Arginine

[Guest guest]

I had 100mg tablets. Previously I had no discernable benefit from 50mg.

50mg of viagra might be adequate in conjunction with arginine. 75mg

might be fine, but it is an inconvenient dose to administer unless you

have 25mg tablets or like to split tablets.

I hadn't taken arginine in quite some time so I don't think

accumulation was a factor for me.

I'll be interested to hear your result.

Brad

> Well, 100mg of Viagra itself seems excessive to me.

> Btw, I have read that doses over 75mg do not make much

> difference in terms of results.

> May be your body finally accumulated enough LA and you

> just experienced cumulative effect of all theoe weeks

> when you took LA regulary.

> But I will defenetely try it also.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Mike,

All I remember is a deficiency of it causes some sort of muscle

weakness. There is an Arginine Foot Cream I have seen, but not sure

under what conditions it is used for. Maybe this website will shed

more light. http://www.primev.com/Arginine.htm

Arginine is a vitally important amino acid that has been studied for

more than fifty years. Amino acids are the building blocks of

protein, and protein is the building block of all living cells. The

greatest portion of human body weight, after water, is protein. On

the cellular level, the principal function of DNA is to provide

the " blueprints " for production of hundreds of different proteins,

each constructed from unique sequences of amino acids that are held

together by peptide bonds. There are more than twenty commonly known

amino acids, and additional amino acids are periodically identified,

classified, and studied.

A healthy liver can produce approximately 80 percent of the body's

required amino acids. They are termed the " nonessential " amino acids,

not because they lack importance, quite the contrary, but because the

body can synthesize them from other amino acids obtained from dietary

sources. The human body, for example, can readily synthesize arginine

to ornithine, or ornithine to arginine. The remaining 20 percent of

amino acids required by humans are termed " essential " amino acids

because they cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained

from dietary sources. The body's ability to synthesize the

nonessential amino acids such as arginine, and to utilize all amino

acids, can be adversely affected by an individual's advancing age,

overall health, organ health, the presence of infection, physical

trauma such as injury, effects of stress, compromised nutrient

absorption capacity, and imbalances of other nutrients.

The study of amino acids is making a major contribution to the

understanding of diseases. Amino acid therapies have been used

successfully to prevent aging, prevent heart disease, enhance memory,

eliminate depression, control stress, improve sleep, relieve

arthritis, reduce herpes, arrest alcoholism, manage allergies, and

promote hair growth. [1]

Arginine has been linked to enhanced immunity, the release of the

Human Growth Hormone (HGH), greater muscle mass, rapid healing from

injury, increased sexual potency, and helping to reverse

atherosclerosis. [2]

Sometimes one amino acid can cancel the effect of another. For

example, arginine is reported to have an antagonistic relationship

with lysine. [1] On the other hand, arginine has a complementary

relationship with ornithine, citrulline, and aspartic acid.

Requirements

R.D.A. Minimal Requirements. The U.S. Government, through the

National Research Council's Food and Nutrition Board, has not

established a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for arginine.

Unique Needs. Each person has biochemical individuality, and

significantly differing needs for amino acid supplements. Amino acid

levels are effected by diet, gender, geography, and fluctuations

according to the time of day. When supplementing arginine orally,

some researchers recommend taking the supplements for two months,

then discontinuing for two months before starting a new " cycle. " [3,

4]

(at the above website there is a table here with conditions/dose)

Signs of Deficiency. Deficiency produces symptoms of muscle weakness,

similar to muscular dystrophy. [1] Arginine-deficiency impairs

insulin production, glucose production, and liver lipid metabolism.

[3] Conditional deficiencies of arginine or ornithine are associated

with the presence of excessive ammonia in the blood, excessive

lysine, rapid growth, pregnancy, trauma, or protein deficiency and

malnutrition. Arginine deficiency is also associated with rash, hair

loss and hair breakage, poor wound healing, constipation, fatty

liver, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatic coma. [1]

Food Sources. Dietary arginine is found in chocolate, wheat germ and

flour, buckwheat, granola, oatmeal, dairy products (cottage cheese,

ricotta, nonfat dry milk, skim yogurt), beef (roasts, steaks), pork

(Canadian bacon, ham), nuts (coconut, pecans, cashews, walnuts,

almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, peanuts), seeds (pumpkin, sesame,

sunflower), poultry (chicken and turkey light meat), wild game

(pheasant, quail), seafood (halibut, lobster, salmon, shrimp, snails,

tuna in water), chick peas, and cooked soybeans. [2, 11]

Substantially increasing consumption of dietary protein (meats, dairy

products, etc.) to ensure optimal levels of circulating amino acids

may prove to be unhealthy because excessive dietary protein places

stress on the liver and kidneys, which process the waste products of

protein metabolism. [2] In addition, protein-rich foods often are

rich in fats, which may cause unwanted weight gain and an unfavorable

cholesterol profile.

