Because L-arginine is primarily found in animal foods, many L-arginine supplements are not vegetarian. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, look for supplements specifically labeled as suitable for these diets. If you’re a bodybuilder or strength or endurance athlete, you’re probably already integrating L-Arginine. However, you don’t need to be a professional athlete to be benefitting from this – it’s perfectly suitable for anyone interested in improving their performance. Are you a runner or cyclist? Getting that extra oxygen can definitely be beneficial for those activities. When to Take Arginine Chen, S., Kim, W., Henning, S. M., Carpenter, C. L., and Li, Z. Arginine and antioxidant supplement on performance in elderly male cyclists: a randomized controlled trial. J Int.Soc Sports Nutr. 2010;7:13. View abstract. Baligan, M., Giardina, A., Giovannini, G., Laghi, M. G., and Ambrosioni, G. [L-arginine and immunity. Study of pediatric subjects]. Minerva Pediatr 1997;49(11):537-542. View abstract.

It also pumps more blood to your muscles, increasing that full look known as ‘the pump’, so it’s commonly found in pre-workout powders. There’s some evidence that L-arginine supplements may improve pregnancy outcomes, as well as fetal and maternal health in women from both high- and low-resource areas. Berk, L., James, J., Schwartz, A., Hug, E., Mahadevan, A., Samuels, M., and Kachnic, L. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a beta-hydroxyl beta-methyl butyrate, glutamine, and arginine mixture for the treatment of cancer cachexia (RTOG 0122). Support.Care Cancer 2008;16(10):1179-1188. View abstract.Cassone, Faldetta M., Laurenti, O., Desideri, G., Bravi, M. C., De, Luca O., Marinucci, M. C., De, Mattia G., and Ferri, C. L-arginine infusion decreases plasma total homocysteine concentrations through increased nitric oxide production and decreased oxidative status in Type II diabetic patients. Diabetologia 2002;45(8):1120-1127. View abstract. Water pills (potassium-sparing diuretics). Don't take L-arginine with amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) or triamterene (Dyrenium). These medications can increase potassium levels, increasing the risk of developing a higher than normal level of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia). Some evidence suggests that arginine may help improve blood flow in the heart’s arteries. It is thought that this may help with clogged arteries, chest pain and in some cases angina or coronary artery disease. Be cautious with this combination • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with L-ARGININE

A daily dose varies depending on what you’re being treated for – typically, it’s 2 to 8g per day but can be higher. For example, for chest pain due to coronary artery disease, the dosage has been determined as 3 to 6g three times per day for one month. Know the overdose risks Cahill, N. E., Dhaliwal, R., Day, A. G., Jiang, X., and Heyland, D. K. Nutrition therapy in the critical care setting: what is "best achievable" practice? An international multicenter observational study. Crit Care Med. 2010;38(2):395-401. View abstract. However, the downside to peanuts is that they contain a lot of fat – so it's unlikely that you’d eat them all in one sitting. Improving blood flow. Some evidence suggests L-arginine supplements may improve blood vessel function and blood flow in specific populations. However, study results are conflicting, and many have found that L-arginine has no benefit ( 16, 17, 18, 19). Chung, H. T., Choi, B. M., Kwon, Y. G., and Kim, Y. M. Interactive relations between nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO): heme oxygenase-1/CO pathway is a key modulator in NO-mediated antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation. Methods Enzymol. 2008;441:329-338. View abstract.Assis, S. M., Monteiro, J. L., and Seguro, A. C. L-Arginine and allopurinol protect against cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. Transplantation 4-27-1997;63(8):1070-1073. View abstract. Due to its ability to ease blood vessels, some people may take a l-arginine supplement to improve their cardiovascular health. Sometimes just called arginine, it’s one of 20 different amino acids in the body, and a bit of an unsung hero when it comes to health benefits. What is L-arginine? A person’s body naturally produces L-arginine under typical circumstances. People also get additional L-arginine as part of their regular diet.

It’s necessary for the production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that’s needed for a variety of bodily processes and functions, including blood flow regulation, mitochondrial function, and cellular communication ( 1, 3). When inhaled: L-arginine is possibly safe for most people when used short-term. Pregnancy: L-arginine is possibly safe when taken by mouth for a short time during pregnancy. Not enough is known about using L-arginine long-term in pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid long-term use. Abdelhamed, A. I., Reis, S. E., Sane, D. C., Brosnihan, K. B., Preli, R. B., and Herrington, D. M. No effect of an L-arginine-enriched medical food (HeartBars) on endothelial function and platelet aggregation in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Am Heart J 2003;145(3):E15. View abstract. Arginine becomes essential when your body is compromised due to conditions like infection and trauma, and your arginine needs significantly increase due to physiologic demands. What are the benefits of l-arginine? The amino acid is involved in a number of bodily processes. For example, the amino acid is naturally involved in cardiovascular health (x, x). Other possible health benefits include:

L-arginine might lower blood pressure. Taking L-arginine along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely. Some research has shown that long-term treatment with L-arginine supplements may prevent diabetes in at-risk populations ( 14). L-arginine might slow blood clotting. Taking L-arginine along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Viribay, A., et al. (2020). Effects of arginine supplementation on athletic performance based on energy metabolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. For example, oral or IV arginine is commonly used to treat serious infections like necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, cases of sepsis, burns, chronic disease, and wounds, as well as in pre- and post-surgical and trauma patients ( 5, 12). Blood sugar regulation