What is Arginine?

Arginine is an essential amino acid that is normally present in the various foods that we consume. It is abbreviated as Arg and it is a a-amino acid (a means Alpha). The first isolation of arginine took place in 1886 when Ernst Schultze, a Swiss chemist, isolated it from an extract of lupin seedling. The L arginine is the most common form of arginine and this is what you will find in most of the arginine supplements. From a purely molecular view, CGC, CGU, CGG, CGA, AGG and AGA make the structure of mRNA (the Messenger Ribonucleic Acid). They are the nucleotide bases’ condons or triplets which play the role of codifying for arginine during the process of protein synthesis.

Though the human body produces reasonable amounts of arginine which should actually be enough for the body’s needs, not all bodies are capable of producing sufficient levels and thus one will need to consume supplements rich in arginine in order to supplement the body’s production. The bodies of infants for instance cannot produce enough amounts of arginine and therefore arginine supplementation becomes essential to compensate their inability to produce enough. Arg is found naturally in animal products like ricotta, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey protein drinks, pork, beef, chicken and seafood. Vegetable sources include Brazil nuts, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, chickpeas, hazelnuts, cashews, pecans and coconut.

Arg is synthesised from citruline through a sequential action of argininosuccinate and lyase (ASL) and argininosuccinate (ASS), these are cytosolic enzymes. However, this kind of synthesis is considered costly in terms of energy because each argininosuccinate molecule requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysation to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) which is actually an equivalent of two ATPs. Synthesis of arg in the body takes place in the intestinal-rental axis where the epithelial cells combine with the kidney’s proximal tubule cells. Essentially, the epithelial cells produce citruline from glutamate and glutamine while the proximal tubule cells extract the citruline from the circulation system and convert it to arginine, which is then returned back to circulation. Looking at this synthesis process, it means that if renal function (small bowel) is interfered with or impaired, the endogenous synthesis of arginine will be reduced.

How Does Arganine Work?

When one consumes arginine, it acts as a vasodilator, implying it dilates the blood vessels and by so doing allows more blood passage at a go. It works by increasing the diameter of blood vessels, which in turn increases the flow of blood through the vessels so that the blood can get to the constricted parts. The action of visodilation helps the body to lower blood pressure and in fighting arterial blockages that are normally caused by conditions like atherosclerosis. It equally performs a significant function in cell division, the immune function, hormonal release, removal of ammonia and healing of wounds.

Arginine is also known to work on erectile dysfunction to improve and prevent further deterioration. It produces nitric oxide, releases growth hormones, enhances metabolism of fat and signals the muscle cells. Arg equally has the ability to enhance scavenging of free radicals. These multiple abilities of arginine have contributed to its effectiveness in working, hence the rising popularity and interest in supplements containing arginine.

Arginine as a Precursor

Arginine acts as a precursor for a number of substances, particularly Nitric oxide, agmatine, urea and ornithine. In fact, it is a necessary component in the synthesis of Creatine, which is also produced from amino acids in the body. Arg also finds important use in polyamide synthesis (largely through ornithine), glutamine and citruline. It is through its role as a precursor of nitric oxide that arg plays part in treatment of conditions where vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) is necessary

Why is it good for Body Building?

Arginine has increasingly become significant as a bodybuilding component and body builders have found good use for it. Arg retains water under the skin and regulates the levels of salt in the body. It retains nitrogen that is a valuable substance for bodybuilding because it enhances the performance rate. The ability to enhance protein synthesis coupled with the vasodilating function is crucial in muscle building which is an essential quality for bodybuilding.

Athletes involved in heavy training will find great use for arg particularly because it helps to boost the immune system. This gives athletes the ability to train even more intensively and regularly without struggling. As a result, the body builders and athletes alike can afford to over-train without experiencing the common problems that result from over-training. Supplemental arginine compliments well with the body’s muscles and is highly recommended for body builders and athletes who want to avoid anabolic or adnrogenic steroids.

Arginine is capable of improving hormonal growth levels, which play an important role in body building. In addition, it supports the oxidation of lipids and balanced blood pressure which are all crucial for the body’s well functioning in general as well as improved body building Damaged tissues are repaired quickly through the action of arginine which also helps to reduce the time it takes for injuries to heal, particularly those occurring in the bones. These benefits are crucial for any kind of body building and this makes arg such a good component for the active body building individual.

