Benefits of L-Arginine

What is l-arginine used for? What are the benefits of l-arginine? What are l-arginine sided effects?

L-arginine is an amino acid. With other amino acids, it makes up protein. Research of l-arginine led to a Nobel Prize for medicine in 1998. It has then caused lots of interest in both the pharmaceutical and neutraceutical industries.

Universities are now teaching the benefits of L-arginine for cardiovascular conditions. Much research was done by Columbia University researches. It is now taught in the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. This is a simple amino acid whose efficacy has been validated by thousands of clinical studies. More research is being done.

Foods rich in l-arginine include peanuts, legumes, sunflower seeds, dairy products and chocolate. Proteins such as chicken, fish and other meats also contain l-arginine. Some meats and fish need to be consumed in their raw state in order to receive the full benefit of L-arginine.

Among the benefits of l-arginine are, it supports the immune system, assists in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure by increasing circulation. L-arginine may also help with erectile dysfunction. L-arginine is also used for lowering blood pressure and decreasing body fat. It also helps rejuvenates and boosts energy level, acts as an anti-oxidant, reduces risk of heart disease, and supports growth by increasing production of growth hormones.

L-arginine is both dose dependent and time dependent. Dosing of l-arginine varies from source to source and the desired effects you are trying to achieve. Studies have shown a dose of 500mg per day for some purposes and as high as 2000mg for others. The dose is unclear and more research is being done. Since the time it has become mainstream in medicine there have been doses up to 6000mg for congestive heart failure.

Side effects of l-arginine are few and rare. But the side effects may include leg swelling, headache, breathing problems, low blood pressure, diarrhea, chest pain, nausea and bloating. There are however, very few documented instances of side effects of l-arginine.

It's assistance in the fight of obesity has been heavily studied. L-arginine encourages the release of growth hormone and stimulates lipolysis. The suggested dosage for the purpose of weight loss is 8-12 grams of free form L-arginine taken at bedtime on an empty stomach.

L-arginine supports virus growth. Patients with herpes should exercise caution in the amounts of L-arginine in their foods. If outbreaks increase or are persistent, they should limit the amount of foods high in L-arginine. Foods high in Lysine retard virus growth, while L-arginine supports it. If foods have low lysine/arginine content there is no need to avoid them.

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