Supplementation with the amino acids arginine, ornithine and lysine may benefit your weight-loss program by increasing your levels of fat-burning hormones and providing more nutrient delivery to working muscles. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, normally obtained by eating protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. Adding supplemental amounts of these amino acids in the right dosage, at the right times may help you lose weight faster than with diet and exercise alone. Always consult your doctor before taking any amino acid supplement.
Types
The amino acid L-arginine comes in many supplemental forms that may improve weight-loss efforts. The forms include L-arginine base, AAKG or arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and arginine pyroglutamate. Ornithine commonly comes in the basic L-form, as in L-ornithine. However, it may also be available as OKG or ornithine ketoglutarate. Like AAKG, OKG is an amino acid attached to a precursor to another amino acid known as L-glutamine. Like ornithine, lysine typically comes in supplemental form as L-lysine. Amino acid combinations may also be available, such as the combination of arginine/ornithine or arginine/lysine.
Functions
Arginine acts as a trigger to the production of HGH or human growth hormone, according to "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani, Ph.D. Once absorbed through the intestines, arginine stimulates the pituitary gland to release more HGH, within the normal range. In addition, arginine acts as a direct precursor to the systemic gas nitric oxide or NO. Ornithine may also trigger HGH production via the pituitary pathway. It's commonly taken with arginine before bedtime. Lysine plays important roles in immune function; for example, it may help prevent herpes outbreaks in those infected with the virus, according to "Aminos A-Z" by Jordana Brown.
Effects
Taking arginine or ornithine for increased NO production causes blood vessels to dilate or expand, allowing more free blood flow to working muscles. This effect delivers more oxygen, blood and nutrients to working or recovering muscles. Arginine and ornithine paired together before bedtime may increase HGH, which plays important roles in fat burning, anti-aging and muscle-building. According to an interview with "Homemade Supplement Secrets" author Jeff Anderson, lysine may piggyback the amino acid L-arginine across the blood brain barrier for more HGH production.
Benefits
According to "Natural Anabolics" by Jerry Brainum, increased NO production from L-arginine supplementation increases muscle volume, speeds recovery and even amps up fat burning. You may also notice excellent muscle pumps during resistance training workouts due to the extra nutrient delivery to muscle cells. One direct benefit of increased HGH levels is higher quality and deeper sleep, associated with the REM or rapid eye movement period of sleep. Users often report waking more rested, decreased fatique and faster weight loss.
Recommendations
Stoppani recommends taking 3g to 5g L-arginine upon waking, before a workout and before bedtime. For increasing HGH production, you may increase the dosage to 7g to 10g. For ornithine or OKG, he suggests 5g to 10g one hour before a workout and prior to retiring. A study at the University of Rome showed impressive HGH increases when combining arginine pyroglutamate with lysine hydrochloride at a dosage of 1,200mg of each.
References
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition: The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani, Phd; January 2010
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
- "Muscle & Performance;" Aminos A-Z; Jordana Brown; February 2010
- "Natural Anabolics;" Jerry Brainum; 2006
- IronPower.biz; Increase Growth Hormone By 701% After 90 Minutes Naturally
Member Comments