We Know: All About ArginineWhat is Arginine?Arginine is one of the 20 amino acids that are the chemical building blocks of protein, the primary element of living tissue, second only to water. Chemically, there is more than one type of arginine; the type that matters to the human body is L-Arginine. How important is it?All amino acids are important because they build protein. This includes Arginine. But biochemists also rate amino acids on the basis of whether or not they're essential, semi-essential, or not-essential. The basis for this is whether or not the body is able to synthesize enough of a particular amino acid.. When it can an amino acid is considered non-essential; when it cannot then it is considered essential, meaning it has be taken in through food. Arginine is considered semi-essential because an adult body generally synthesizes adequate amounts, but a young child's body does not. Nor do some people who have certain rare genetic disorders, are under heavy stress, are aging, have suffered trauma (including surgery), or who might have other medical problems. In these cases Arginine then becomes an essential amino acid. (Caution: Young children are not candidates for Arginine dietary augmentation or supplementation and this should not be considered without proper medical advice and/or supervision.) Anything else?Well, yes. Amino acids play other roles in the body and Arginine is involved in some very interesting ones. Such as?It helps detoxify the ammonia-like byproducts of protein when it is broken down in the body, assists in healing injuries, stimulates the release of nitric oxide from cell walls which helps blood vessels expand or dilate, strengthens the immune system, and assists in the production of certain enzymes and hormones, including the human growth hormone. There are also claims that an increased dietary or supplementary intake of Arginine can help reverse hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis, treat angina, or heart-related chest pains, reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, maintain, even increase, muscle mass, and treat erectile dysfunction. Are the claims valid?There is growing evidence that some are. For example, nitric oxide release, in which Arginine plays a role, can improve blood flow to the heart, helping relieve angina through vascular dilation; similarly, this dilation can have a positive affect on erectile dysfunction using the same physiological mechanism for this as many of the popular drugs on the market. What kind of foods contain Arginine?Most common foods contain Arginine, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, nuts, and chocolate. What about supplementation?If a person wishes to supplement his or her diet to gain some of the claimed nutritional and/or therapeutic effects of Arginine, Arginine supplements are common and can be very inexpensive. As with many natural health products, however, unfortunately, there are also many Arginine-containing or -related products that are marketed with wild claims about their effectiveness, especially when it comes to improving one's sexual vigor. It's definitely a buyer beware situation. So, do your homework first. Can too much Arginine be a problem?Too much Arginine can result in stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. When should you NOT use Arginine supplementation?Arginine supplementation should be avoided or done only under the supervision of your healthcare provider in situations that include:
|
|||||
|
|
|||||