Arginine is one of the 20 common amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Arginine is responsible for the secretion of hormones such as growth hormone, glucagon and insulin. It also assists in wound healing, helps remove excess ammonia from the body and stimulates immune function. Additionally, arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes and expands your arteries, reduces blood pressure and enhances blood flow. Arginine may also reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory conditions. Consult your doctor concerning arginine.
Pediatrics
Low arginine levels in the blood are associated with inflammatory conditions in critically ill children. Research by scientists at University Hospital Maastricht un the Netherlands and published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in November 2007 found that blood concentrations of arginine are low during the acute phase of critical illnesses, such as viral respiratory disease, surgical trauma and accidents, in children and may normalize during recovery. The scientists noted that the lower the blood levels of arginine, the greater the severity of inflammation.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, are associated with inflammation of endothelial cells that line the interior of the blood vessels. Increasing dietary intake of arginine can reduce inflammation in patients with cardiovascular disease. Research by scientists at the Scientific Institute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy and published in "Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental" in September 2009 found that L-arginine appears to have anti-inflammatory and metabolic advantages in patients with coronary artery disease. The results of the study demonstrate that arginine ameliorates inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and reduces levels of inflammation markers, such as interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1.
Cerebrovascular Disease
Heatstroke is a cerebrovascular condition that involves increased blood pressure and inflammation in the brain; it can be fatal. Arginine may help lower blood pressure and inflammation and reduce the effects of heat stroke. Research by scientists at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan and published in "Shock" in February 2008 indicates that arginine may diminish the effects of heatstroke by reducing cerebrovascular dysfunction and brain inflammation. The results show that taking arginine immediately after the onset of heatstroke significantly increases levels of nitric oxide and reduces intracranial blood pressure.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic life-threatening respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and difficulty breathing. Arginine may relieve asthma symptoms. Research by scientists at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in Delhi, India and published in "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" in March 2010 found that L-arginine administration can relieve asthma symptoms by improving nitric oxide metabolism that is often dysfunctional in patients with allergic airway inflammation.
References
- The Center For The Improvement Of Human Functioning International; Proteins / Amino Acids Mar 21 2011
- University of Southern California; How Nitric Oxide Maintains Health; Athan Bezaitis; February 18 2009
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Plasma Arginine and Citrulline Concentrations in Critically Ill Children: Strong Relation with Inflammation; Dick van Waardenburg, et al.; Nov 2007
- "Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental"; Oral L-Arginine Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function and Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation in Cardiopathic Nondiabetic Patients after an Aortocoronary Bypass; Pietro Lucotti, et al.; Sep 2009
- "Shock"; L-Arginine Causes Amelioration of Cerebrovascular Dysfunction and Brain Inflammation During Experimental Heatstroke; Yen-Chia Chen, et al.; Feb 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Asthma; May 27, 2010
Member Comments