focus on 'l-arginine intake linked to growth hormone.
A study done by the Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA states that taking arginine on resting individuals increases growth hormone GH levels by 100 percent; at the same time, physical activity promotes a growth hormone increase of up to 200/500 percent.
However, this study also says that taking arginine and doing physical activity does not further stimulate GH levels as one might think but instead attenuates its growth compared to physical activity alone, increasing it by 200%.
Arginine and Erection
One of the most frequently asked questions, which also generates some embarrassment, concerns the possible relationship between arginine use and male organ erection, considering that arginine stimulates nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator.
Arginine and Hair
Another debated topic concerns 'arginine and hair. One study in particular [J Cosmet Sci. 2005] sought to measure the protective effects of arginine related to hair coloring. In this study, it was hypothesized that the use of arginine prevents the unwanted attack of hydrogen peroxide on the proteins and lipids of the hair surface. It was also seen that a considerable amount of arginine is deposited on hair fibers by coloring agent.
Arginine and Sleep
There seems to be a relationship between 'arginine and sleep. This is because arginine increases the production of nitric oxide, which appears to play an important role in sleep regulation.
In one study in particular done on rats [Life Sci. 2004] a significant increase in slow-wave sleep and reduction in wakefulness was found.
Arginine in foods
Arginine is found in both animal and plant proteins, such as meat, dairy products, poultry, fish, nuts, soybeans etc.
A recent publication [J Sex Med. 2019] stated that in 10 randomized trials of 540 patients with erectile dysfunction, significant improvement was found by taking a dosage between 1500 and 5000 mg. The improvement found was not only in erection but also in orgasm, while there was no change in sexual desire.
Arginine and Supplements
Arginine in supplements should be taken in the levorotatory form (l-arginine). In supplements, the 'use of l-arginine is recommended in dosages of 2 to 4 grams per day.
Side Effects
There are no obvious contraindications or side effects related to the use of 'arginine.
There are several debates about the 'efficacy of this supplement particularly on blood pressure and the different effects between men and women.