English
L-Arginine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesised by the human body and needs to be consumed from food, as it promotes the secretion of growth hormone and has a stimulating effect on sex hormones. However, in case of deficiency, it can be supplemented with nutritional supplements. Malnutrition, severe burns, infections, high ammonia levels and urine production problems can all lead to L-arginine deficiency. Symptoms associated with L-arginine deficiency include hair loss, skin rashes and difficulty in healing wounds.
Cell division
Wound recovery
Ammonia excretion
Immune function
Hormone secretion
Muscle growth
Functions within proteins
The molecular structure of arginine, its charge distribution and its ability to form multiple hydrogen bonds allow it to bind to negatively charged molecules. As a result, arginine is at the periphery of proteins and can interact in a charged environment. Within the protein, the peptide arginine deiminase converts arginine energy into citrulline. And protein methyltransferases can methylate arginine.
Arginine is a direct precursor of nitric oxide, urea, ornithine and sarcosine, and is an important precursor for the synthesis of creatine and is used in the synthesis of polyamines, citrulline and glutamine.
As a precursor to nitric oxide, arginine assists in vasodilatation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) suppresses the chemical action of nitric oxide, so ADMA is considered a marker of vascular disease, just as arginine is a symbol of a healthy endothelial cell layer.
Cell culture studies have shown that when the ratio of lysine to arginine is skewed in favour of lysine outside the organism (in the test tube), viral replication can be suppressed. The therapeutic efficacy is unknown, but the consumption of arginine may affect the efficacy of lysine injections.
L-arginine is one of the building blocks of protein. It is an amino acid found in a variety of foods such as chicken, fish and dairy products. Many people take L-arginine supplements to treat specific conditions such as congestive heart failure and cystitis. Despite its many benefits, L-arginine also has some potential side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gout and bloating. It also has the potential to increase the severity of herpes outbreaks.
People who are allergic to L-arginine are particularly susceptible to adverse reactions, with asthma and swollen respiratory tracts being the most common. In addition, children and pregnant women are more susceptible to the side effects of L-arginine, especially at higher doses.
High blood pressure may also be affected by L-arginine, so caution should be exercised in people taking antihypertensive medication or those who have recently undergone surgery. This is because this supplement can enhance the effects of blood pressure lowering medication. It can cause blood pressure to drop beyond the expected range, causing dizziness and fainting. People with already low blood pressure can also be affected by the side effects of L-arginine. In addition during surgery, normal blood pressure can be affected by it and there is a risk of complications.
The body requires L-arginine for a variety of functions. For example, it stimulates the body to release specific chemicals, such as insulin and human growth hormone. This amino acid also helps to remove ammonia from the body and has a role in promoting wound healing. It is also required for the body to produce sarcosine. Nitric oxide is produced when L-arginine is broken down, thus increasing blood flow in vascular disease.
