Description of arginine

Arginine is one of the 20 amino acids that make up our proteins.

It plays a role in cell division, wound healing, the body's elimination of ammonia, the proper functioning of the immune system and the secretion of certain hormones, particularly growth hormone.

From arginine, the body produces nitric oxide (NO), a substance that promotes the dilation of blood vessels, and creatine, a non-essential nutrient associated with the development and proper functioning of muscles.

Food sources of arginine

Arginine is considered a "semi-essential" amino acid because the body synthesises enough of it to meet most needs.

However, there are certain conditions where the body's own supply is insufficient and arginine supplements are prescribed by a doctor.

This may be the case, for example, after major trauma, a serious infection or major surgery.

Arginine is found in many foods, including vegetables, certain cereals such as brown rice, oats and buckwheat, and red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and nuts.

Because it is not considered an essential nutrient, no recommended dietary intake of arginine has been established.

Arginine deficiency

Arginine deficiency, which is relatively rare, is manifested by poor wound healing, hair loss, skin rashes, constipation and fatty liver disease (fatty hepatitis or fatty degeneration of the liver).

Possible causes of deficiency include certain congenital conditions that prevent normal urea synthesis, chronic malnutrition, conditions that cause overproduction of ammonia, excessive lysine intake, severe burns, injuries or infections.

Properties and benefits of arginine

Although arginine is not "essential" to us in the sense that our bodies produce it, it still plays an important role in the overall functioning of our bodies:

• Stimulation of the immune system
• Improved physical performance
• Erectile dysfunction
• Female sexual dysfunction

When to supplement with arginine?

These products are often used by bodybuilders, athletes, people with muscle injuries or heart problems.

As the dosage depends on the person's diet.

There are arginine supplements that are usually prescribed by doctors when needed.

It is rare to use these supplements as our bodies can usually synthesise enough arginine.

Contraindications, adverse reactions and interactions

Caution

People who have had a heart attack should not use arginine-containing supplements as they may increase the risk of death.

In the absence of complete toxicological data, it is recommended that arginine supplementation be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindications

• History of heart attack
• Allergies or asthma
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Herpes
• kidney failure

Side effects

Adverse effects of arginine are rare and mild: gastrointestinal upset, headache, diarrhoea.

Interactions

With plants or supplements: If you are taking lysine for herpes simplex virus, supplements containing arginine may interfere with treatment.

With medicines: Hypotensives and vasodilators. The hypotensive and vasodilatory effects of arginine may increase the effects of these drugs.