Arginine occupies an unusual position between the essential and non-essential amino acids. Under ordinary circumstances it is non-essential -- it can be produced in your body -- but your body's stores may be depleted by infection, burns or stress. In this situation, it is considered semi-essential and you may need to supplement through your diet. Arginine is responsible for several vital functions in your body, including production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessel and helps blood flow more freely. It is also used to treat a variety of disorders, including heart conditions. Consult your doctor before taking supplementary arginine.
Functions
Arginine -- synthesized in your body from citrulline, another amino acid -- is important in cell division, wound healing, immune function and the removal of ammonia from the body. Its production of nitric acid plays an important role in preventing plaque and blood clots that can lead to atherosclerosis and stroke. MayoClinic.com notes that most people do not need to take extra arginine. However, doctors sometimes prescribe supplementary arginine to treat congestive heart failure, angina, erectile dysfunction and male infertility. When used in conjunction with glutamine and hydroxymethylbutane, arginine may help prevent loss of lean muscle mass in AIDS patients. Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- reports that arginine can help lower blood pressure, and may improve immune function. Symptoms of arginine deficiency include hair loss, poor wound healing, rashes on skin, constipation and fatty liver.
Dietary Sources
There is no recommended daily allowance for arginine, but you can ensure that you get healthy amounts in your diet by eating meat, poultry, fish, soy protein and peanuts. A 3-oz serving of Atlantic salmon contains a substantial 1.124 g of arginine, while a large hard-boiled egg provides .378 g. Dairy products supply arginine as well, with an 8-oz. glass of low-fat milk providing .234 g. To really pump up your arginine intake, eat English walnuts, which contain a whopping 1.333 g in a half-cup serving.
Research
In a scientific review published in 2001 in "Annals of Pharmacotherapy," J.W. Cheng and S.N. Baldwin of the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York evaluated the results of over three decades of study of L-arginine in the management of cardiovascular diseases. They concluded that intravenous L-arginine augments endothelial function by enhancing vasodilation and reducing monocyte adhesion. Oral L-arginine had the same effects, while also improving exercise ability in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Noting that the studies were relatively small, Cheng and Baldwin called for larger, well-designed studies to confirm arginine's effects.
Supplementary Arginine
The proper amount of supplementary arginine for you must be determined by your doctor. Drugs.com notes that the usual dosages for arginine can range from 6 to 20 g. Don't take arginine if you have recently had a heart attack or have kidney or liver disease. Side effects can include breathing problems, swelling in the legs, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea and chest pain.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete L-arginine Information
- Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health: Arginine
- Bodybuilding for You; L-Arginine Benefit and L-Arginine Side Effects; Staff; 2011
- "Annals of Pharmacotherapy"; L-arginine in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases; J.W. Cheng and S.N. Baldwin; June 2001
- USDA National Nutrient Database
- MayoClinic.com; Natural Standard Patient Monograph: Arginine (L-Arginine); July 2011
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