What is L-arginine? It is an essential amino acid naturally found as a nutrient in foods like poultry, fish, red meat, and dairy. It is useful for production of protein and the circulation of various nutrients in the body. L-arginine is responsible for the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide enables blood circulation by causing the blood vessels to open wide and improve the flow of the blood. Additionally, L-arginine is also responsible for stimulating the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) and other metabolic hormones. So, before going ahead and buying L-Arginine supplements, learn more about their side effects, who can take them, who can’t, and some other essential information.
Who Should Take L-Arginine Supplements?
As recommended by medical experts, L-arginine supplements are considered safe for consumption. It has shown its effects in reducing high blood pressure. It has also helped reduce the symptoms of angina and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). It is also known to treat erectile dysfunction. If you are on drugs that lower blood pressure, then you need to consult your doctor before taking L-arginine supplements.
Who Should Not Take L-Arginine Supplements?
People who are suffering from specific health conditions should refrain from using L-arginine supplements. These health conditions are liver disease, cancer, genital herpes, recent heart attack, asthma, and allergies.
Therefore, you should consult your doctor or specialist physician before consuming L-arginine in case you suffer from any of these conditions.
When to Take L-Arginine Supplements?
L-Arginine is a branched chain amino acid. Experts recommend consuming L-arginine in 3 smaller doses per day between your meals for the maximum amount of absorption.
L-Arginine Dosage Recommended by Experts
There is no recommended or prescribed or standard dosage of arginine. According to studies, different medical conditions require different dosages.
Having said that, the standard L-Arginine daily dosage should be around 2- 3 grams and should be consumed around three times a day. Dosages lower and higher than this have also been researched but the study was inconclusive.
Nevertheless, it is only ideal to consult a doctor before going ahead with the consumption of this supplement.
Potential Side-Effects of L-Arginine Supplements
The tentative L-Arginine side effects include:
- Cramps
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Fall in blood pressure
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea/bloating
- Changes in glucose levels in the blood
There are also some speculations that consumption of L-arginine can change the lysine to arginine ratio, which can awaken a herpes virus that has been latent in your body. Doctors recommend adding more lysine and reducing arginine to prevent the recurrence of the herpes virus.
Conclusion
To sum up, L-Arginine supplements are undoubtedly a great way to manage the amino acid level in the body. However, considering the side effects of L-Arginine, it is essential to consult a physician before taking a dose.
