L-arginine is an essential amino acid that is responsible for stimulating protein synthesis, or the buildup of muscle proteins inside your muscle cells. It's also involved in a number of other roles in your body such as urea formation, wound healing and synthesis of creatine. L-arginine might also have a positive effect on growth hormone production.
Human Growth Hormone
Human growth hormone, or HGH, is a protein-based hormone that is released from the pituitary gland. It binds to your receptors on target cells where it stimulates the growth of tissues and organs in childhood. In adulthood, growth hormone is responsible for maintaining muscle mass and increasing fat metabolism. As you age, growth hormone output naturally starts to decline, according to MayoClinic.com. Consuming L-arginine might improve your growth hormone levels.
L-Arginine
Scientists from Syracuse University investigated the impact of different doses of oral L-arginine on growth hormone release. They discovered that healthy males consuming 5 and 9 g of L-arginine experienced a significant increase in growth hormone output compared with those ingesting a placebo, according to findings reported in the April 2005 issue of "Growth Hormone IGF Research."
L-Arginine and L-Lysine
L-arginine combined with the amino acid L-lysine might also boost your growth hormone levels. Researchers from the University of Houston discovered that young men consuming 1.5 g of L-arginine and 1.5 g of L-lysine at rest experienced increases in growth hormone levels, according to research published in the March 1997 issue of the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition."
Side Effects
Keep in mind that several side effects have been reported with L-arginine use, including stomach cramps, nausea and low blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce your intake of L-arginine. Consult your health care provider before taking any L-arginine supplements.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging?; February 2011
- "Growth Hormone & IGF Research"; Growth Hormone Responses to Varying Doses of Oral Arginine; S.R. Collier et al.; April 2005
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition"; Acute Effect of Amino Acid Ingestion and Resistance Exercise on Plasma Growth Hormone Concentration in Young Men; R.R. Suminski et al.; March 1997
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine; April 2011
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