Arginine is one of the most common amino acids that for humans is conditionally essential. This means that an individual's age and health condition determine the degree of necessity. In most cases the human body makes enough arginine to satisfy the health requirements for most people. Arginine is mostly produced in the kidneys along with a small amount in the liver.
Why Is Arginine Important?
Arginine is converted to nitric oxide by the body, which helps to relax or dilate blood vessels, called vasodilation. According to Mayo Clinic, "Early evidence suggests that arginine may help treat medical conditions that improve with vasodilation, such as chest pain, clogged arteries (called atherosclerosis) and coronary artery disease."
No Arginine After a Heart Attack
Arginine should not be taken after a patient has suffered a heart attack or without first consulting with a physician. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health was discontinued before its completion when six of the 78 test subjects receiving arginine died. Researchers conducting the study thought arginine may have intensified the effects of cardiac shock and subsequently caused the deaths. The results of the study were published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Preliminary information from additional studies have shown that taking arginine may improve blood flow in the coronary arteries of the heart and enhance exercise tolerance. While some patients with coronary artery disease and chest pain, or angina, have shown improvements, additional studies are required for validation of these findings.
Contraindications
Arginine may elevate the hormone gastrin, which increases the production of stomach acid. For this reason, it may amplify the effects of heartburn and indigestion and may also increase the incidence of ulcers. Blood sugar levels may also be increased by taking arginine so those diagnosed with heart disease and diabetes should consult their physician before adding arginine to their daily regimen.
Potential Drug Interactions
Patients taking NSAIDS, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or any other drugs that may cause stomach problems, should not take supplemental arginine as it may compound the problem. Those diagnosed with heart disease that have been prescribed ACE inhibitors would also need to consult their physician before including any supplemental arginine.
Foods Containing Arginine
Many of the proteins derived from animals contain arginine including, in general, dairy products, red meat, chicken and fish. Many healthy snacks including nuts and seeds contain arginine such as walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Other food sources containing arginine include brown rice, raisins, coconut, buckwheat and oats. It is important to note that proteins originating from plants contain more arginine than their animal counterparts.
