Fast Facts
1. Generally Safe. L-arginine is a safe way to take a supplement to boost your heart and circulatory system. There are minimal side effects.
2. L-arginine for Men or Women. Both men and women can take this for their heart health, while men can benefit with erectile dysfunction correction, and women can benefit from decreasing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
3. A Natural Amino Acid. l-arginine is an amino acid that helps your body to build up protein. It’s a white, water-soluble solid.
4. Improve Health Conditions. l-arginine supplements can assist with a wide range of health conditions, including angina, high blood pressure, eclampsia, erectile dysfunction and PAD.
5. Long History. L-arginine was first discovered in 1886. A German chemist isolated it from yellow lupin. It was named after the Greek word argyros, which meant silver.
Even with a balanced diet and regular exercise, managing certain health conditions can still be a challenge. That’s why many people turn to supplements – such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids – to support their wellness journey. One such amino acid is L-arginine, a naturally occurring compound known for its wide range of health benefits.
Incorporating L-arginine into your routine may help support your body in addressing specific health concerns and promoting overall well-being.
What Exactly is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is basically an amino acid that helps your body to build up protein. Usually your body’s cells provide all you need from the nutrients you consume. But as we age or develop certain health conditions, we may need a boost of help. You can find L-arginine in many of the foods we eat, but mainly the ones that contain higher amounts of protein.
These may include beans, dairy products, fish, poultry, red meat, soy, and whole grains. If you’re lacking in this amino acid, it may not be so easy to eat more of the foods listed above. This may be due to a being on a strict diet plan, whether with the intention of losing weight, or you might have allergies to certain types of foods, such as fish or red meat.
This is where the L-arginine supplement can help. Instead of you stressing over your meal plan, you can experience the benefits of L-arginine in a supplement form. There are generally three ways to take it. You can find a topical supplement to add to your skin, which is meant mainly for bad skin conditions. If you’re seriously ill, the hospital may administer it to you through an IV, or intravenously. And it can be taken in a supplement form.
The Interesting History of L-Arginine
The history of the L-arginine amino acid benefits started back in 1886 in Germany. A German chemist by the name of Ernst Schulze, along with his assistant Ernst Steiger, first isolated L-arginine from yellow lupin seedlings.
This is a Mediterranean plant with yellow flowers and green stems and leaves. He named the amino acid after the Greek word Argyros, which also means silver. These arginine nitrate crystals had a silver-white appearance. In the following year, the team figured out the structure of arginine. They were also able to synthesise the arginine from cyanamide and ornithine in 1899. Many people doubted their findings, until another chemist did a synthesis of arginine in 1910.
Where is L-Arginine Sourced Today?
Today, L-arginine is extracted through the electrolysis of cheaper sources of protein, such as gelatin. It is fermented commercially for production, with glucose used as the carbon source.
The supplement is placed into capsules for easier consumption. When you take a supplement, the L-arginine is converted inside your body into a chemical called nitric oxide. This is what enables your blood vessels to open wider to increase blood flow. The l-arginine can also help to release a growth hormone, insulin, and other substances in your body.
How Does L-arginine Work in the Body?
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps in building up the protein, but it also has other purposes too. L-arginine also acts a vasodilator. In simple terms, this means that the amino acid can help to dilate or open the blood vessels in the body. The oral version of the L-arginine supplement is often taken by people when they have heart conditions or erectile dysfunction. Here are some more detailed reasons why the L-arginine can assist with many different medical conditions.
Improves Angina Chest Pain
Some people experience pain in their chest, also known as angina. l-arginine has been studied as an option to help improve the quality of life in people with this heart condition, whether you are suffering from mild or severe pain.
Helps to Regulate Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can be an issue for people as they age, or those who have diabetes. High blood pressure can affect the arteries in your lungs and in the heart, and can become dangerous. The l-arginine may assist in lowering blood pressure to regular levels, while you also work on changing your diet plan.
Regulate Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Preeclampsia can occur in pregnant women who have never had a heart condition. It’s a form of high blood pressure that can disappear after giving birth, but can be a health concern before the baby is born. Studies have been done to prove that l-arginine can lower blood pressure in pregnant women, so that both mother and child can remain healthy through the nine months.
Provides Benefits of L-Arginine for Men
Some men experience erectile dysfunction, which may be an issue when trying to please their partners, or when they are trying to have a child. The L-arginine can help to improve erectile dysfunction in men, as it assists in opening up the blood vessels in the body.
Helps to Improve Peripheral Arterial Disease
The benefits of l arginine supplements can also help with PAD. This can increase the blood flow in the body for people with this circulatory condition.
Can Assist You in Your Workouts
You may not have as much energy as you did when you were younger. If you’re starting a new workout regimen, it’s best to start with 15 minutes, then do it again after a 2 day rest. During this time, you can take a natural supplement, such as L-arginine, which will help to keep your blood flow moving throughout all your blood vessels. This will give you a boost of energy, as you get back into the routine.
What Other Benefits Are There In L-Arginine Supplements?
One of the benefits of L-arginine supplements is that is a generally safe supplement that most people can take at home. While it can assist you with lowering your blood pressure, or other heart conditions such as PAD or angina, and helping men to treat their erectile dysfunction, and women during pregnancy, it’s best to book an appointment with your doctor first, to discuss if the L-arginine supplement is right for you.
How Is the L-Arginine Supplement Taken?
It’s best to read the instructions on the bottle or container first before enjoying the L-arginine amino acid benefits. If you exercise a lot, you should take your L-arginine before you start your workout. The supplement will help to increase your nitric oxide levels in your body, while giving a boost to your heart and increasing your endurance. If you’re on a day where you’re not exercising or working out, you should take it between meals. This will assist in the maximum absorption into your body’s cells.
Are There Specific Health Conditions Where L-Arginine Isn’t Recommended?
Unless you’re taking the L-arginine to boost your workout and don’t have any other health conditions, you should discuss taking it with your doctor. There are certain medications you shouldn’t take it with it as there can be interactions, including amiloride (Midamor), Viagra, Revatio, pironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir) or triamterene (Dyrenium).
The reason for this is that it can increase potassium levels in your body, also known as hyperkalemia. If you’ve recently had a heart attack, then it’s recommended you do not take this supplement. There are a few other side effects from taking it. These may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, gout, headache, allergies and asthma.
L-arginine is also not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, as the amino acid is extracted from protein-based animal sources.
Can I Shop for L-Arginine Online If I Can’t Find It Locally?
The benefits of L-arginine are good, whether you’re seeking the benefits of L-arginine for men or women. But it can be difficult to find in most pharmacies. Stores that just focus on supplements may have it, but your best option is to shop for it online. Be sure to choose a well-known and effective brand.
Experience the Benefits of L-Arginine Supplements Today!
If you’re concerned about your health, whether you have diabetes or a heart condition, or you feel that you need a boost of energy in your daily workout routines, the benefits of L-arginine may be the best option for you. Now that you understand what L-arginine does and how to use it, you can look forward to experiencing the benefits of L-arginine for yourself!