L Arginine

L-Arginine: properties, uses and sources

L-Arginine, also known as arginine, is an amino acid that is found in proteins. Although arginine is a nonessential amino acid for adults, it is essential for children. Arginine is synthesized in the body from other amino acids, but can also be obtained from food.

Arginine is a key component of many proteins, especially progamines and histones, where it can account for up to 85% of their amino acid composition. Arginine also plays an important role in the synthesis of growth hormone and other hormones.

The biological effects of arginine include stimulating the synthesis of growth hormone, improving endurance and activity, increasing spermatogenesis, regulating blood flow to the genitals and cleansing the body. Arginine can also prevent atherosclerosis, improve coronary circulation, regulate blood glucose levels and have a reparative and healing effect.

The mechanisms of action of arginine are based on its ability to serve as a donor and natural carrier of nitrogen. Arginine supplies nitrogen to a system of enzymes called NO synthases, which synthesize the nitroso group. The nitroso group is a mediator of muscle relaxation of arterial vessels, regulating vascular tone and diastolic pressure.

Arginine also participates in the cycle of transamination and removal of final nitrogen from the body, promoting the creation of urea and cleansing the body of protein waste. In addition, arginine serves as a donor of nitrogen, necessary in the synthesis of muscle tissue, and is able to increase muscle mass and reduce body fat mass.

Sources of arginine are proteins of animal and plant origin, as well as biologically active food additives. The daily requirement for arginine is 6.1 g.

Arginine can be used to treat immunodeficiency conditions, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, impotence, decreased erectile function and libido, infertility due to reduced spermatogenesis, low levels of psychophysiological activity and endurance, delayed growth and development, diabetes, injuries and fractures, as well as for rehabilitation after operations.

Despite the promising research results, it must be taken into account that arginine can interact with some medications and cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, allergic reactions and others. Therefore, before starting to take arginine, you should discuss this with your doctor.

In addition, it must be borne in mind that arginine is not a universal medicine and cannot replace proper nutrition, physical activity and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, when using arginine for medical purposes, it is necessary to follow all doctor’s recommendations and not forget about other aspects of a healthy lifestyle.