Arginine: what is it, properties, how to take

The benefits and harms of arginine have not been thoroughly studied. Scientists have found out the fact that the substance has the ability to fight many diseases and have a preventive effect. It is used in cosmetology, medicine and sports nutrition to keep fit.

Useful arginine takes part in the most important processes of human life. But its use in large quantities can lead to the opposite effect and provoke the development of diseases.

What is Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid. In the body of a healthy person, it is able to form independently. But with age, the synthesis gradually decreases. The correct name for the substance is L-arginine (conditionally irreplaceable element). After 35 years, the beneficial component is produced in small doses or stops development altogether.

After a series of studies, a useful amino acid began to be produced artificially. Its compounds are added to dietary supplements for individuals performing increased physical activity.

Arginine is present in food, but in small amounts. Rich in amino acid peanut, almonds, pumpkin seeds. 100 g accounts for about 60% of the daily dose. For an ordinary person who is not involved in sports, it is enough to get the substance from food.

Why is arginine useful?

The main properties of the amino acid:

1. Benefits for Cardiovascular Functionality... Thanks to the relaxing effect, blood pressure is normalized. The supplement helps relieve stress on the heart, improving performance. The likelihood of developing organ diseases is reduced several times.
2. Regulation of central nervous system functions... Elimination of vascular tension lowers the level of blood flow. The brain stops working above normal. The likelihood of overload stress is minimal.
3. Improving liver capacity... Arginine cleanses the organ of harmful toxic substances.
4. Preventing the formation of cancerous tumors... The tool does not have medicinal properties for oncology, but prevents its development.

A useful amino acid does a strengthening job. It acts on the immune system, enhancing defense mechanisms to combat diseases of infectious and viral origin.

For women

Arginine is useful for the female body by preventing depression. Especially in the premenstrual period, when the woman's psyche is not stable.Regular intake of the product helps to improve performance, alertness and mood.

The use of amino acids in the ability to actively burn the accumulated body fat and prevent the formation of new ones. The supplement removes toxins and toxins, unloading the liver and other organs. Promotes increased female libido. In modern clinics with the help of arginine and a complex of other drugs, female infertility is treated.

Elderly women note that the additive has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, providing a rejuvenating effect. The use of amino acids in preventing the development of free radicals that adversely affect the structure of cells.

For men

For males, a useful amino acid is necessary for sexual problems. The supplement increases potency and has a beneficial effect on the quality and quantity of sperm. Scientists came to this conclusion during experiments. Men who regularly took arginine for potency significantly increased sexual activity.

Amino acid formulations support physical endurance. Arginine is included in sports nutrition as one of the main supplements. It helps you recover from intense exercise and build muscle.

Arginine is useful for athletes with medicinal properties. It helps to recover quickly from sprains or joint injuries.

An amino acid supplement is found in drugs for cancer and AIDS. The benefits and harms of arginine for men depend on the amount of intake per day and the appropriateness of use.

For children

The lack of amino acids in the baby's body has negative consequences for development. Arginine is essential for a child to grow. The supplement is used for treatment only as directed by a pediatrician.

Uncontrolled admission and self-medication are harmful and provoke the development of gigantism. Basically, an amino acid supplement is prescribed in a complex along with other drugs and substances during puberty due to hormonal disruptions that affect health.

For hair

With a slower rate of maturation of hair follicles or hair growth, the benefits of shampoos, masks, lotions, etc. with the addition of arginine are noticeable. The substance normalizes blood circulation. With the help of the amino acid, there is an intensive nutrition with vitamins and the healing of the scalp. Masks must be kept for at least 20 minutes and applied regularly. The effect is observed after a 2-3 week course.

Arginine for weight loss

With the correct use of L-arginine, you can get rid of those extra pounds. It is suitable for weight loss for women and men alike. But the effect of the supplement on organisms is different.

For women, the amino acid helps to get rid of fat and does not add muscle growth. In men, muscle will grow at the same rate as body fat decreases.

The most suitable form for weight loss is arginine powder. It is easy to dissolve in juice, fruit drink or plain water. The introduction of the supplement into the diet will become completely invisible.

