Posted 3/16/07 |
||
| NAME: | Arginine | |
| DESCRIPTION: | L-Arginine is a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid synthesized by the body from ornithine. While the adult human body can normally keep up with its own demand for this amino acid, young children and those with a rare genetic disorder cannot - in these cases making it essential. Stress can also increase the body's demand.
Arginine supports protein synthesis as it is involved in the transport and storage of nitrogen. |
|
| FUNCTION: | Used primarily by those with heart disease.
The body uses arginine to make nitric oxide (NO), a substance that relaxes blood vessels (among other effects); based on this, arginine has been proposed as a treatment for various cardiovascular diseases. Supplemental L-arginine may have anti-atherogenic (inhibiting formation of fatty plaques in the arteries), antioxidant and immunomodulatory actions. It may also have wound-repair activity. Arginine is important for proper physical performance because it is used by the body to produce creatine. |
|
| SOURCES: | Most dietary L-arginine comes from plant and animal proteins. Small amounts of free L-arginine are found in vegetable juices and fermented foods, such as miso and yogurt.
Soy protein and other plant proteins are richer in L-arginine than are animal proteins, which are richer in lysine. It is thought that the possible hypocholesterolemic effect of soy protein is due, at least in part, to the higher L-arginine content in this protein. |
|
| DOSAGE: | A typical supplemental dosage of arginine ranges from 2 to 8 g per day.
For congestive heart failure, higher dosages up to 15 g have been used in trials. Do not try to self-treat congestive heart failure: if you have this condition, be sure to consult your physician before taking any supplements. |
|
| DATA: | Arginine has been studied for its effects on many illnesses and conditions. The most promising results were those closely related to its connection to nitric oxide production (and NO's ability to relax blood vessels): congestive heart failure, angina, claudication (leg cramps or pain related to blocked or constricted arteries), erectile dysfunction, and sexual dysfuntion in women. | |
| CAUTIONS: | Those with liver or kidney problems should exercise caution in the use of supplemental L-arginine.
L-arginine may lower blood pressure because it is involved in the formation of nitric oxide. NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) or other drugs that are hard on the stomach should not be combined with L-arginine. Arginine might counteract the potential benefits of lysine. |
|
| FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
See PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) entry on Arginine. Includes extensive research summary, as does Brigham Women's/Faulkner Hospital's website. | |
| RELATED PRODUCTS: |
Arginine (Jarrow Formulas) 1000 mg/100 Easy-Solv™ tablets | |
| PRODUCT NOTES: | Each tablet contains 1000 mg elemental L-Arginine from 1204 mg L-Arginine Hydrochloride. Easy-Solv™ tablets are designed to disintegrate within several minutes of ingestion. | |
| DISCLAIMER: | These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. | |
