1. Nutritional Health Supplements: Very Useful Arginine
Arginine is a substance mentioned regularly in articles on nutrition and yet, if you are like me, you may
not be sure what use it is. It is a 'conditional' essential amino acid, which means the body can produce it
but in situations such as surgery and trauma the body cannot provide enough. In such circumstances the
supply needs to be augmented from food or nutritional health supplements.
This amino acid is one of those many substances that has several uses.
It is an important part of the production of protein and in the removal of waste ammonia from the body.
Not only this but arginine has recently been discovered as a way to treat male erectile dysfunction.
During 1999 the BJU Journal reported the findings of a research project where fifty sufferers of the
condition were placed on a course of either a placebo or five grams of L-arginine. At the end of six
weeks, those taking the supplement had a greater improvement than those on the placebo. Arginine
creates nitric acid to improve the flow of blood to the penis; Viagra on the other hand blocks the
enzyme that reduces nitric acid. Arginine
Arginine can improve the amount of growth hormone in the pituitary gland. This has various uses such
as transferring fat molecules into the blood supply, which enables it to be burned as energy used in the
muscles. The dosage is significant, as is the timing because early production of growth hormone will
disrupt the body's own supply. Nonetheless the substance is of great use to athletes.
It has been used to be beneficial to burn patients and those recovering from surgery as it has been found
to help the production of collagen in healthy people over the age of seventy. This means wound healing
is improved.
Of course, if arginine helps with the blood supply to the penis, it must follow that it helps in blood flow
elsewhere. And that is indeed the case. Sufferers of angina can be given this amino acid to help the
effectiveness of all blood vessels. A research study published in Clinical Cardiology in 2000 showed
arginine could improve the operation of the heart although in addition to, rather than instead of,
existing treatments. L Arginine
In the light of the data collected so far, it seems the correct use of arginine will reduce blood pressure,
control the level of glucose and reduce the mass of fat in the body. Other uses have come to light in
other studies: including relieving leg cramps, reduce inflammation of the bladder and improve the
operation of transplanted kidneys.
Other uses may well be discovered in the future, including in the treatment of dementia, but there is not
enough firm evidence as yet.
Certainly care should be taken to ensure the levels of this useful substance are maintained, especially
after severe occasions of injury, infection or burns when the use of nutritional health supplements may
be needed to support the body's own production of arginine. Periods of high trauma deplete the supply
considerably and risk affecting other parts of the body.
Having said that, some caution is required in the prescribing of this substance as arginine increases

2. stomach acids so excess quantities may cause indigestion.?? Equally overdoses may worsen asthma and
some allergies. Of course, as this amino acid lowers blood pressure, it should be avoided if you already
have problems in that area. L- Arginine
Arginine is clearly important within the body and has a significant influence on our health. It is, as in
starting any course of nutritional health supplements, always better to consult a doctor before taking
this substance regularly.