Forms. Arginine, like most amino acids, can have one of two forms,

called the L-form and the D-form. These two forms are mirror images

of each other, with the L-form molecule rotating in a spiral to the

left (L for " levo " which is Latin for " left " ) and the D-form

spiralling to the right (D for " dextro, " Latin for " right " ). The L-

form of arginine (and most other amino acids) is more compatible with

human biochemistry, such that L-arginine is the only form

recommended. [3]

Most researchers recommend the free (also called undigested) forms of

amino acids, which do not need to be digested and are absorbed

directly into the blood for distribution throughout the body. In

hospital settings, arginine may be prescribed for therapeutic

purposes in the forms of di-peptides, tri-peptides, or hydrolysates,

but generally the free form is considered best, particularly the L-

form. [1]

Some nutrition scientists advise that supplementation of L-arginine

and lysine may have mutually negating effects such that the benefits

of neither are full expressed. Other experts, however,

recommend " stacking " (taking more than individual amino acid

supplements at the same time) to boost their effects, such as

arginine and lysine supplements taken together to amplify the effects

of both, for example: reportedly increasing HGH release by four times

that of arginine alone. [8] Another researcher suggests

supplementation of dietary amino acids should be based on the

combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, and L-ornithine to stimulate HGH

production. [12] According to Medical Director Giampapa of the

Longevity Institute International (in Montclair, New Jersey), the

optimal oral daily supplementation of amino acids should include 2

grams arginine plus 2 grams ornithine plus1 gram lysine plus 1 gram

glutamine. [8] Further studies are required to determine optimal

dosages and combinations of dosages.

To achieve greatest effectiveness as an HGH releaser, L-arginine

should be consumed on an empty stomach at bedtime. [6, 13] HGH

release occurs 30-60 minutes after falling asleep, and also during

and just following vigorous exercise. [4]

Why People Take It

Arthritis. Found in high concentrations in the connective tissues,

arginine is a component of collagen that plays a vital role in the

production of new tissue and bone cells. [3]

Alzheimer's Patients. Arginine may prove helpful in treating

Alzheimer's, because it raises polyamine levels. [1]

Cancer Patients. Arginine retards tumor growth by enhancing immune

function. [3, 9] Arginine increases the size and activity of the

thymus gland, which produces T-cells. Large doses of arginine can

lower polyamines, which are present in various cancers in elevated

levels. [1] Arginine has been found to inhibit the growth of several

types of tumors in laboratory mice.

Liver Disorders. Arginine aids in liver detoxification by

neutralizing ammonia, and may benefit in the treatment of liver

disorders such as liver injury, hepatic cirrhosis, and fatty liver

degeneration. [1, 3, 9]

Weight Loss. Arginine facilitates a reduction in body fat, while

increasing lean muscle mass. [3] Arginine inhibits the absorption of

dietary fat.

Body Building. More than fifty research studies reportedly support

the value of arginine supplementation for athletes. [4] Arginine is

considered to be key to efficient muscle metabolism because of its

role in the transport, storage, and elimination of nitrogen. Creatine

is derived from arginine, as are guanidophosphate and

phosphoarginine, all of which have roles in muscle metabolism.

After a vigorous workout, the body has increased testosterone and HGH

production for a period lasting approximately two hours. During this

timeframe, dietary arginine and ornithine can contribute to a

hormonal environment that produces increased protein synthesis and

muscle growth. [14]

Fertility. Seminal fluid contains substantial quantities of arginine,

and arginine may be beneficial in treating sterility in men. [13] In

one study, men with low sperm counts took 4 grams of arginine orally,

with 80% of the men showing significant improvement, in some cases

resulting in pregnancies. [9] Arginine is also noted by one

researcher for its ability to increase libido and induce erections.

