About Arginine

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid. Adults can synthesize arginine in the urea cycle but must also obtain it from their diet. Arginine plays an important role in protein production, tissue repair, cell division, immune function and the elimination of ammonia (an extremely toxic substance for the central nervous system) from the body. It also partly controls the release of hormones. Moreover, it plays a significant function in producing nitric oxide and creatine. Nitric oxide helps dilate our blood vessels and regulate blood pressure levels whereas creatine is linked to muscle development and functioning. Arginine is also commonly known for helping treat erectile dysfunction by dilating the blood vessels and promoting enough blood flow to help maintain an erection.

Even though arginine is involved in regulating blood pressure and acts as a vasodilator, allowing better blood circulation, the effects of arginine supplementation on athletic performance are controversial.

Biostarks reference ranges for arginine

• Arginine (Arg-S): [59-180] umol/L

Scientific references:

• Tong, B. & Barbul, A. (2004). Cellular and physiological effects of arginine. Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 4 (8): 823–832.
• Dong, J. et al. (2011). Effect of oral L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. American Heart Journal 162 (6): 959–965.
• Chen, J. & Wollman, Y. & Chernichovsky, T. & Iaina, A. & Sofer, M. & Matzkin, H. (1999). Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic erectile dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. BJU International 83 (3): 269–273.
• Venkatesh, R. & Srinivasan, K. & Singh, S. (2017). Effect of arginine:lysine and glycine:methionine intake ratios on dyslipidemia and selected biomarkers implicated in cardiovascular disease: A study with hypercholesterolemic rats. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 91: 408–414.