The action of the amino acid arginine plays an important role in many different bodily functions. You need arginine to function fully. This post gives you an insight into how arginine works.
The action of the amino acid arginine in the body
Arginine is one of the semi-essential amino acids. This means they are conditionally essential. The human body can produce some of them itself, but missing parts can easily be supplemented through food.
- Arginine contains nitrogen: The body can only make nitric oxide from arginine, which can control the dilation of blood vessels. Arginine, therefore, influences blood circulation and blood pressure.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is considered a risk factor for arteriosclerosis. In one study, subjects took an arginine supplement for several months. In the evaluation, positive effects of arginine on mild high blood pressure were demonstrated.
- Positive effects: Athletes use an increased supply of arginine as it has a positive effect on endurance, strength, and regeneration. It can even release growth hormones. This in turn affects muscle building and your own physical performance.
- Type II diabetes: Older people have a lower sensitivity to insulin from the pancreas. A 2001 study found that arginine increases insulin sensitivity. Arginine can also prevent diabetes by helping the insulin-producing beta cells to regenerate.
- Potency disorders: They usually occur due to circulatory disorders with increasing age. The reason for this lies in the reduced flexibility of the blood vessels. Arginine is also effective for erection problems.
- Immune system: Arginine administration can boost the immune system in sick people. Recovery processes progress faster and better.
- Other possible uses in which adding arginine has a positive effect are for high-risk pregnant women, to prevent pre-eclampsia (pregnancy poisoning), blood poisoning, and necrotizing enterocolitis (a gastrointestinal disease in small children).
Functions of the amino acid
In addition to the described modes of action of the amino acid arginine, several functions can be summarized as follows. The amino acid arginine:
- regulates blood circulation and blood pressure,
- helps in the formation of sperm,
- helps to build up the body’s own collagen and protein,
- helps to detoxify the body (participation in the urea cycle),
- helps to increase the release of growth hormones,
- Helps the immune system to function more smoothly.
How much arginine does the body need?
Depending on how old, healthy, ill, or particularly stressed (e.g. through sport) the person is, the need for the amino acid arginine increases.
- A lack of arginine can lead to high blood pressure, susceptibility to infections, and wound healing disorders. In medicine, therapy with arginine preparations is becoming increasingly important.
- Athletes and the elderly should always follow the dosage instructions for dietary supplements. Although overdoses can have only mild side effects, interactions with other medications are possible.
- Over 200 foods provide L-arginine, which you can use to enrich your body’s balance. Nuts and legumes contain a lot of arginines. Chicken breast, salmon, and shrimp, as well as beef, are also suitable sources of arginine.
- The modern kitchen also provides many recipes that work with arginine suppliers. Almond macarons are delicious. Lentil dal and chicken fajita are good main courses.



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