In studies, researchers tested the effect of l-arginine supplements and noticed that they markedly reduced the subjects’ blood pressure. The researchers conducted 11 studies on 387 individuals for at least a month. Every case showed a decrease in both top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) blood pressure numbers (x). Angina For reference, research shows that a typical Western diet provides between 25–30% of total arginine present in the body ( 5). Kashyap, V. S., et al. (2017). The LargPAD Trial: Phase IIA evaluation of l-arginine infusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Popolo, A., et al. (2014). L-arginine and its metabolites in kidney and cardiovascular disease [Abstract]. People experiencing migraines, high blood pressure, and injuries may also experience some benefits.

Camic, C. L., Housh, T. J., Zuniga, J. M., Hendrix, R. C., Mielke, M., Johnson, G. O., and Schmidt, R. J. Effects of arginine-based supplements on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold. J Strength.Cond.Res 2010;24(5):1306-1312. View abstract. Battaglia, C., Mancini, F., Battaglia, B., Facchinetti, F., Artini, P. G., and Venturoli, S. L-arginine plus drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol in the treatment of patients with PCOS: a prospective, placebo controlled, randomised, pilot study. Gynecol.Endocrinol. 2010;26(12):861-868. View abstract. Kidney disease: L-arginine has caused high potassium levels when used by people with kidney disease. In some cases, this has resulted in a dangerous irregular heartbeat.

When to take l-arginine

McNeal, C., J., et al. (2018). Safety of dietary supplementation with arginine in adult humans [Abstract]. Occasionally, a person’s need for L-arginine may exceed their body’s ability to produce or consume it naturally. This is often true for older adults or people with certain medical conditions. A 2016 review of 7 studies found that supplementing with L-arginine by both oral and intravenous (IV) administration significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure by up to 5.4 mm/Hg and 3.1 mm/Hg, respectively ( 1). Management of critical illness

Treating erectile dysfunction: Low levels of L-arginine may have links to erectile dysfunction (ED). Researchers in a 2017 study hypothesized that this may be due, in part, to narrowed blood vessels. People often use L-arginine supplementation, sometimes with other treatments, such as sildenafil (Viagra), to treat ED. Another interaction between smoking, drinking, and l-arginine powder is the formation of an l-arginine adduct. One of the major functions it performs in the body is cardiovascular health. A number of studies suggest it may benefit patients with high blood pressure, angina and coronary artery disease. High Blood Pressure Because of its supersonic capacity to help with blood flow, L-arginine is sometimes taken to help with migraines and hypertension, and to enhance heart health and immunity.de Gouw, H. W., Verbruggen, M. B., Twiss, I. M., and Sterk, P. J. Effect of oral L-arginine on airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine in asthma. Thorax 1999;54(11):1033-1035. View abstract.

As previously noted, l-arginine is involved in many significant functions in the body, including heart health. But how exactly does it operate? What does it do in the body? L-arginine is converted into nitric oxide by enzymatic reaction involving citrulline. How does it help the heart? Natural nitric oxide synthesis helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by relaxing or vasodilating the smooth muscle tissue of the blood vessels, which helps to improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on the heart (x).Monti, L. D., et al. (2018). Decreased diabetes risk over 9 year after 18-month oral l-arginine treatment in middle-aged subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome (extension evaluation of L-arginine study). Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-arginine is safe to use when breast-feeing. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.