Arginine certainly has many benefits to offer for those engaged in body building especially when you consider its multiple abilities. It is practically essential for execution of useful physiological processes in the body that in turn help the body in carrying out its functions effectively. Some of the common physiological processes that are executed by arg include the removal of toxic waste from the body, defense of the immune system; hormonal growth, secretion and output.

Arginine Supplements

Arginine supplements assist the body in production of white blood cells that are essential for strengthening the body’s immune system. Other proven benefits of Arginine supplements include protein synthesis, treatment of infertility, enhancement of blood flow, reduction of body fat, production of nitric oxide, weight loss, muscle building, and quick healing in case of bone or tissue damages.

Formulations of Arginine Supplements

The free-form liquid is composed of 100 percent pure Arginine-not even a single ingredient is contained in the formulation. Since it is pure, it means that no digestion is required due to the availability of free amino acids that are normally absorbed directly into the blood stream. Other formulations include Arginine-alpha-ketoglutatrate, L-Arginine, High Glycemic L-Arginine and Arginine Pyroglutamate. These are not pure though since they contain different ingredients.

In What Forms do the Supplements Come In?

Most Arginine Supplements come in form of tablets, capsules, liquids, pills and powder. A liquid Arginine Supplement gets absorbed quickly into the blood stream without waiting for hydrochloric acid to break it down as it happens to solid substances. Powdered Arginine supplements on the other hand must be dissolved in water before they can be taken. You need to be careful when dissolving the powder in water so that you do not waste some of it.

Tablets, capsules and pills do not get absorbed as quickly as the liquid forms because they must undergo the digestive process so that they can be broken down by hydrochloric acid. Their absorption rate is approximately 15 to 30 percent, which implies 70-85 percent of consumed arginine will not be utilised but will instead be driven out of the body as waste. The powdered forms are equally good though not as popular as the liquid form; always ensure it can dissolve adequately.

So What is the Best Among All These Forms?

Liquid Arginine is the best form of Arginine Supplements due to the ease of absorption. As high as 99 percent of the liquid arginine can be absorbed once it is taken with some amount of water or even straight as it is. Liquid Arginine gets into the blood stream faster because it bypasses the digestive system. The only disadvantage is the fact that it may not be appropriate for people like travellers because it must be refrigerated once the seal on the bottle is broken. Unlike the liquid or powdered form, the absorption rate for the other forms like pills is very low. Evidently, in 2002, the Physicians’ Desk Reference proved that only 10- 20 percent of a pill could be absorbed whereas 20-30 percent of a capsule can be absorbed. In fact, some X-rays have shown intact pills in people’s colons with the stamped names visible. However, it must be noted that there are people that prefer taking the arginine supplements in these not so popular forms.

How long will it be before I see results from taking Arginine?

Some of the benefits that you will gain from taking Arginine will be felt almost immediately, such as improved metabolism and attacks on free radicals. Others benefits may take a little longer to take effect but should not take more than a few days to a few weeks of regular use. The quicker you begin taking an Arginine supplement the quicker you will be able to begin reaping the benefits from this important supplement.

When is the best time to take Arginine?

Those who decide to take an Arginine supplement will find that the best results regarding absorption will be provided by taking it two hours before and/or after you perform your workout. As stated before it is also wise to take Arginine with food and water so you may want to also take it with a meal. If you workout in the morning then it would be best to take the supplement right before breakfast whereas if you workout in the afternoon or evening you will want to take it with lunch or dinner.

Meals are important when it comes to working out anyway so it should not be difficult to find a good time to take Arginine. Healthy meals will enhance your workout as well so by taking the supplement with your healthy meal you will be taking a double approach to making the most out of your workout time. It may also be beneficial for those with high blood pressure to take Arginine as well.

When should I not take Arginine?

Although Arginine is generally a safe supplement there are a few types of individuals who should not take Arginine as well as a number of instances in which it may not be safe for certain individuals. Those with a history of mental condition, and/or heart conditions should not take Arginine without the approval of a physician prior to beginning to take it. It is also suggested that those individuals with diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and liver disease consult the advice of a doctor before taking Arginine as well. And finally, Arginine has not yet been tested regarding its use during pregnancy so those women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should refrain from taking it. For those without any underlying health problems Arginine may be just the thing to enhance your workouts and give you the body you want.