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Arginine is an essential amino acid that is believed to aid in
healing wounds, helping to eliminate ammonia from the body,
improving immune function, and enhancing production of several
hormones including glucagon, insulin, and growth hormone.
The
effect of arginine on growth hormone levels has implicit value in
the body building industry in particular. In studies when arginine
was combined with vigorous exercise and weight training, a much
greater decrease in body fat was obtained after only five weeks than
when the same exercise was combined with a placebo.
By
helping to increase protein synthesis, argenine may help increase
cellular replication in people with low levels of certain kings of
cells. Arginine’s ability to positively affect protein synthesis is
also believed to improve wound healing.
Arginine is also a
precursor to nitric oxide, which the body uses to keep blood vessels
dilated, allowing the heart to receive adequate oxygen. Researchers
have begun to use arginine in people with angina and congestive
heart failure.
Preliminary evidence suggests that arginine
may help regulate cholesterol levels. Arginine also appears to act
as a natural blood thinner by reducing platelet
aggregation.
Dosage
While some people
with serious infections, burns, or other trauma should take
arginine, appropriate amounts must be determined by a physician.
However, research on cardiovascular disease has used between 6 and
20 grams of arginine per day.
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