Wound healing requires a complex series of physiological actions. Nutritional support is critical because your body receives many of the nutrients needed to repair itself from your diet. Nutritional deficiencies can slow wound healing. Nutrients such arginine promote wound healing. However, you should talk to your health care provider before taking it.
Phases
Your body goes through several phases of healing following an injury. Your blood vessels constrict for 5 to 10 minutes to help reduce blood loss and begin the clotting process. Your body cleans the tissue of foreign substances that may have entered. Your blood vessels dilate to increase blood flow to the wound, which carries nutrients, oxygen and immune cells to help protect against infection. Growth factors are released to stimulate new tissue and begin tissue repair.
Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that comprises protein. Your body produce arginine under normal circumstances. However, you may need more in times of stress, such as injury. Arginine removes ammonia, a waste product, from your body, promotes proper immune function and healing and is a precursor to nitric oxide -- a vasodilator. Nitric oxide widens and relaxes your blood vessels to promote blood flow throughout your body.
Wounds
Arginine supplementation is beneficial for wound healing. Arginine administration stimulates the production of collagen and keratin that serve as the primary component of your hair, skin, nails and teeth. In addition, arginine increases white blood cells known as neutraphils that help fight infection, according to a study published in the November to December, 2009 issue of the journal "Nitric Oxide."
Dosage and Side Effects
Arginine is available as a supplement in the form of capsules, tablets and powder. The typical dose for wound support is 5.5 g of arginine taken three times per day for up to two weeks. You should not take it longer than that without your doctor's permission. Arginine side effects include nausea, bloating, diarrhea and skin rash.
Precautions
Arginine may decrease blood sugar levels, triggering hypoglycemia in some individuals. Arginine has the capacity to lower blood pressure also. Arginine's blood flow-promoting properties can worsen cold sore outbreaks. You should avoid arginine is you are pregnant or nursing, according to MayoCinic.com. Tell your doctor if you are currently taking medication or have an existing health condition. You should take arginine only after discussing it with your doctor.
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