Amino acids are the smallest molecular units that make up a protein. Each of the 20 amino acids is made up of molecules containing nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen in addition to molecular variations that make them slightly different. Your body can produce 10 of the amino acids and must get the other 10 from food sources. Arginine, and its more biologically supportive derivative L-arginine, are critical amino acids necessary in your body for a variety of functions including cell division, immune function and healing.
Structure of Arginine
Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid, which means it is both essential and non-essential. In adults, arginine is a non-essential amino acid because it is naturally produced in the body so you do not need to supplement your diet with synthetic forms of arginine. However, infants and children are unable to create arginine naturally because the chemical pathway for creating this substance is not yet developed. In the young, arginine is categorized as an essential amino acid, which means it must be supplied by dietary sources. Like most amino acids, arginine is a chiral molecule, or a non-identical mirror image with a left and right side. The L-form spirals left and the D-form spirals right on the molecule chain. L-arginine is the most compatible with human physiology and if you were to supplement your diet with arginine, this would be the form to choose. The terms arginine and L-arginine are often used interchangeably to refer to the same substance.
Functions of Arginine
At the most basic level, arginine is a building block of cells and it works as a substance to enable the synthesis of proteins in building muscles, tissues and cell replication. When your body metabolizes foods the liver breaks down ammonia and protein for later use in the cells. Ammonia is highly toxic to your body and must be eliminated through urine. Arginine aids in the creation of urea, which cleanses your body of the toxic ammonia. L-arginine is the precursor of nitric oxide, an important component for relaxing your blood vessels, which aids in preventing arterial blocks leading to heart disease. L-arginine is also one of the three amino acids needed to produce creatine, a cellular energy source that stimulates muscle growth.
Use of Synthetic Arginine
Synthetic arginine is marketed for use as a male enhancement supplement to increase sperm motility, for bodybuilding to increase muscle mass and as a weight loss supplement. However, evidence for effectiveness is inconclusive and supplements are not U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for these uses. L-arginine may have use as a medical supplement to prevent heart attack, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease but evidence is inconclusive and research is ongoing, notes MayoClinic.com. L-arginine is also thought to improve the immune system and wound healing but research is ongoing as conclusive evidence has not been established for these uses. Arginine is FDA approved as an injection to test growth hormone levels in people with deficiencies but this must be medically supervised.
Sources, Doses and Safety
Protein-rich foods including nuts, dairy, seafood and beef or poultry are plentiful sources of arginine. A varied diet including these types of foods supplies additional arginine to your diet. Supplements of arginine are not essential to the adult diet unless you have a condition that impairs the production of insulin or glucose, a liver lipid metabolism complication or any medical problem prohibiting arginine production. Common supplemental doses of arginine are 2 to 3 g per day taken orally up to three times a day. Consult your physician before taking arginine supplements. Side effects of taking supplements includes stomach upset, blood pressure changes, increased blood sugar and potassium levels and bleeding.
Member Comments