| L-Arginine
L-Arginine is a vital amino acid for both protein synthesis and production of other amino acids. L-arginine does not rank among the body’s nine essential amino acids, because it can generally be produced by the body. However, it can become essential when the body is under stress or experiences injury.
Found naturally in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, L-arginine plays important roles in cell division, wound healing, ammonia removal, immune function, and the secretion of important hormones like insulin and growth hormone.
Cardiovascular Health through Blood Vessel Relaxation & Oxygen Flow
L-arginine is most widely known for its effects on the vascular system. The body uses arginine for the production of nitric oxide, which helps to relax and keep blood vessels dilated, helping the heart receive adequate oxygen. L-arginine may also act as a natural blood thinner by reducing platelet aggregation and smooth muscle cell formation (common contributors to atherosclerosis and other degenerative heart conditions).
For more on L-arginine and heart health, check out:
Immune Support & Wound Healing
L-arginine supports the production of immune cells like natural killer cellsand lymphokine-activated-killer cells. Additionally, L-arginine helps protect, detoxify, and regenerate the liver, which makes the immune system’s job easier.
L-arginine is also thought to support wound healing through its role in supporting production of L-ornithine and L-proline. As our Heart Plus fans know well, L-proline (along with vitamin C) is a key element in collagen synthesis.
Energy Production and Detoxification
L-arginine contributes to the production of:
- Human Growth Hormone – necessary for skeletal growth, cellular reproduction, and immune system stimulation
- Creatine – important energy supplier to muscles
-
L-Glutamine – vital to the body’s acid-base balance, energy production, along with immune support
-
L-Proline – essential to healthy collagen and connective tissue production
-
Glycogen and glucose – primary sugar energy sources
Also required to generate urea, L-arginine is necessary for removing excess ammonia from the body.
Notes:
-
L-arginine is not recommended for recent heart-attack sufferers. Please contact your health care practitioner before beginning this supplement if that addresses you.
-
L-arginine works with L-ornithine in the synthesis of growth hormone.
-
If you are taking lysine to treat herpes, L-arginine may counteract any potential benefit.
-
Those with Kidney or liver conditions should consult a health care practitioner before supplementing L-arginine.
-
Those with herpes should not take L-arginine as it may stimulate virus replication.
-
|
