Info: Available in 2 Strengths and Quantities of Capsules or as a Pure Powder
L-Arginine is one of the most versatile amino acids in our bodies, which helps our cells synthesize proteins, nitric oxide, urea, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine and agmatine. One of its first and perhaps most important identified function is in helping to create urea in order to excrete toxic ammonia from the body, but it also helps make nitric oxide (NO), a relaxing factor which regulates vascular tone and blood flow.
Info: Available in 2 Strengths and Quantities of Capsules or as a Pure Powder
L-Arginine is one of the most versatile amino acids in our bodies, which helps our cells synthesize proteins, nitric oxide, urea, polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine and agmatine. One of its first and perhaps most important identified function is in helping to create urea in order to excrete toxic ammonia from the body, but it also helps make nitric oxide (NO), a relaxing factor which regulates vascular tone and blood flow.
Product Notes:
Although our bodies normally make enough arginine on their own, people with protein malnutrition or excessive ammonia production may not. Similarly for those with excessive lysine intake, burns, infections, peritoneal dialysis, rapid growth, urea synthesis disorders, or sepsis. Symptoms of arginine deficiency include poor wound healing, hair loss, skin rash, constipation, and fatty liver.
Alternatively, many body builders take it because it can also help produce creatine, an energy substrate for muscles, plus it can increase anabolic hormones such as human growth hormone (HGH) and glucagon. Those users may prefer to take it in the powdered form.
In addition to increasing the maximum amount of oxygen a person's able to take in, some other perhaps unexpected areas l-arginine supplementation has been shown to be able to help with include: improving fracture healing, lowering blood pressure (especially in women!), fighting obesity (particularly around the waistline), and improving mild to moderate Erectile Dysfunction.
Ingredients:
Each capsule (Health Canada Natural Product Number 80002671) contains:
500 mg L-Arginine.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Capsule (gelatin, water), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).
Each Tablet (NPN: 80002670) contains:
1000 mg L-Arginine (from L-Arginine HCl)
Non-medicinal ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Silica, Croscarmellose Sodium, Tablet Coating (hypromellose, stearic acid, cellulose).
Each Level Teaspoonful (15 ml) of the Powder (NPN: 80024998) contains:
2,300 mg L-Arginine (no other ingredients).
The L-Arginine used in these products is Pharmaceutical Grade (USP).
Suggested Usage:
Adults: Take two 500 mg Capsules 1 to 3 times daily as required, between meals, or at bedtime with a carbohydrate drink to facilitate absorption. Or,
Adults: Take one 1,000 mg Tablet 1 to 3 times daily, between meals or at bedtime with a carbohydrate drink to facilitate absorption. Do not use beyond 8 weeks. Or,
For the Powder: Adults: For Protein Synthesis: Take 1 to 3 level teaspoons (2.3 to 6.9G), one to 3 times per day between meals, or at bedtime with a drink. Do not exceed 8 g per single dose, or 21 g per day.
For Improvement in Exercise Capacity in individuals with stable CVD: Take 2 to 3 level teaspoons (4.6 to 6.9 g), two to three times per day between meals or at bedtime with a drink. Do not exceed 8 g per single dose, or 21 g per day.
Consult a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks.
For each type, keep bottle tightly closed, and store in a cool, dry place.
Warnings:
Capsules and Tablets: Do not use if you have gout, decreased platelet count, elevated blood-urea-nitrogen, serum creatine and creatinine, delayed menses, asthma, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also do not use if you have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or have established coronary artery disease.
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you have human herpes virus, sickle cell anemia, are taking antihypertensives, cyclosporine, estrogens, birth control medications, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone, nitrates, potassium-increasing drugs, sildenafil, xylitol, and/or aminophylline.
Powder: Do not use NOW Foods L-Arginine if you have had a heart attack/myocardial infarction. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a renal/kidney disease, or if you are following a low protein diet, if you suffer from a cardiovascular disease and are attempting an increase in physical activity, or if you are taking medication for cardiovascular diseases, erectile dysfunction, and/or blood thinners. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea).
Supporting Science:
“Effect of l-Arginine Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 2022.
“Oral L-arginine supplementation for fracture healing: a systematic review of preclinical studies.” Acta Orthopaedica Belgica, 2022.
“Role of L-Arginine in Nitric Oxide Synthesis and Health in Humans.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2021.
“The effect of L-arginine supplementation on maximal oxygen uptake: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Physiological Reports, 2021.
“The effect of L-arginine supplementation on obesity-related indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2021.
“The Effects of Oral l-Arginine and l-Citrulline Supplementation on Blood Pressure.” Nutrients, 2019.
“The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2019.
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