[7, 8] Arginine, ornithine, and aspartic acid have been shown to have

a positive effect on sperm viability and motility. [1]

Inherited Urea Cycle Disorders (Rare). Arginine therapy is employed

in the treatment of arginemia, citrullinemia, and argininosuccinic

aciduria. [1]

Anti-Aging Considerations

Arginine is involved in the production of variety of enzymes and

hormones. Arginine facilitates the release of HGH, stimulates the

pancreas for insulin production, and is a component in the hormone

vasopressin produced by the pituitary gland. [3] One mechanism for

arginine as an HGH releaser may be its capacity for blocking

secretion of the HGH-inhibitor: somatostatin. [8]

HGH-release by means of arginine may offer benefits in the treatment

of fractures and injuries, as well strengthening the immune system,

building lean muscle, burning fat, and reversing many of the effects

of aging. [9]

The elderly respond to arginine with substantially increased levels

of glucose and growth hormone. [1] A study at the Division of

Endocrinology at the University of Turin involving normal adults aged

66-82 who tripled the level of HGH in their blood after

administration of 30-gram injections of arginine. [4, 8]

Arginine is essential for optimum growth and in the regulation of

protein metabolism. [1] The main source of energy for muscle and

other cells is glucose, but glucose metabolism produces ammonia,

which is toxic unless rapidly converted to another compound. The

primary metabolic role of arginine is in stimulating the enzyme that

starts the urea cycle, which converts ammonia into a less toxic

compound called urea that the blood carries to the kidneys for

excretion.

As a cholesterol fighter, a high ratio of arginine-to-lysine is

recommended. [1] In the urea cycle, citrulline is a precursor of

arginine, so it may be that foods rich in citrulline (onions,

scallions, garlic) lower cholesterol because the citrulline is

converted to arginine in the body.

As a booster of the immune system, arginine stimulates the thymus and

promotes lymphocyte production. [9, 10] This may be the key to

arginine's ability to promote healing of burns and other wounds.

During stress (good or bad), the thymus gland typically shrinks, and

sickness results; however, arginine facilitates the maintenance of

the gland's proper size and normal production of lymphocytes. [15]

In support of brain function, arginine is believed to serve as a

precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a neurotransmitter. [1]. Nitric oxide

plays a role in the dilation and constriction of small blood vessels

in brain. Therefore, arginine may have a positive effect on cerebral

circulation. Arginine pyroglutamate is cited for having cognitive-

enhancing effects. [16]

Related to its neurotransmitter function and its role as a precursor

of NO, L-arginine has been noted for its critical role in stimulating

healthy sex drive and enhanced sexual performance in men. [7]

In summary, L-arginine is one of the most powerful tools in any anti-

aging program because of its functional value in promoting the

production of HGH and other hormones, strengthening the immune

system, improving lean muscle mass and reducing fat, regulating

several vital metabolic processes, improving cholesterol profiles,

supporting brain function, and enhancing sexuality. Hundreds of

studies have been undertaken to date, and clearly arginine merits

further research.

Safety Considerations

The toxicity level for amino acids is 50 to 500 times the therapeutic

dose range. [1]

High-dose arginine supplementation may result in watery diarrhea and

sometimes stomach cramps and headaches.

Individuals with herpes and other viral infections should not take

arginine supplements, because arginine seems to promote the viral

growth. [3, 17]

Persons diagnosed as having schizophrenia are advised to avoid

dietary supplementation of arginine above 30 milligrams per day. [2,

3]

According to one physician, doses greater than 40 grams per day may

pose dangers to patients with liver and kidney disease. [1] Another

expert advises against any arginine for patients with liver and

kidney disease without the permission of a physician. [9]

Arginine supplementation is not advised for pregnant women or nursing

mothers [2], nor should supplemental amino acids be administered to a

child. [3, 9]

References

[1] Braverman, M.D., E.R, The Healing Nutrients Within (New Canaan,

CT: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997), pages 18, 21-23, 212, 214, 219-

221, 223, 228-229. ISBN 0-87983-706-3

[2] , M.D., M.P.H., H., Advanced Nutritional Therapies

(Nashville: 1996, , Inc. Publishers), pages 87-88, 93,

94. ISBN 0-7852-7302-6

[3] Balch, M.D., F., and Balch, C.N.C, Phyllis A., Prescription

for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition (Garden City Park, NY: 1997,

Avery Publishing Group), pages 35-36. ISBN 0-89529-727-2

[4] Colgan, Ph.D., , Optimum Sports Nutrition: Your

Competitive Edge (Ronkonkoma NY: 1993, Advanced Research Press),

pages 268, 330, 333-334. ISBN 0-964840-5-9

[5] Barbul, A. et al., Surgery, vol. 90, p. 244, 1981, as cited in

Quillin, Ph.D., R.D., , Healing Nutrients (New York: 1989,

Vintage), page 164. ISBN 0-679-72187-8

[6] Pearson, Durk and Shaw, Sandy, Life Extension: A Practical

Scientific Approach (New York: 1980, Warner Books), pages 289, 612.

