Arginine
Arginine or L-arginine is a complex, nitrogen-rich amino acid that is available as a nutritional supplement.[1][2]
Purpose[edit | edit source]
Arginine is one of the 22 amino acids used by human cells to make proteins. Arginine also plays a role in many critical metabolic pathways. It is a precursor for nitric oxide (NO) when catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme.[1][2] It is also a precursor to other amino acids and amino-acid derivitives including proline, citrulline, ornithine, creatine, and agmatine. It also plays an essential role in the urea cycle, which removes nitrogen-containing waste from the body.[2][3] Thus, arginine has a role in many different bodily systems including protein metabolism, vasodilation, modulating the immune system, neurotransmission, ammonia detoxification, cell signaling and muscles.[2][3]
Sources[edit | edit source]
The human body synthesizes arginine from the amino acid citrulline.[2]
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Arginine may help reduce fatigue, and may help prevent or treat heart or circulatory diseases.[1]
ME/CFS[edit | edit source]
Costs and availability[edit | edit source]
Available over the counter.
Risks and safety[edit | edit source]
In a review summarizing current data on safety, pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of oral arginine in adults, the authors concluded that, "Collectively, the data suggest that Arg supplementation is a safe and generally well-tolerated nutriceutical that may improve metabolic profiles in humans", (dosages and exceptions noted in report).[4]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- Arginine - PubChem
- Arginine metabolism - Journal of Nutrition
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 PubChem. "Arginine". pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 van der Poll, MCG; Luiking, YC; Dejong, CHC; Soeters, PB (September 2, 2009). "Amino Acids". In Caballero, Benjamin (ed.). Guide to Nutritional Supplements. Oxford, UK: Academic Press. pp. 2–5. ISBN 978-0-12-375661-9.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Morris, Sydney M. (2016). "Arginine Metabolism Revisited". The Journal of Nutrition. 146 (12): 2579S–2586S. doi:10.3945/jn.115.226621. PMID 27934648.
- ↑ McNeal, Catherine J; Meininger, Cynthia J; Reddy, Deepika; Wilborn, Colin D; Wu, Guoyao (December 2016). "Safety and Effectiveness of Arginine in Adults". The Journal of Nutrition. 146 (12): 2587S–2593S. doi:10.3945/jn.116.234740. PMID 27934649.
