Arginine HCl

L-Arginine Uses

L-Arginine has been used for many different things; including helping improve the overall recovery rate after any type of surgery. L-Arginine also helps treat chest pain that is a result of coronary artery disease.

Also effective at helping prevent bladder inflammation in adults, L-Arginine can help with erectile dysfunction and is also effective in improving the function of the kidneys following a transplant.

If you have cramps, pains and weakness in your legs that is due to blocked arteries, L-Arginine supplements can help. In addition, people who have lost weight due to the side effects of HIV and AIDS can benefit from taking L-Arginine.

Finally, L-Arginine can prevent inflammation in the digestive tract of premature babies.

L-Arginine and Unproven Uses

While some individuals have take L-Arginine to prevent heart attacks, there is insufficient evidence to prove that it is beneficial. In addition, L-Arginine does not help someone who has already experienced a heart attack, and it is not recommended that someone who has recently suffered and recovered from a heart attack take L-Arginine.

Another symptom that has not been proven to be treated effectively by L-Arginine is pre-eclampsia. This is a common issue in pregnancy, especially in twin pregnancies.

Pre-eclampsia is an increase in blood pressure. This condition is extremely dangerous and can only be treated by delivering the baby or babies. Pregnant women should not take L-Arginine without speaking to their doctor.

Some other conditions where L-Arginine has been taken but has not provided any sustainable and beneficial results include:

• The common cold
• Migraine headaches
• Mental capacity in the elderly
• Improvement of athletic performance
• Treatment of breast cancer (with or without chemotherapy)
• Treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Healing of foot ulcers in diabetics
• Cancer of the head and neck

L-Arginine and How it Works

When the body absorbs L-Arginine, it transforms it into Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide allows the blood vessels to become wider and in turn, improve overall blood flow.

For this reason, many bodybuilders like to take L-Arginine before a workout. In addition, L-Arginine can also help stimulate the release of certain substances within the body, including insulin and growth hormones.

L-Arginine Safety Concerns and Side Effects

Most people can take L-Arginine with no major problems. However, there are some side effects that can occur when you take L-Arginine. Make sure you speak to your physician or another health care provider before taking L-Arginine.

Some side effects associated with L-Arginine include stomach pain, excess bloating, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, inflammation of the airway and low blood pressure. In addition, people with asthma may experience worse symptoms if they take L-Arginine.

L-Arginine and Warnings 

Women who are either pregnant or are breast-feeding their children should not take L-Arginine. In addition, if you have any type of allergy or asthma, you should avoid L-Arginine supplements.

If you have developed cirrhosis of the liver, any type of herpes, have low blood pressure, had a heart attack, or have an upcoming surgery in 14 days, you should avoid L-Arginine.

Additionally, if you take certain medications such as medicines for high blood pressure, you should never take L-Arginine as it can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous and possibly fatal levels.

Medications that help increase the overall flow of blood to the heart, also known as nitrates, should not be taken in conjunction with L-Arginine. Since L-Arginine increases your blood flow, combining these two medications can lead to dizziness.

As mentioned earlier, although L-Arginine can possibly help with erectile dysfunction, it should never be taken with a medication such as Viagra. The combination of the two can cause major problems since both can decrease blood pressure and cause it to go to an unsafe level.

If you are taking Viagra, make sure you speak to you doctor before taking an L-Arginine supplement. This substance is rated as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA.

L-Arginine Dosing

Research studies have shown that if you have congestive heart failure, it is safe to consume about 6-20 grams per day up to three times per day. If you have chest pain from coronary artery disease, you can take 3-6 grams three times per day.

Patients with erectile dysfunction can take 5 grams of L-Arginine per day. Infants who suffer from digestive tract inflammation may have 260 mg of L-Arginine added to their feedings each day for the first 4 weeks of life.

You should always speak to a physician before taking or giving any amount of L-Arginine. Searching for the perfect supplement? Use the supplement finder below to get started!