Arginine // Basics Series

L-arginine is an amino acid that is used as building blocks for proteins. L-arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid which means that it becomes essential under certain circumstances and conditions. These essential conditions include pregnancy, infancy, critical illness, and trauma. We usually are familiar with L-arginine when it comes to nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide production is needed for a variety of bodily processes and functions such as blood flow regulation, mitochondrial function, and cellular communication.

L-arginine acts as a precursor to other amino acids including glutamate, proline, and creatine. L-arginine is essential for the health and functioning of your immune system. L-arginine is also necessary for the development of T-cells which are white blood cells that play central roles in immune response. Because L-arginine has so many important roles in your body, a deficiency of it can disrupt cellular and organ function which can lead to serious adverse health issues.

The easiest way to obtain L-arginine is by taking supplements. You can also find L-arginine through other different processes such as certain protein-rich foods: meat, poultry, dairy, nuts, soy products, and fish. The average daily intake of L-arginine should be between four to six grams.

L-arginine has been known to increase exercise performance by maximizing nitric oxide in the body, which improves blood flow and oxygen to muscles. When arginine is taken prior to intense exercise, athletes can exercise longer and harder.

There are several other benefits that L-arginine brings to the table such as assisting people with high blood pressure (HBP) as well as diabetes by improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. L-arginine also helps regulate one’s blood pressure through the relaxation of the cells that make up your blood vessels. L-arginine can even help with treating erectile dysfunction, improving blood flow as well as function, and even treating preeclampsia. 

• *Supports Nitric Oxide and Muscle Pump
• *Supports Protein Synthesis