A Semi-Essential Amino Acid
The amino acid, arginine, has several roles in the body:
- Arginine aids in liver detoxification
- Arginine assists in the release of human growth hormones
- Arginine assists in the maintenance of a healthy immune system
- It increases muscle tone while decreasing fat, curbs the appetite,
and aids in metabolizing fats for weight loss - It increases the production of collagen, and promotes wound healing
- It has been shown to combat mental and physical fatigue
Arginine: The Semi-essential Amino Acid
Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid, because although it is normally synthesized in sufficient amounts by the body, supplementation is sometimes required. Symptoms of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, muscle weakness, hair loss or breakage, skin rash, and constipation.
The body's ability to synthesize the nonessential amino acids such as arginine, and to utilize all amino acids, can be adversely affected by an individual's advancing age, overall health, the presence of infection, physical trauma such as injury, effects of stress, and imbalances of other nutrients.
Found in high concentrations in the connective tissues, arginine is a component of collagen that plays a vital role in the production and repair of new (or damaged) tissue and bone cells. Surgical or traumatic injury greatly increases the body's need for L-arginine.
Arginine Precautions
People with genital herpes should not take L-arginine because it may aggravate their symptoms. It also may counteract the benefits of lysine to treat herpes.
While arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which the body uses to keep blood vessels dilated, allowing the heart to receive adequate oxygen, it should not be used following a heart attack. If you have a history of heart disease, consult your doctor before taking arginine or any nutritional supplement.
Other Benefits
Arginine, ornithine and carnitine work together to release a growth hormone that metabolizes excess body fat.
