L-Arginine is an amino acid used as supplement form and obtained naturally in the diet. It appears as a white crystalline powder, and is necessary for the production of protein. It can also help rid the body of ammonia (a waste product) and stimulate the release of insulin. Though it’s considered safe, some are convinced it has potentially dangerous health effects.
What Is L-Arginine?
L-Arginine is one of the most common 20 naturally occurring amino acids. It is synthesized from citrulline by cytosolic enzymes and argininosuccinate lyase. It plays an imperative role in immune function, cell division, the healing of wounds and the release of hormones. L-Arginine has a loss on drying of not more than .5% with a heavy metal density of no more than .0015%. L-Arginine is found in a wide variety of plant and animal products, including meat, seafood, dairy products, wheat germ, nuts and soybeans, and is known to have cardiovascular benefits. L-Arginine is alkaline and has a bitter taste. It also helps neutralize acid nutrients such as ascorbic acid, niacin, pyroglutamic acid, and OKG.
Possible Side Effects of L-Arginine
Although L-Arginine generally regarded as a very safe and effective supplement, there can be some minor side effects. The side effects may:
-abdominal pain
-bloating
-diarrhea
GRAS Affirmation: Yes
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) is an American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designation that a chemical or substance added to food is considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. L-Arginine is considered safe.
Suggested Dosage
NA.
Special Populations Precaution
There is a lot of concern about diet and nutrition for these population, like Newborns, children, pregnant, sensitive to L-Arginine populations. Better consult to your doctor if you would like to intake L-Arginine.
Related Research
1. The pharmacodynamics of L-arginine. [Altern Ther Health Med. 2014 May-Jun] Author: Böger RH.
2. A randomized pilot study of L-arginine infusion in severe falciparum malaria: preliminary safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics. [PLoS One. 2013 Jul 29] Author: Yeo TW, Lampah DA, Rooslamiati I, Gitawati R, Tjitra E, Kenangalem E, Price RN, Duffull SB, Anstey NM.
3. A randomized controlled trial of inhaled L-arginine in patients with cystic fibrosis. [J Cyst Fibros. 2013 Sep] Author: Grasemann H, Tullis E, Ratjen F.
4. The effect of L-arginine on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease. [Indian J Nephrol. 2012 Sep] Author: Annavarajula SK, Dakshinamurty KV, Naidu MU, Reddy CP.
5. Does L-arginine supplementation play a role in cerebral small vessels disease? Implication in the treatment of leukoaraiosis. [Med Hypotheses. 2011 Oct] Author: Calabrò RS, Gervasi G, Bramanti P.
