Arginine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in foods and that you can also take as a supplement. L-arginine helps the body get rid of toxins and stimulates the production of protein. It also metabolizes in the body to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and improves blood flow. Your body normally makes adequate amounts of the amino acid. Some health conditions can deplete arginine levels, according to MayoClinic.com.
Food Sources
Arginine is present in high levels in red meat, chicken, fish, nuts, dairy, chocolate and oats. Watermelon and soy products are also good sources. Eating a variety of nutrients throughout the day is the best way to ensure your body gets enough of the amino acid for good health.
Health Applications of Arginine
The amino acid might also lower cholesterol levels, boost immunity, help with erectile dysfunction and aid wound healing. Arginine injection is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for measuring growth hormone in people with symptoms of deficiency. A review published in the October 2004 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" noted that L-arginine improved blood vessel health for patients with coronary artery disease. The authors suggested the amino acid could have therapeutic applications for treating cardiovascular disease, pending outcomes of larger clinical trials.
Deficiency
Signs of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, skin rash, constipation and fatty liver. Levels of arginine can be depleted in patients with burns, infection in the bloodstream -- or sepsis -- and hormone disturbances that cause rapid growth. Protein malnutrition is also a risk for L-arginine deficiency.
Side Effects of Arginine Supplements
Supplementing with arginine might cause bloating, nausea and abdominal cramping. Allergic reaction is possible. Symptoms include shortness of breath, itching and rash. People with asthma could experience wheezing from airway swelling. Low blood pressure, high potassium and chloride levels, and low sodium and phosphates in the blood are other potential side effects. Arginine could also cause kidney dysfunction.
Precautions and Warnings
People with diabetes should avoid taking arginine, which could raise blood sugar levels. Supplements are not recommended for patients with kidney disease. MedlinePlus states L-arginine could cause the herpes virus to multiply, exacerbating outbreaks. Supplementing could increase the risk of death following a heart attack. Because arginine dilates the blood vessels, it is unsafe to take supplements with erectile dysfunction drugs, blood pressure-lowering medications, or nitrates used to treat cardiac-related chest pain, such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide.
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