Can You Lose Weight With Arginine?

Although weight loss can be difficult, it is based on a relatively simple principle -- you need to consume fewer calories than you expend on a regular basis. In addition to reducing your calorie intake and increasing your activity level, consumption of some supplements may be beneficial. One such supplement is arginine, an amino acid. While arginine can be beneficial, you should consult a doctor before adding it as a supplement to your diet.

Arginine Overview

Arginine is an amino acid, a structural component of protein. Amino acids such as arginine are found in protein-rich foods and supplements, and you can also find stand-alone arginine products. Arginine helps produce urea, which aids in removing ammonia from your body, and the amino acid can also be converted into nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes your blood vessels and may help relieve chest pain, headaches and clogged arteries. Although your body does produce some arginine, supplementation of this amino acid may be helpful under some circumstances, particularly for athletic pursuits.

Energy Expenditure

Exercise helps you lose weight because it burns calories, a phenomenon known as "energy expenditure." According to research published in the July 2010 issue of the journal "Amino Acids," supplementation of arginine can promote an increase in daily energy expenditure, which can result in fat and weight loss.

Reduced Body Fat

Losing weight can help reduce health risks, such as the threat of cardiovascular disease, but the type of tissue you lose makes a difference in your health. It's best to lose fat, as losing muscle can compromise your athletic performance and slow your metabolism. According to a study from the February 2009 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition," arginine can promote fat loss and the maintenance of muscle tissue.

Appetite

Arginine not only aids in the building of proteins and muscle tissue, but it may also help suppress your appetite, which can aid in weight loss. According to the "Amino Acids" research from July 2010, arginine supplementation can also alter your energy intake, or the amount of food you eat, to promote weight loss.

Increased Catecholamine Activity

According to research published in the January 2007 issue of "Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care," supplementation of arginine can increase the activity of catecholamines, familiarly known as the "fight or flight" hormones. A study from the May 2008 issue of "Neuropsychopharmacology" indicates that increased activity of catecholamines can promote weight loss.