L-Arginine is one of 20 amino acids derived from proteins in your diet. L-Arginine is typically considered a semi-essential amino acid; meaning for the average individual you can usually get enough of it from diet alone.

However, for the more athletic individual, who often find themselves at the gym, an L-Arginine supplement would be a great addition to your training regimen.

In this article we will be covering commonly asked questions such as L-Arginine benefits and side effects of L-Arginine as well as who can benefit from supplementing L-Arginine and more.

Where is L-Arginine found?

L-Arginine can be found in several different foods such as;

• Red Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Dairy
• Seeds
• Nuts
• Leafy Vegetables
• Beans

The average individual (in this case meaning an individual who does not lift/weight train on a regular basis) can typically derive enough L-Arginine from a balanced diet. However, for the exceptionally active individual, L-Arginine can also be taken in the form of oral tablets or injections.

L-Arginine Benefits?

L-Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator which allows your blood vessels to relax and expand. This is important, especially when weight training, because the more dilated your blood vessels are, the more nutrients and oxygen will be able to flow through them for longer amounts of time. This will result in more power, stamina, and endurance. A study published in Biology of Sport found that taking an L-Arginine supplement before exercise increased the time it took male wrestlers to become fatigued.

L-Arginine + OptiNOs

We have combined our L-Arginine supplement with OptiNOs, to give you the maximum benefits of both these supplements. OptiNOs, our clinically tested nitric oxide booster and muscle builder, turns on turns on pathways in our body that signal the production of nitric oxide and protein synthesis, and when combined with L-Arginine, gives you the ultimate NO boost.

If you are looking to take your training to the next level, L-Arginine + OptiNOs is definitely the supplement for you.

L-Arginine for Erectile Dysfunction

Since erectile dysfunction, or ED, is mainly a problem with blood vessels reducing blood flow to the penis, an L-Arginine supplement may be beneficial to someone with ED. Studies have found that L-Arginine supplements help alleviate ED in men with low nitrate levels.

Speak to your doctor before supplementing.

L-Arginine for the Immune System

Recent studies published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that arginine supplements may have positive effects on your immune system. Some doctors have prescribed an L-Arginine supplement to help fight infections, promote wound healing, support post-surgery recovery, and complement chemotherapy.

L-Arginine Side Effects?

L-Arginine supplement are considered to be generally safe and have very few reported adverse side effects. There have been infrequent reports of nausea and diarrhea, and some complaints of bitter taste due to higher doses. Due to its ability to dilate blood vessels, low blood pressure may occur.

While L-Arginine side effects are NOT common, it is important to speak with your doctor or primary care physician before beginning supplementation.  

In a nutshell…

All in all, L-Arginine is an amino acid used by your body to synthesize nitric oxide and adequate amounts can usually be obtained through a well-balanced diet. However if you have a history or certain health conditions or are simply looking for a boost in the gym to improve your training, you may want to start supplementing with an L-Arginine supplement.

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Always consult your doctor before adding arginine supplements to your regimen.