This protective of the immune system also helps regulate sugar and in cases of male infertility. It is an ideal complement for athletes.
- Arginine: what is it for?
- Is arginine dangerous? Precautions and contraindications
- What foods contain arginine?
- Recommended dose of arginine
Arginine, what is it? It is a non-essential amino acid, that is, a component of proteins that the body can synthesize from other amino acids. It is recommended as an immune stimulant and insulin formation of the pancreas, as a liver protector and as a sexual invigorator.
We tell you what it is for, its benefits and where to find it.
ARGININE: WHAT IS IT FOR?
Arginine regulates different aspects of how the body works. But what is arginine for?
- Stimulates the immune system. The effect of arginine on immunity is complex, as it stimulates the function of the thymus, which produces T-type lymphocytes. Therefore, it is recommended in people with simple immune weaknesses (with recurrent pharyngitis and colds, canker sores, etc.), more severe immune weaknesses (it has been postulated in the treatment of AIDS) and diseases that occur more or less with complex immune alterations (cancer or some degenerative diseases).
- Regulates the hormonal system. Arginine also exerts a complex action on the hormonal system (closely linked to the immune). In addition to stimulating the thymus, it regulates vasopressin (pituitary gland hormone), growth hormone, insulin, etc.
- Helps control weight. Its hormonal regulatory action is much more general than it might seem. And it helps, indirectly, weight control, since it increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass.
- Strengthens collagen and muscle tissue. Arginine can serve as a supplement for people who practice bodybuilding because it improves fracture repair.
- It helps maintain nitrogen balance and therefore suits people with arthritis or tendinitis.
- It is involved in insulin activity. Arginine deficiency, rather rare, can alter plasma sugar control, as it influences the effectiveness of insulin. That is why another of its indications is diabetes.
- It is essential in seminal fluid. The seminal fluid is very rich in arginine and its presence is important for proper sexual maturation. Therefore, its supplementation is also recommended in cases of sterility of male origin.
Who should take arginine? Due to the properties and effects of arginine on the body, it is recommended to take arginine to people who practice bodybuilding and bodybuilding exercises, people with arthritis or tendinitis, diabetics with arginine deficiency and men with fertility problems. However, before taking anginina it is always necessary to consult with a specialist.
IS ARGININE DANGEROUS? PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Like any dietary supplement, it should be consumed in moderation before taking arginine.
- High and prolonged doses may cause skin problems, weakness, diarrhea and decreased immune response.
- Its use is not recommended in pregnant or lactating women (unless medically indicated) and people with schizophrenia.
WHAT FOODS CONTAIN ARGININE?
It is found in many foods: chocolate, wheat germ, cereal flours, nuts (coconut, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, peanuts), seeds (sunflower and pumpkin seeds, sesame), peas, soybeans …
For this reason, the best way to ensure a correct amount of arginine in the body is to eat a balanced diet rich in healthy products such as nuts and whole grains.
RECOMMENDED DOSE OF ARGININE
As a supplement it is usually sold in tablets or capsules of 750 mg, of which are taken between 1 and 4 a day.
