Introduction
The study of amino acids is making a major contribution to the understanding
of diseases. Amino acid therapies have been used successfully to prevent
aging, prevent heart disease, enhance memory, eliminate depression,
control stress, improve sleep, relieve arthritis, reduce herpes, arrest
alcoholism, manage allergies, and promote hair growth. [1] Arginine
has been linked to enhanced immunity, the release of the Human Growth
Hormone (HGH), greater muscle mass, rapid healing from injury, increased
sexual potency, and helping to reverse atherosclerosis. [2] Sometimes
one amino acid can cancel the effect of another. For example, arginine
is reported to have an antagonistic relationship with lysine. [1] On
the other hand, arginine has a complementary relationship with ornithine,
citrulline, and aspartic acid.
Food
Sources
Dietary
arginine is found in chocolate, wheat germ and flour, buckwheat, granola,
oatmeal, dairy products (cottage cheese, ricotta, nonfat dry milk, skim
yogurt), beef (roasts, steaks), pork (Canadian bacon, ham), nuts (coconut,
pecans, cashews, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, peanuts),
seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), poultry (chicken and turkey light
meat), wild game (pheasant, quail), seafood (halibut, lobster, salmon,
shrimp, snails, tuna in water), chick peas, and cooked soybeans. [2,
11]
Signs
of Deficiency
Deficiency produces symptoms of muscle weakness, similar to muscular
dystrophy. [1] Arginine-deficiency impairs insulin production, glucose
production, and liver lipid metabolism. [3] Conditional deficiencies
of arginine or ornithine are associated with the presence of excessive
ammonia in the blood, excessive lysine, rapid growth, pregnancy, trauma,
or protein deficiency and malnutrition. Arginine deficiency is also
associated with rash, hair loss and hair breakage, poor wound healing,
constipation, fatty liver, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatic coma. [1]
Substantially
increasing consumption of dietary protein (meats, dairy products, etc.)
to ensure optimal levels of circulating amino acids may prove to be
unhealthy because excessive dietary protein places stress on the liver
and kidneys, which process the waste products of protein metabolism.
[2] In addition, protein-rich foods often are rich in fats, which may
cause unwanted weight gain and an unfavorable cholesterol profile.
Forms
Arginine, like most amino acids, can have one of two forms, called the
L-form and the D-form. These two forms are mirror images of each other,
with the L-form molecule rotating in a spiral to the left (L for "levo"
which is Latin for "left") and the D-form spiralling to the
right (D for "dextro," Latin for "right"). The L-form
of arginine (and most other amino acids) is more compatible with human
biochemistry, such that L-arginine is the only form recommended. [3]
Most
researchers recommend the free (also called undigested) forms of amino
acids, which do not need to be digested and are absorbed directly into
the blood for distribution throughout the body. In hospital settings,
arginine may be prescribed for therapeutic purposes in the forms of
di-peptides, tri-peptides, or hydrolysates, but generally the free form
is considered best, particularly the L-form. [1]
Some
nutrition scientists advise that supplementation of L-arginine and lysine
may have mutually negating effects such that the benefits of neither
are full expressed. Other experts, however, recommend "stacking"
(taking more than individual amino acid supplements at the same time)
to boost their effects, such as arginine and lysine supplements taken
together to amplify the effects of both, for example: reportedly increasing
HGH release by four times that of arginine alone. [8] Another researcher
suggests supplementation of dietary amino acids should be based on the
combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, and L-ornithine to stimulate HGH
production. [12] According to Medical Director Giampapa of the Longevity
Institute International (in Montclair, New Jersey), the optimal oral
daily supplementation of amino acids should include 2 grams arginine
plus 2 grams ornithine plus1 gram lysine plus 1 gram glutamine. [8]
Further studies are required to determine optimal dosages and combinations
of dosages.
To
achieve greatest effectiveness as an HGH releaser, L-arginine should
be consumed on an empty stomach at bedtime. [6, 13] HGH release occurs
30-60 minutes after falling asleep, and also during and just following
vigorous exercise. [4]
Why
People Take It
Arthritis.
Found in high concentrations in the connective tissues, arginine is
a component of collagen that plays a vital role in the production of
new tissue and bone cells. [3]
Alzheimer's
Patients
Arginine may prove helpful in treating Alzheimer's, because it raises
polyamine levels. [1]
Cancer
Patients
Arginine retards tumor growth by enhancing immune function. [3, 9] Arginine
increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which produces
T-cells. Large doses of arginine can lower polyamines, which are present
in various cancers in elevated levels. [1] Arginine has been found to
inhibit the growth of several types of tumors in laboratory mice.
