With the range of health problems caused by high blood cholesterol levels, the prudent consumer will pay close attention to information on products and supplements. Arginine is an amino acid that is used in supplement form to treat a wide range of medical conditions. There have been conflicting reports regarding the effect that arginine has on blood cholesterol levels, with animal studies seeming to both support and refute its usefulness for lowering cholesterol levels.
Arginine in the Body
First isolated in 1886, it was not until the 1930s that it was discovered that this amino acid is necessary for urea production, which rids the body of toxic ammonia. It was also found to be necessary for breaking down creatine into creatinine so it can be filtered out of the body by the kidneys. The body converts arginine into nitric oxide, a chemical that has a dilatory effect on blood vessels, allowing improved blood flow. This amino acid is also instrumental in the release of insulin and growth hormones. Arginine is found in dairy products, red meat, poultry and fish.
Benefits of Using Arginine
Staff at the Mayo Clinic indicate that there is some evidence to support the use of arginine in the treatment of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, erectile dysfunction, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and vascular headaches. They further state that arginine triggers protein production, and has therefore "been studied for wound healing, bodybuilding, enhancement of sperm production and prevention of wasting in people with critical illnesses." There have been few studies of the effect of arginine on cholesterol levels.
Evidence for Arginine Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry published a study in 1999, in which researchers added arginine to the diet of rabbits to examine its effect on the diet-induced high cholesterol levels. The results indicated that arginine was moderately effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Evidence for Arginine Increasing Cholesterol Levels
Published in 2005, another study reported in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology involved feeding rabbits arginine over a 16-week period. The results of the study found a significant increase in serum cholesterol levels of rabbits fed the arginine supplement over the control group that was given no arginine.
Considerations
Typically, the body makes enough arginine so most people will not require supplementation. The conflicting evidence regarding its effect on blood cholesterol levels points to a need for caution if you decide to add this supplement to your diet. Let your doctor help you figure out if you need arginine supplements.
