Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that can combine with another amino acid, glycine, to produce creatine which is involved in muscle contraction. Arginine and lysine can increase collagen production and boost the activity of bone-building cells helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Arginine also assists in removing excess ammonia from the body, stimulates the immune system and promotes the secretion of insulin and growth hormones. It also increases muscle volume and triggers fat burning. Decreased fatigue and deeper sleep have also been noticed with arginine consumption and it may be able to reverse atherosclerosis.

Arginine is very effective in the treatment of colds, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and erectile dysfunction.

L-arginine refers to the biologically active, naturally occurring form of arginine. L-arginine and L-citrulline are used to make nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. It works in tandem with nitric oxide, enhancing the capacity to dilate blood vessels and increase the flow of blood.

NOTE: The letter L in front of certain amino acids stands for “levorotatory,” which is a chemistry term that means the amino acid didn’t bond with a protein molecule (it is free form).

Healthy adults are able to synthesise arginine from glutamine, glutamate, and proline through the intestinal-renal axis. The small intestine’s epithelial cells convert glutamine and glutamate to citrulline, which is then transported to the kidneys. The kidneys extract citrulline and convert it to arginine, which is then released into the bloodstream. Arginine can also be synthesised from citrulline in other cells, especially when nitric oxide synthase is active.

L-arginine is a direct precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, while L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine in the body, which then contributes to nitric oxide production.

NOTE: L-arginine supplements should be avoided by those with cold sores or genital herpes because too much L-arginine in the blood can make the virus that causes those conditions become active again. It may also disturb the balance of important minerals in the body called electrolytes so should be avoided by anyone with kidney disease.

NOTE: Children often require extra arginine in their diets to support rapid growth.

Natural sources of arginine in alphabetical order

Related subjects

• A-Z of nutrients
• Blood and vein disorders
• Bone and joint disorders
• Colds and coughs
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• High blood pressure
• Immune system disorders
• Insomnia
• Nitic oxide
• Obesity
• Sports nutrition