Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are required for vital metabolic processes. Amino acids are considered either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be provided by the diet. Non-essential amino acids can be formed from other compounds in the body.
Arginine
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. The body normally makes enough to meet the demands, however certain medical conditions may require supplementation. Arginine primarily functions in the production of urea, a waste product necessary to remove toxic ammonia from the body. Arginine changes to nitric oxide which causes the blood vessels to relax. Early evidence suggests arginine may help in conditions that improve vasodilation such as clogged arteries and heart conditions. For women in particular, this includes sexual dysfunction and pre-eclampsia.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in women is characterized by vaginal spasms, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse and problems with sexual desire and response. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, decreased sexual desire is the most common complaint among women, affecting up to 43 percent. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, several studies have shown an increase in sexual desire, vaginal lubrication and frequency of intercourse and orgasm in groups of women taking aginine combination supplement. Since the arginine was combined with other herbs, it has not been determined if it was arginine or one of the other ingredients that caused the results.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week. The cause of preeclampsia may include autoimmune disorders, blood vessel problems, diet and genetics. The National Institutes of Health published the results of a study conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ulleval University Hospital on the effects of arginine supplementation in pre-eclamptic women. The results of this study showed no statistical difference in blood pressure with arginine supplementation. However, arginine supplementation may help prevent pre-eclampsia but further research is needed.
Side Effects and Considerations
Arginine is possibly safe when taken appropriately for short durations. Possible side include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gout, blood abnormalities, allergies, airway inflammation, worsening of asthma and low blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, a recent heart attack or surgery do not take an arginine supplement. Do not take arginine if you are on medications for high blood pressure or medications that increase blood flow to the heart. Talk to your doctor about taking an arginine prior to starting a supplemental regimen.
References
- MayoClinic; Arginine
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Sexual Dysfunction
- National Library of Medicine; National Institutes of Health; Preeclampsia
- National Library of Medicine; National Institutes of Health; "Dietary supplementation with l-arginine or placebo in women with pre-eclampsia"; Staff AC et al; January 2004
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Sexual Dysfunction
- National Library of Medicine; National Institutes of Health; L-Argininie
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