DEFINITION
Arginine is a non-essential amino acid which is produced in the body by adults and obtained through food in infants, as they cannot produce it themselves. It has a number of functions in the body such as assisting in wound healing, hormone production, immune function and removal of excess ammonia.
DESCRIPTION
Arginine has been investigated for the following medical and sports uses: Cardiovascular Disease - Arginine supplementation may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Studies have indicated that arginine helps to protect the body from the damaging effects of LDL cholesterol.
In most studies, Arginine is used intravenously, not taken as a supplement. -
Arginine has been found to increase blood flow to the heart and improve the chest pains caused by angina in some patients.
Cancer - As it is still unclear whether arginine is helpful or harmful for people with cancer, supplementation should be avoided.
Immunity - Arginine may help stimulate the activity and increase the size of the thymus gland, which begins to decrease in size after puberty. The thymus gland is a major part of the lymphatic system where particular immune cells are produced, vital for healthy immune function. People in hospital at risk of developing severe infection were shown to benefit from a multivitamin formula containing L-arginine.
Male Fertility - Arginine has been investigated for its effects on sperm count and activity of the sperm. L-arginine may improve sperm count and motility. Other - Arginine may provide relief from constipation.
SPORTS USE Use of Arginine to improve sports performance or lean muscle mass is unproven. Arginine is known to stimulate growth hormone release and has been said to increase muscle mass and fat loss (especially when combined with ornithine). Human growth hormone is secreted by a gland in the brain and has a direct effect on metabolism by increasing the levels of fat and glucose burnt for energy. Growth hormone also has an anabolic (building-up) effect, promoting protein formation, tissue growth and wound healing.
Studies have shown that oral supplementation with Arginine alone does not stimulate growth hormone release.
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