L-arginine is one of the 20 amino acids that your body uses to make proteins and enzymes. You get arginine from the foods that you eat, and your body can also synthesize it from an alternative amino acid called L-citrulline. While rare, L-arginine deficiencies may cause several health complications, including the buildup of metabolic waste products in your blood. Inadequate L-arginine levels may cause symptoms such as hair loss, delayed wound healing and constipation. L-arginine supplementation may also overcome constipation, but scientific evidence is limited.
L-arginine and Health
According to the MayoClinic.com, L-arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid because you get some of what you need from your diet while most of it is produced by your body. In addition to its role in proteins and enzymes, L-arginine plays a functional role in many biological processes, including the removal of blood waste, wound and burn healing, and immune system support.
L-arginine Supplementation
In addition to the primary roles of L-arginine and your health, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation of L-arginine may improve many health complications and diseases. According to a scientific review published in the September 1994 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology -- Renal Physiology," L-arginine supplementation may be beneficial to treat a number of symptoms associated with kidney disease, including hypertension, waste removal and kidney damage. According to Drugs.com, L-arginine supplementation has also been purported to have other medical benefits, including stimulation of human growth hormone release from the brain and treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Constipation
Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder that is the result of slowed or blocked movement of dietary stool. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, constipation can be caused by many stimulatory factors, including irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial infections, pregnancy, medication use, lack of fiber and other intestinal dysfunctions. There are many proposed treatments for constipation, including the use of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications and a change in dietary and physical activities.
L-Arginine's Effect on Constipation
Individuals who suffer from L-arginine deficiencies experience a range of symptoms, including hair loss, delayed wound healing, fatty liver, rashes and constipation. There may also be some evidence to suggest that L-arginine supplementation can reverse the complications associated with constipation. According to a study published the December 1991 issue of "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications," administration of L-arginine, and not the similarly related compound D-arginine, reversed opioid-induced constipation in mice. The researchers suggested that L-arginine may be a safer method to treat constipation than harsher therapeutic alternatives. However, virtually no research has been published regarding these claims since the article was published in 1991. Regardless of the potential effects of L-arginine on constipation, consult your general health provider before embarking on an alternative medicine program involving L-arginine.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Arginine (L-arginine)
- "American Journal of Physiology -- Renal Physiology"; Role of Arginine in Health and in Renal Disease; A.A. Reyes et al.; September 2004
- Drugs.com: L-arginine
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Constipation
- "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications"; Endogenous Nitric Oxide Modulates Morphine-induced Constipation; A. Calignano et al.; December 1991
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