Effects of arginine in diabetes mellitus

Experimental studies have recently been conducted on experimental rats to determine how the amino acid works on diabetics. Scientists were confused when it was found that arginine can reduce blood sugar by 40%.

It is allowed to receive a useful component for people with diabetes only in its natural form from food (almonds, salmon, eggs). Supplements do not help reduce sugar, but, on the contrary, provoke the opposite effect, causing harm.

What foods contain arginine

Pumpkin seeds contain the most beneficial amino acids.But other products, especially legumes, are not inferior to seeds in terms of quantity.

Dairy products lag significantly behind in terms of arginine content: they contain less than 1000 mg per 100 g. Also, a useful component is present in peas, corn flour, chocolate, raisins, pomegranate.

Indications for the use of arginine

Taking supplements is recommended for:

• increased training among athletes;
• loss or absence of reproductive function in men and women;
• gastritis;
• stomach ulcers;
• for the growth of the child;
• frequent depression and body fatigue;

At the first manifestations of violations, it is not recommended to immediately resort to taking arginine in capsules or powders. The component is included in the composition of products, which makes the amino acid available.

Features of taking arginine and dosage

Any type of supplement (tablets, capsules, powder, etc.) is used according to the same rules. In the treatment of diseases, the amino acid is consumed with food. It is taken 3 times a day. It is allowed to eat no more than 7 mg per day, if the supplement is in the form of tablets, then no more than 3 pcs. It is strictly forbidden to exceed a portion of 3 g during the day, so as not to harm the body.

For a child's body, the optimal dosage is much lower. It is allowed to take from 4 to 10 ml per day. The course of treatment for children and adults is 14 days. After therapy, a rest from the amino acid for at least 2 months is indicated.

How to take arginine in bodybuilding

Arginine is popular in sports. Bodybuilders are aware of the pain-relieving properties of the amino acid, especially during stretching.

The maximum portion of the supplement for athletes per day should not exceed 10 g. The dosage is calculated according to the formula 115 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The benefits of the amino acid will increase significantly when taken with creatine.

To increase muscle tissue, arginine is drunk along with glutamine. The beneficial composition not only adds volume, but also strengthens the muscles.

Contraindications to taking arginine

The remedy is contraindicated for use with:

• hemophilia;
• the presence of cancerous tumors;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• allergies to a component;
• low blood pressure;
• schizophrenia;
• viral diseases;
• diseases of the pancreas;
• alcohol intoxication.

Amino acids are not recommended for children under 18 years of age. Especially during adolescence, so as not to provoke the development of gigantism. The supplement should be used with caution in patients with diabetes. Arginine has the ability to dramatically increase blood glucose.

Side effects of arginine

The following side effects from arginine have been observed:

• allergy;
• complications of herpes;
• decreased functions of the immune system with prolonged use;
• insomnia;
• increased activity.

If the patient has arthritis, the amino acid supplementation may exacerbate the disease. With infectious diseases, inflammatory processes can begin.

Overdose symptoms and consequences

Arginine abuse is strictly prohibited. An overdose symptom is a sharp hardening of the skin. But with a decrease in the amount of amino acids per day, the trait can disappear.

A large portion of the supplement provokes various gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain). There are known cases of pancreatic diseases with uncontrolled use.

Interaction of arginine with other substances

The amino acid is incompatible and harmful when used simultaneously with drugs similar in composition. This list includes drugs that increase potency (Viagra).

The complex use of Carnitine, Arginine and Ornithine has a beneficial effect. Supplements help burn fat faster.

Arginine analogs

The most useful amino acid analogs are food. Among drugs with a similar composition, there are:

• Natural Bounty L-Arginine;
• Arginine-Ornithine-Lysine;
• Vazoton;
• Twinlab L-Arginine.

Arginine is present in some drugs to increase the sexual performance of men (Formula of Love, Viagra).

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of arginine depend on the purpose of the amino acid intake and compliance with the daily dosage. Despite the advantages of the supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking it in order to exclude negative consequences.

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