ISBN 0-446-38735-5

[7] Lamm, M.D., and Couzens, Gerald Secor, Younger at Last:

The New World of Vitality Medicine (New York: 1997, Simon &

Schuster), pages 62-64. ISBN 0-684-83438-3

[8] Klatz, D.O., with Kahn, Carol, Grow Young with HGH (New

York: 1997, Harper Publishers, Inc.), pages 200, 201, 206,

304. ISBN 0-06-018682-8

[9] Hendler, M.D., Ph.D., Sheldon Saul, The Doctor's Vitamin and

Mineral Encyclopedia (New York: 1990, Fireside), pages 209-215. ISBN

0-671-66784-X

[10] Mindell, Ph.D., Earl, Earl Mindell's Anti-Aging Bible (New York:

1996, Fireside), pages 23-24. ISBN 0-684-81106-5

[11] Murray, N.D., T. and Pizzorno, N.D., ph,

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Rocklin, California: 1991, Prima

Publishing), page 359. ISBN 0-55958-091-7

[12] Le Vert, Suzanne, HGH: The Promise of Eternal Youth (New York:

1997, Avon Books), page 169. ISBN 0-380-78885-3

[13] Quillin, Ph.D., R.D., , Healing Nutrients (New York:

1989, Vintage), pages 274, 368. ISBN 0-679-72187-8

[14] DiPasqual, M.D., Mauro G., Body Building Supplement Review (no

city listed: 1995, Optimum Training Systems), page 37.

[15] Visek, W.J., Journal of Nutrition, vol. 116, p. 36, Jan. 1986,

as cited in Quillin, Ph.D., R.D., , Healing Nutrients (New

York: 1989, Vintage), page 165. ISBN 0-679-72187-8

[16] Dean, M.D., Ward and Morgenthaler, , Smart Drugs & Nutrients

(Menlo Park: 1990, Health Freedom Publications), page 68. ISBN 0-

9627418-9-2

[17] Whitaker, M.D., n, Dr. Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing

(Rocklin, California: Prima Publishing, 1996), page 269. ISBN 1-55958-

495-5

Vitality Research Institute is dedicated to empowering people through

education, by developing, documenting, and disseminating research

findings on the timely subjects of anti-aging, human life longevity,

nutrition-based vitality enhancement, and the vitality health

sciences.

The information provided by Vitality Research Institute is intended

to educate and enlighten and is not intended nor should it be

utilized as medical advice; each individual's specific health

situation is unique, and individuals should seek the advice of a

health care professional in matters related to his or her health and

well-being.

[Guest guest]

Now that Cheryl said this, I remember Dr. G saying something about arginine

³Helping the virus.²

If you Google ³arginine + herpes virus², you¹ll find a wealth of information

on this subject (over 6,000,000 hits).

By the way, it¹s an amino acid and our bodies can actually manufacture it

(but infants not so well) so it¹s basically impossible to eliminate it

completely.

Here¹s the link to Wikipedia¹s page on arginine...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arginine

....where it says...

Arginine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning it can be manufactured by the

human body, and does not need to be obtained directly through the diet. The

biosynthetic pathway however does not produce sufficient arginine, and some

must still be consumed through diet. Individuals who have poor nutrition or

certain physical conditions may be advised to increase their intake of foods

containing arginine. Arginine is found in a wide variety of foods,

including:

Animal sources: dairy products (e.g. cottage cheese, ricotta, milk, yogurt,

whey protein drinks), beef, pork (e.g. bacon, ham), poultry (e.g. chicken

and turkey light meat), wild game (e.g. pheasant, quail), seafood (e.g.

halibut, lobster, salmon, shrimp, snails, tuna in water)

Vegan sources: wheat germ and flour, buckwheat, granola, oatmeal, nuts

(coconut, pecans, cashews, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, pine

nuts, peanuts), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), chick peas, cooked

soybeans

....and also says...

³A low ratio of arginine to lysine may be of benefit in the treatment of

herpes simplex virus.²

Anyway, it sounds as though it¹s probably not a bad idea to avoid a diet

high in arginine.

Caroline G.

From: " cher.lowrance " <cher.lowrance@...>

Reply-< >

Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:39:52 -0700

< >

Subject: Re: Re: diet, a review of recent posts, please comment

Dr. G isn't a fan of many nuts because of the arginine content in

most nuts. Peanuts are OK but that's about it.

Cheryl