L-Arginine
L-arginine
is a semi-essential amino acid with the molecular formula C6 H14 N4
O2 and with a molecular weight of 174.20 daltons. The stereoisomer
of L-arginine, D-arginine, does not have any biological activity known.
The terms L-arginine and arginine are frequently used interchangeably.
L-arginine is also known as 2-amino-5-guanidinovaleric acid and (S)-2-amino-5-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]
pentaenoic acid. Its one-letter abbreviation is R or it is also abbreviated
as Arg.
Function-
(L) -Arginine is an amino acid present in all life forms. It is classified
as a semi-essential amino acid because under certain circumstances
the body can synthesize sufficient L-arginine to meet physiological
demands such as in the maintenance of an adult. L-arginine, however,
is essential for young children because during growth spurts the body
is not able to manufacture it in sufficient quantity. L-arginine,
even when it is not an essential amino acid plays a vital role in
many life processes.
Many of supplemental L-arginine's activities, including its possible
anti-plaqueing actions, may be accounted for by its role as the precursor
to nitric oxide or NO. Nitric oxide is produced by all tissues of
the body and plays very important roles in the cardiovascular system,
immune system and nervous system.
Nitric oxide inhibits mononuclear cell adhesion, platelet aggregation,
free radicals and proliferation of smooth muscle. It also helps to
dilate blood vessels which increases circulation and decreases symptoms
of angina while decreasing inflammation. L-arginine has been found
to inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to oxidized
LDL. The oxidation of LDL is believed to be a pivotal early step in
arterial plaqueing. All of this activity helps reduce, and may help
repair, damage to the entire cardiovascular system. This is much safer
and effective than the “take an aspirin a day to prevent heart disease”
concept promoted by traditional medicine. They forgot to tell you
that aspirin causes your digestive tract to bleed and is very toxic
to your liver and kidneys. Long term use may promote irreversible
damage also.
Arginine
enhances the immune function by increasing the size and activity of
the thymus gland, elevates the number of T lymphocytes (T cells) and
has been shown to retard the growth of tumors and cancer. Arginine
may therefore benefit those suffering from AIDS and malignant diseases
that suppress which are due to a suppressed immune system. It is also
good for liver disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver and by aiding
in liver detoxification and neutralizing ammonia.
L-arginine
has been associated with an increase in muscle metabolism in high
doses due to the fact it stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone
and pancreatic release of glucagon and insulin. Intravenous L-arginine
may be used as an aid in the evaluation of problems with growth and
stature that may be due to growth hormone deficiency. It is also used
to boost the immune system in those suffering from sepsis, burns and
trauma. Arginine aids in weight loss because it facilitates an increase
in muscle mass and a reduction of body fat and is involved in the
manufacturing and function of a variety of enzymes and hormones. It
aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, is a component
of the pituitary hormones (vasopressin), and assists in the release
of growth hormones.
Arginine is also a component of collagen and aids in building new
bone and tendons. Supplemental usage, therefore, can be good for arthritis
and connective tissue disorders. Scar tissue that forms during wound
healing is made up of collagen, which is rich in arginine. L-arginine's
possible activity in wound repair may be due to its precursor role
in the formation of L-ornithine and. ultimately, L-proline. L-proline
is an amino acid that is a necessary in collagen biosynthesis.
Supplemental L-Arginine may reverse male infertility, low sperm counts
and has shown to increase sperm motility. There have been numerous
studies and clinical trials that would prove this to be true. Try
this safe and effective supplement and see what immediate results
you encounter.
Deficiency-
Some stress conditions that put an increased demand on the body for
the synthesis of L-arginine include trauma (including surgical trauma),
intense exercise, sepsis and burns. Under these conditions, L-arginine
becomes essential, and it is then very important to ensure adequate
dietary intake of the amino acid to meet the increased physiological
demands created by these situations. Arginine is commonly overlooked
as an essential amino acid for proper growth and development of young
children.
Sources- When made in the body, L-arginine is predominately synthesized
in the kidney. . A much smaller amount of L-arginine is produced in
the liver. Most dietary L-arginine comes from plant and animal proteins.
Small amounts of free L-arginine are found in vegetable juices and
fermented foods, such as miso and yogurt. Soy protein and plant proteins
are richer in L-arginine than are animal proteins. Animal protein
is richer in lysine. It is thought that the cholesterol balancing
effects of soy protein is due, in part, to the higher L-arginine content
in this protein. Foods high in arginine include carob, chocolate,
coconut, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oats, peanuts, soybeans, walnuts,
white flour, wheat, and wheat germ.
Precautions-
People with infections such as herpes should NOT take supplemental
arginine, and should avoid foods rich in arginine. People with herpes
infections, arginine may increase the tendency of eruptions. (Taking
3-6 grams of the amino acid Lysine may reverse this tendency.)L-Arginine
supplements should be avoided by pregnant and lactating women. Persons
with schizophrenia should avoid amounts over 30 milligrams daily.
Requirements-
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed. Individual
needs may differ due to clinical conditions, biochemical individuality
and absorption. All sources of nutrients should be consumed in their
most natural state, in the form of a variety of foods or supplements
when necessary. Free form amino acid supplements are immediately absorbed
by the body and should be consumed with natural occurring cofactors
for best results. Consulting with a physician that is properly trained
in the natural healing sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed
for optimum results.
Written
by Jerome Rerucha D.C.
References-
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lymphocyte immune response in healthy human beings. Surgery. 1981;
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in hypercholesterolemic rabbits normalizes leukocyte adhesion to non-endothelial
matrix. Life Sci. 2000; 66:1519-1524.
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peroxidation in patients with diabetes mellitus. Free Rod Biol Med.
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dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
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for the generation of nitric oxide by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide
and D- or L-arginine. Biochem Biophys Res Commiin. 1997; 233:150-153.
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increases mononuclear cell adhesiveness in hypercholesterolemic humans.
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9. Boushey C, Beresford S, Omenn G, Motulsky A. A quantitative assessment
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