What's the Difference Between L-Arginine and L-Glutamine?
L-arginine is a peptide amino acid that has recently been found to have biological activity. Arginine is a hinge amino acid, which means that it cannot exist without its head, the amino acid L-alanine. The L-arginine's function in biology is complicated, since it is a highly sensitive ligand; one that is tightly linked to several receptor types. When L-arginine is in its inactive, non-functional state, it tends to get randomly bound to many other molecules, including those that participate in various biological processes and whose presence in the body's cells may affect these processes. This results in a wide range of medical conditions and diseases.
What makes l-arginine important is its ability to activate the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH), the hormone responsible for the development of lean tissues, muscles, and organs. The release of HGH promotes cellular metabolism and growth; in turn, people become healthier and live longer. However, excessive use of L-arginine may result in some serious side effects, namely the accumulation of arginine in the body, which can ultimately result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, muscle fatigue, irritability, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. Now, medical researchers have revealed that the benefits of L-arginine may also extend to the immune system and the brain.
In a study performed by the Institute of Clinical and Translational Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, doctors examined the effect of L-arginine on blood vessels. Using a technique called electrophoresis, or the use of water, arginine was measured in patients with active infusions of L-arginine. The results showed that there was an appreciable increase in arginine plasma levels and a corresponding improvement in peripheral vascular function. These results are noteworthy since elevated plasma arginine levels are known to reduce peripheral resistance and improve vascular conditions related to hypertension.
Based on the same study, the scientists concluded that L-arginine may also prevent the progression of chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, the amino acid may lower the level of platelet adhesion in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that affects the blood vessels. This improvement was associated with an increased sensitivity to pain and reduced inflammation. Because arginine is known to be a nitric oxide precursor, this study provides further evidence that the nutrient may improve the health of the circulatory system and protect the heart. For the immune system, this provides proof that L-arginine improves overall immunity and reduces the risk for many cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
To explain how L-arginine works, it's necessary to first understand what happens when L-arginine is taken. It's a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it itself, so it must be supplied from external sources. One common way to get L-arginine into the body is through the consumption of protein rich foods such as meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and soy. Another way is by taking supplemental doses of the acid through dietary supplements, although this method can cause gastrointestinal problems for some people. In any case, it's important to know that L-arginine isn't the only essential amino acid that can help boost immune function; amino acids Glu, Gly, and Leu are also believed to have various health benefits.
As an amino acid, L-arginine functions as a nitric oxide synthesizer. Nitric oxide is a chemical compound that provides several health benefits including preventing blood clotting, relaxing blood vessels, regulating muscle contraction, and increasing circulation. The release of nitric oxide aids in wound healing and tissue repair, and recent studies have shown that it plays a role in memory and mood. L-arginine is thought to affect the neurotransmitter serotonin via its interaction with the enzyme tyrosine amine oxidase. This may explain why the supplement helps relieve depression and improve mood.
The L-arginine label instructions advise that the supplement be taken three times a day with food or with a liquids only. If you want to take the supplement in its liquid form, the manufacturer recommends that you mix 50% of it with a glass of water. This dose is sufficient to increase nitric oxide production in the body. However, it's important to note that mixing the nutrient separately from the other ingredients can cause undesirable side effects such as headache, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
It's also important to note that L-arginine is converted to nitrite when it is taken in high dosages. This conversion increases blood pressure and causes angina and heart attack. It can also cause hypokalemia, a condition wherein low levels of potassium are present in the blood. To avoid this side effect, take the supplement in medium dosages and take it with food. Taking it in its liquid form with food can also lead to hypokalemia but experts do not recommend it because of its potential for harmful interactions with other supplements, medications, and medicines you take regularly.