Your body can synthesize the amino acid arginine on its own, and you also get some in your diet, and it's unlikely that you'd ever require a supplement to address a deficiency. Arginine performs various roles in the body, including producing nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the blood vessels. Because of this action, arginine has been touted for various cardiovascular diseases. It has also been touted for male and female sexual dysfunction, weight loss, depressed immunity, diabetes and hypertension among others, but not enough evidence exists to establish the therapeutic benefits of supplemental arginine. If you think taking this supplement will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about the right dose.
Maximum Dose
As far as the safe amount of arginine to take, nothing suggests men and women have different dosing needs. While many supplements have an established upper limit, which increases the risk of adverse effects if exceeded, arginine does not have such a limit. This does not imply that a maximum safe does does not potentially exist. The website EMed TV notes arginine does not have enough research behind it to make any firm conclusions about proper and safe doses.
Amounts used in studies varied widely, depending on the condition, which underscores the importance of consulting with your doctor about the right dose, rather than just taking the highest amount ever used. Taking larger doses of a nutritional supplement does not translate to increased benefits.
Doses Used in Research
Studies of arginine have used between 6 g and 30 g, according to Drugs.com. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports most conditions require a daily dose between 2 g and 8 g. The University of Michigan Health System, which has outlined a summary of arginine studies, notes the following doses were used for various conditions daily: angina, 2 to 3 g three times a day; congestive heart failure, 5 g to 15 g; pre- and post-surgery health, 12.5 g to 18.75 g; athletic performance, 250 mg per kilogram of body weight; female infertility, 16 g; high blood pressure, 2 g three times a day; wound healing, 17 to 25 g.
Considerations for Liver and Kidney Disease
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports a lack of information on safe maximum doses for individuals with liver or kidney disease. These organs are particularly sensitive to what you put in your body, especially when they are diseased or operating at a reduced capacity. Only your doctor can safely determine the amount of arginine appropriate for you.
Cancer Concerns
The University of Michigan Health System reports that research examining the effects of arginine on cancer have produced conflicting results. Some studies found it boosted immune system function in cancer patients, while others found that daily doses of 30 g or more led to increased growth of cancer cells. Whether arginine supplements help or harm when it comes to cancer remains unclear. Talk to your doctor about this potential risk of supplementation with high amounts of arginine.
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