Arginine dilates blood vessels

Arginine, also called L-arginine, is a semi-essential  amino acid . It plays an important role for us as it is involved in many crucial processes in the body. Among other things, arginine has an influence on our hormone balance and our immune system. The amino acid is largely produced by our body itself, but under certain circumstances the need can exceed the body’s own production. If this is the case, arginine can be supplied either through certain foods or through dietary supplements. Dietary supplements with arginine are also used in bodybuilding and as a sexual enhancer for men. It is particularly popular here, as there are hardly any known side effects of arginine.

Foods with arginine

Semi-essential amino acids such as arginine are produced in sufficient quantities by the body under normal circumstances. In special situations, however, they must be supplied from the outside. This is the case, for example, in growth phases, which is why arginine is essential for children.

In adults, the need for arginine exceeds the amount of self-produced arginine in particularly stressful phases of life, in the case of certain illnesses or after accidents. Then this amino acid must be supplied from the outside either by eating foods that contain a lot of arginine or by using special food supplements.

Arginine is mainly found in foods such as meat, various seeds and  nuts  , and grain products. Foods that have the highest levels of arginine are:

• Pumpkin seeds (17.7 percent)
• Pine nuts (17.6 percent)
• Walnuts (15.0 percent)
• roasted peanuts (11.9 percent)

Also large amounts are found in dried  peas  (8.9 percent), unhusked  rice  (7.6 percent), raw pork (6.7 percent), raw chicken breast fillet (6.8 percent) and raw salmon (6.0 percent). present. In addition, there is also a lot of L-arginine in chicken eggs and cow’s milk.

Effect: Arginine widens the blood vessels

Arginine is high in nitrogen and can react with oxygen to form nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes the heart muscle and smooth muscle. This causes the blood vessels to widen. Thus, nitric oxide ensures improved blood circulation and oxygen supply to the blood vessels.

Since arginine affects the dilation of blood vessels, it can have a positive effect on diseases such as  arteriosclerosis  . This happens not only through the vasodilatation, but also because the deposits on the walls of the blood vessels recede. In addition to arteriosclerosis, arginine can also have a positive   effect on high blood pressure .

Arginine stimulates the release of insulin

Arginine also has an impact on our hormonal balance. Arginine, together with ornithine, is said to influence the release of growth hormones. An arginine test can be used to check whether there is a lack of growth hormones, which can lead to growth disorders, especially in children. In such a case, taking arginine can stimulate the release of the available growth hormone reserves.

Growth hormones also promote muscle building and fat loss. That is why arginine is often used in bodybuilding. It is also used here because the veins become particularly prominent due to the vasodilating effect. Dietary supplements such as arginine, which lead to increased blood flow to the muscles, are also referred to as ‘pump supplements’. In addition to the growth hormones, this amino acid can also influence the hormone insulin: Arginine is said to help with  diabetes  by increasing insulin release in the body.

Arginine strengthens the immune system

Arginine is also said to strengthen the immune system. This is said to happen by arginine stimulating the production of white blood cells. That is why it is also taken preventively, for example against impending  colds . During acute infections and during hard physical training, the immune system is particularly stressed and the need for arginine is therefore particularly high. A lot of arginine is also needed after operations, as it can have a positive effect on wound healing. In addition, the amino acid is also said to have an anti-cancer effect. For example, more tumor cells should respond to chemotherapy for  breast cancer through the administration  .

However, many of the effects attributed to arginine have not yet been definitively confirmed scientifically. Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking it. He can also give tips on the correct dosage of arginine. In addition, it should also be noted that there are differences in effectiveness depending on whether the amino acid is administered orally or intravenously.

Increased potency as a side effect of arginine?

So far, only a few side effects of arginine are known. One of them is the lowering of blood pressure, which can cause problems, especially for people with low blood pressure. Since arginine improves blood circulation, taking the amino acid should also increase erectile function. However, this effect is controversial, as is the required dose. In addition, although arginine is less dangerous than chemical sexual enhancers, the amino acid should not be consumed in large quantities via dietary supplements. An overdose of arginine can lead to  diarrhea  and  nausea  .

In addition to potency, arginine should also have a positive effect on male fertility. The amino acid is said to improve sperm quality by increasing the number of sperm and increasing their motility. However, just like with potency, this effect of arginine has not yet been scientifically confirmed.