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Arginine
Lately,
L-Arginine is the hottest amino topic around, for the moment. Arginine is
added to many supplements for its amazing nitrogen retention ability. Nitrogen
as you are all aware is one of the key elements in muscle protein synthesis.
Some
plants can absorb nitrogen, but we mammals have to make do with the stuff we
make ourselves. Arginine is mostly present in protanines and histones, two
proteins commonly associated with nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA). So far,
its main use was for newborns to excite new growth, because at a young age its
difficult to manufacture enough.
It
enhances the immune system, and stimulates the size and activity of the thymus
gland (responsible for the famous "T-cells"), which makes it a prime
choice for anyone in a condition that is less than optimal for health, such as
people recovering from injury and HIV patients.
The
hormonal release properties include releasing insulin from the pancreas and a
massive stimulator in the manufacture of GH from the anterior pituitary. But
for GH, the metabolite arginine pyroglutamate because it passes the
brain-blood barrier more easily.
It
is often linked to sexual stimulus, with the notion that it may lengthen and
improve orgasms. It is found in seminal fluid and was often used in studies to
enhance the male sexual health and put forward as a cure for sterility.
So
very useful in this day and age of environmental estrogens and not to be
overlooked by steroid-users looking for a post-cycle boost. It also improves
the health of the liver, skin and connective tissues and may lower
cholesterol.
But
mostly it facilitates muscle mass gain while limiting fat storage, because it
keeps fat alive in the system and uses it. It's key in weight control.
Precaution:
Do not stack arginine with lysine because they compete for absorption.
Use
To Bodybuilders Too
many to name. If you read the above, I'm sure you'll realize that.
Dosage
No recommended dosage.
I'm not even sure if anyone produces free-form arginine, but if you have two
equal products and one contains more arginine, the choice should be simple. To
supplement in large doses may lead to side effects, but getting protein
powders and weight-gainers enriched with extra arginine makes sense.
Overdosing Skin thickening and coarsening, weakness,
diarrhea, nausea and loss of immunity to viruses. So it is not a smart idea
for people with viral diseases.
Medical
Uses Treatment
of sexual impairment, and often prescribed against high levels of cholesterol.
Sources
Whole-wheat, nuts and
seeds, rice, chocolate, raisins, soy.
Deficiency Impaired insulin production, hair loss. But
hardly ever occurs in healthy people.
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