Liver
Disorders
Arginine aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia, and may
benefit in the treatment of liver disorders such as liver injury, hepatic
cirrhosis, and fatty liver degeneration. [1, 3, 9]
Weight
Loss
Arginine facilitates a reduction in body fat, while increasing lean
muscle mass. [3] Arginine inhibits the absorption of dietary fat.
Body
Building
More than fifty research studies reportedly support the value of arginine
supplementation for athletes. [4] Arginine is considered to be key to
efficient muscle metabolism because of its role in the transport, storage,
and elimination of nitrogen. Creatine is derived from arginine, as are
guanidophosphate and phosphoarginine, all of which have roles in muscle
metabolism.
After
a vigorous workout, the body has increased testosterone and HGH production
for a period lasting approximately two hours. During this timeframe,
dietary arginine and ornithine can contribute to a hormonal environment
that produces increased protein synthesis and muscle growth. [14]
Fertility
Seminal fluid contains substantial quantities of arginine, and arginine
may be beneficial in treating sterility in men. [13] In one study, men
with low sperm counts took 4 grams of arginine orally, with 80% of the
men showing significant improvement, in some cases resulting in pregnancies.
[9] Arginine is also noted by one researcher for its ability to increase
libido and induce erections. [7, 8] Arginine, ornithine, and aspartic
acid have been shown to have a positive effect on sperm viability and
motility. [1]
Inherited
Urea Cycle Disorders (Rare). Arginine therapy is employed in the treatment
of arginemia, citrullinemia, and argininosuccinic aciduria. [1]
Anti-Aging
Considerations
Arginine is involved in the production of variety of enzymes and
hormones. Arginine facilitates the release of HGH, stimulates the pancreas
for insulin production, and is a component in the hormone vasopressin
produced by the pituitary gland. [3] One mechanism for arginine as an
HGH releaser may be its capacity for blocking secretion of the HGH-inhibitor:
somatostatin. [8]
HGH-release
by means of arginine may offer benefits in the treatment of fractures
and injuries, as well strengthening the immune system, building lean
muscle, burning fat, and reversing many of the effects of aging. [9]
The
elderly respond to arginine with substantially increased levels of glucose
and growth hormone. [1] A study at the Division of Endocrinology at
the University of Turin involving normal adults aged 66-82 who tripled
the level of HGH in their blood after administration of 30-gram injections
of arginine. [4, 8]
Arginine
is essential for optimum growth and in the regulation of protein metabolism.
[1] The main source of energy for muscle and other cells is glucose,
but glucose metabolism produces ammonia, which is toxic unless rapidly
converted to another compound. The primary metabolic role of arginine
is in stimulating the enzyme that starts the urea cycle, which converts
ammonia into a less toxic compound called urea that the blood carries
to the kidneys for excretion.
As
a cholesterol fighter, a high ratio of arginine-to-lysine is recommended.
[1] In the urea cycle, citrulline is a precursor of arginine, so it
may be that foods rich in citrulline (onions, scallions, garlic) lower
cholesterol because the citrulline is converted to arginine in the body.
As
a booster of the immune system, arginine stimulates the thymus and promotes
lymphocyte production. [9, 10] This may be the key to arginine's ability
to promote healing of burns and other wounds. During stress (good or
bad), the thymus gland typically shrinks, and sickness results; however,
arginine facilitates the maintenance of the gland's proper size and
normal production of lymphocytes. [15]
In
support of brain function, arginine is believed to serve as a precursor
to nitric oxide (NO), a neurotransmitter. [1]. Nitric oxide plays a
role in the dilation and constriction of small blood vessels in brain.
Therefore, arginine may have a positive effect on cerebral circulation.
Arginine pyroglutamate is cited for having cognitive-enhancing effects.
[16]
Related
to its neurotransmitter function and its role as a precursor of NO,
L-arginine has been noted for its critical role in stimulating healthy
sex drive and enhanced sexual performance in men. [7]
In
summary, L-arginine is one of the most powerful tools in any anti-aging
program because of its functional value in promoting the production
of HGH and other hormones, strengthening the immune system, improving
lean muscle mass and reducing fat, regulating several vital metabolic
processes, improving cholesterol profiles, supporting brain function,
and enhancing sexuality. Hundreds of studies have been undertaken to
date, and clearly arginine merits further research.
