L-Arginine Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that’s naturally synthesized in the body. It’s found mostly in connective tissue and skin and is responsible for tissue repair and rapid healing.¹ It plays an important role in wound healing and hormone secretions.² One type known as L-arginine has been shown to have many health benefits when added to the diet or taken as supplements. As an amino acid, L-arginine helps build proteins within the body. It can be found in animal products like fish, poultry, red meat, and dairy products, as well as in supplement form.³

L-Arginine Uses and Health Benefits

L-arginine supplements have long been used to improve athletic performance, prevent the common cold, and boost the immune system.³ The amino acid also helps with a range of circulatory system problems. For example, it helps dilate the blood vessels to decrease blood pressure and may help women with preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy.^{4, 5} 

Since L-arginine benefits include its ability to improve blood circulation, it’s said to help patients with syncope, which refers to fainting due to decreased blood flow to the brain.⁶ It can even help relieve leg pain due to blocked arteries, a condition known as intermittent claudication, or poor blood flow, which is known as peripheral artery disease. Further L-arginine benefits include for angina (chest pain) and digestive inflammation in premature infants.³ Other L-arginine uses include for:

• Erectile Dysfunction - Because L-arginine promotes healthy blood flow, it may help men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
• Alzheimer’s Disease - L-arginine is believed to be effective in treating memory-loss conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Dementia - In addition to Alzheimer’s, L-arginine may help with other types of age-related mental issues like dementia.

L-Arginine Side Effects and Precautions

Although L-arginine uses are vast, it’s important to take L-arginine supplements with caution. Since L-arginine increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure, it may interact with medications for high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.⁴ It may also interact with diabetes or blood thinning medications.⁷ Talk to your doctor before taking L-arginine if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart attack, or heart disease.⁶ Avoid if you have kidney or liver disease.⁷ 

Among L-arginine side effects, it may worsen herpes, including cold sores, by stimulating replication of the virus. Consult your doctor before taking L-arginine supplements when pregnant to ensure you receive the proper dose. Do not give L-arginine supplements to young children or infants as it can interact with their natural growth.¹

References

1. http://www.herbs2000.com/amino_acids/arginine.htm
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2803000
3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/875.html
4. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical-reference-guide/complementary-and-alternative-medicine-guide/condition/hypertension
5. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/preeclampsia
6. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/syncope
7. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/syncope
   http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/sexual-dysfunction