Arginine is an amino acid that was first discovered in 1886. Arginine is one of around 20 important amino acids, but there are around 500 or so in total. Amino acids are commonly known as protein building blocks. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid, this meaning that it can be synthesised by the body from other amino acids.
Most common sources of Arginine are red meats (make sure it is lean and not processed), free range poultry, game meats, wheat germ, wholegrain flours, nuts including coconut, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame and sunflower as well. Arginine is readily available in nutritional supplements from 100mg to 10,000mg in some situations.
Why is it important?
Arginine is the precursor of the useful substance Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide, although it comes in many forms in the body, helps to dilate the blood vessels in the body. Correct and proper blood flow, although sometimes taken for granted, is crucial for proper delivery of nutrients, oxygen, fuel and water to all cells. The use of L-arginine supplementation to raise nitric oxide levels may be beneficial in cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and sickle cell disease. Nitric oxide is produced by a variety of animal and human cells. Nitro-glycerin , a commonly prescribed medicine for angina, replicates this arginine – nitric oxide scenario.
Why is Arginine important for fertility?
Arginine is one of the most researched substances in the world, with over 10,000 medical citations to its name. It has been well documented over decades to have a positive effect on health either through dietary sources or supplementation.
In studies on L-arginine that has been shown to increase ovarian response, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy rates in IVF patients who supplemented in large doses of L-arginine. (Published in Human Reproduction 1999). L-Arginine can benefit women by increasing the cervical mucus, enhancing libido, promoting a healthy environment for implantation and may even extend fertility for women over 40. Sperm health is also affected by L-Arginine. For men with low sperm counts, L-Arginine can be a real help, with one study showing a 250% plus increase in sperm amounts and motility in most study participants.
L-Arginine may benefit men by increasing sperm health, count and motility, improve erectile function and can increase testosterone levels, if needed.
According to Professor Frank Sommer from the Institute for Men’s Health, at the Hamburg-Eppendorf Clinic in Germany, men should also ensure they eat a balanced diet and get enough exercise. He specifically recommended arginine, stating that it is, “…very important for many processes in the testicles and penis and can have a positive influence on the dynamics and fitness of sperm cells.”
In both men and women, arginine also has an important role to play in the brain. Arginine has been shown to improve hypothalamus and pituitary function. These small glands in the brain control the orchestra of hormones in the body including FSH, LH, hGH, TSH and so many more. Correct levels of our hormones are crucial in both men and women for correct development and maturation of sperm and egg cells.
Dosages:
Arginine, being a protein molecule, dosages of the nutrient are considerably more than what we are used to in medicines. From our research in Pillar Healthcare, it would seem that the therapeutic dosage for men and women is around 5,000mg. Arginine’s other half is Citrulline. Citrulline enhances arginine’s effect by twelve times and prolongs the amino acids benefits. The ideal ratio appears to be 5:1.5 thus 5,000mg of arginine and 1,500mg of citrulline or citrulline malate.
Notes: Arginine, although being a natural substance, has some contra-indications. Although arginine has several benefits for heart health, it is the cardiovascular medications that have the most contra-indications with arginine. Always a good idea to talk to your healthcare practitioner if taking medicines.
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