Index
It is one of the 20 amino acids you get from proteins in your diet. Generally, it is considered a semi-essential amino acid.
If you have a well-balanced diet, you probably do not need to take arginine supplements. However, your doctor may recommend adding them to your routine if you have certain health conditions.
In other cases, your doctor may encourage you to avoid them. For some people, taking arginine supplements can increase the risk of health problems.
Arginine is an amino acid that your body uses to synthesize nitric oxide. You probably get enough arginine from your foods if you have a well-balanced diet. But if you have a history of certain health conditions, your doctor may recommend taking arginine supplements.
In other cases, they can encourage you to avoid them. Taking arginine supplements can worsen some health problems.
Always talk to your doctor before adding arginine supplements to your routine.
Where can you get arginine?
Arginine is found in several different food products, which include:
- Red meat.
- Poultry.
- Fish.
- Milk.
- Seeds.
- Nuts
- Beans.
- Leaf vegetables.
- Some fruits (pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and soybeans are rich sources of arginine).
Most people can get enough arginine from a well-balanced diet. However, arginine supplements are also available in oral tablets or injections.
Always consult your doctor before trying any new supplement, including supplemental arginine. They can help you evaluate the possible benefits and risks to health.
Function
Your body uses arginine to synthesize nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps the blood vessels relax and expand. This is important to regulate blood flow.
Your doctor may recommend eating foods rich in arginine or taking arginine supplements if you have certain conditions that affect the blood vessels and the heart.
For example, they recommend taking arginine supplements to help treat coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or erectile dysfunction.
In other cases, arginine supplements can increase your risk of heart problems.
Arginine supplements may have benefits for people with certain cardiovascular conditions. For example, they can help treat:
- Coronary artery disease
- Clogged arteries.
- Angina.
Arginine supplements may also benefit people with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This condition develops when the arteries narrow and reduce blood flow to your extremities.
Most people with PVD develop it in their legs.
Be warned that taking arginine supplements after a heart attack can worsen things. They increase the risk of dying after a heart attack.
More research is needed to evaluate the benefits and risks. Avoid taking arginine supplements after a heart attack until possible safety issues have been addressed.
If you have a history of heart disease, ask your doctor about arginine supplements’ possible benefits and risks. Depending on your health history, they can encourage you to take them or avoid them.
Many cases of erectile dysfunction can be related to heart disease. Problems with your blood vessels can reduce blood flow to your penis. This can hinder the development and maintenance of an erection.
Other research suggests that arginine supplements can help improve blood flow through your body. Because of these supposed benefits, doctors sometimes prescribe arginine supplements to treat erectile dysfunction.
Other uses
Recent studies suggest that arginine supplements may also have other benefits.
Arginine supplements can have positive effects on your immune system. Some doctors prescribe them along with other treatments to help:
- Fight against infections.
- Promote the healing of wounds.
- Support postoperative recovery.
- Complementary chemotherapy.