Safety
Considerations
The toxicity level for amino acids is 50 to 500 times the therapeutic
dose range. [1]
High-dose
arginine supplementation may result in watery diarrhea and sometimes
stomach cramps and headaches.
Individuals
with herpes and other viral infections should not take arginine supplements,
because arginine seems to promote the viral growth. [3, 17]
Persons
diagnosed as having schizophrenia are advised to avoid dietary supplementation
of arginine above 30 milligrams per day. [2, 3]
According
to one physician, doses greater than 40 grams per day may pose dangers
to patients with liver and kidney disease. [1] Another expert advises
against any arginine for patients with liver and kidney disease without
the permission of a physician. [9]
Arginine
supplementation is not advised for pregnant women or nursing mothers
[2], nor should supplemental amino acids be administered to a child.
[3, 9]
References
[1]
Braverman, M.D., E.R, The Healing Nutrients Within (New Canaan, CT:
Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997), pages 18, 21-23, 212, 214, 219-221, 223,
228-229. ISBN 0-87983-706-3
[2]
Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Kenneth H., Advanced Nutritional Therapies (Nashville:
1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers), pages 87-88, 93, 94. ISBN 0-7852-7302-6
[3]
Balch, M.D., James F., and Balch, C.N.C, Phyllis A., Prescription for
Nutritional Healing, Second Edition (Garden City Park, NY: 1997, Avery
Publishing Group), pages 35-36. ISBN 0-89529-727-2
[4]
Colgan, Ph.D., Michael, Optimum Sports Nutrition: Your Competitive Edge
(Ronkonkoma NY: 1993, Advanced Research Press), pages 268, 330, 333-334.
ISBN 0-964840-5-9
[5]
Barbul, A. et al., Surgery, vol. 90, p. 244, 1981, as cited in Quillin,
Ph.D., R.D., Patrick, Healing Nutrients (New York: 1989, Vintage), page
164. ISBN 0-679-72187-8
[6]
Pearson, Durk and Shaw, Sandy, Life Extension: A Practical Scientific
Approach (New York: 1980, Warner Books), pages 289, 612. ISBN 0-446-38735-5
[7]
Lamm, M.D., Steven and Couzens, Gerald Secor, Younger at Last: The New
World of Vitality Medicine (New York: 1997, Simon & Schuster), pages
62-64. ISBN 0-684-83438-3
[8]
Klatz, D.O., Ronald with Kahn, Carol, Grow Young with HGH (New York:
1997, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.), pages 200, 201, 206, 304. ISBN
0-06-018682-8
[9]
Hendler, M.D., Ph.D., Sheldon Saul, The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral
Encyclopedia (New York: 1990, Fireside), pages 209-215. ISBN 0-671-66784-X
[10]
Mindell, Ph.D., Earl, Earl Mindell's Anti-Aging Bible (New York: 1996,
Fireside), pages 23-24. ISBN 0-684-81106-5
[11]
Murray, N.D., Michael T. and Pizzorno, N.D., Joseph, Encyclopedia of
Natural Medicine (Rocklin, California: 1991, Prima Publishing), page
359. ISBN 0-55958-091-7
[12]
Le Vert, Suzanne, HGH: The Promise of Eternal Youth (New York: 1997,
Avon Books), page 169. ISBN 0-380-78885-3
[13]
Quillin, Ph.D., R.D., Patrick, Healing Nutrients (New York: 1989, Vintage),
pages 274, 368. ISBN 0-679-72187-8
[14]
DiPasqual, M.D., Mauro G., Body Building Supplement Review (no city
listed: 1995, Optimum Training Systems), page 37.
[15]
Visek, W.J., Journal of Nutrition, vol. 116, p. 36, Jan. 1986, as cited
in Quillin, Ph.D., R.D., Patrick, Healing Nutrients (New York: 1989,
Vintage), page 165. ISBN 0-679-72187-8
[16]
Dean, M.D., Ward and Morgenthaler, John, Smart Drugs & Nutrients
(Menlo Park: 1990, Health Freedom Publications), page 68. ISBN 0-9627418-9-2
[17]
Whitaker, M.D., Julian, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing (Rocklin,
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