L-Arginine is a boon to men's health. Its supplements find use in almost every man's life. Whether it is a gym lover looking to bulk up or to improve sexual health, it is every man's friend. Let's get to know all the benefits that L-Arginine offers.
What is L- Arginine?
Proteins, the critical players in our body, have amino acids as their core components. L-Arginine is one of the many amino acids that make up the protein blocks.
Amino acids fall into two categories. It is essential if the body isn't able to make it, requiring our diet to supply it. And a non-essential amino acid, if our body makes it.
However, L-Arginine becomes essential under conditions such as trauma and critical illness. As a result, it is regarded as a semi-essential amino acid.
It is naturally present in poultry, fish, and dairy. For vegetarians, natural options include peanuts, chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils. Yet, owing to the health benefits, lab-based formulas are quite popular in the market.
L-Arginine and its Wonders for Men
L-Arginine provides various benefits for men. In this article, let's explore all the perks you can get from it.
Sperm Quality
Infertility issues affect around 13–15% of couples in the world. And in a significant 30–50 percent of these couples, the problem lies with male partners.
L-Arginine is an essential component for normal sperm production. Studies conducted show that L-Arginine improves semen quality in infertile men. The observations show a significant increase in motility and sperm count. At the same time, immotile and abnormally shaped sperm counts had a gradual decrease. Thereby, it increases the chances of conception in couples troubled by low sperm counts.
Erectile Dysfunction
It is one of the most prominent sexual dysfunctions men face. It results in the failure to retain an erection firm enough for the act of intercourse.
Psychological or physical issues can contribute to Erectile Dysfunction (ED). And L-Arginine is particularly effective in the case of physical factors.
L-Arginine generates nitric oxide (NO). And NO is a key mediator in the neuro-vascular event of an erection. Thus, L-Arginine supplements may help overcome erectile dysfunction, especially when the major cause tends to be low NO in the body.
The impact of L-Arginine was assessed in a study, and it was found to improve sexual function in 31% of the patients. In general, 2.5–5 grams of oral dosage seem to work well for ED.
Ergogenic potential
Besides sexual health, L-Arginine boosts endurance and sports performance. Thus, inviting its popularity among gym-goers as a pre-workout option.
Nitric oxide, the product of L-Arginine, is critical in stretching the blood vessels. And their dilation enhances oxygenated blood flow, a necessity while working out.
A study with 56 male football players was conducted to assess L-Arginine's role. About 2 grams of L-Arginine dosage was included in their diet for 45 days. And the results showed an upsurge in their sports performance.
Other benefits
In addition to these factors, this amino acid supplement promotes the levels of the growth hormone and insulin. Thus, maintaining glucose levels while promoting overall growth.
Are L-Arginine supplements safe?
L-Arginine supplements are often regarded as safe for adults.
However, people on medication for diabetes and high blood pressure should avoid it. The reason is the possibility of chemical interaction between them.
Additionally, people with cardiac troubles and kidney diseases should be cautious.
In such cases, it is always advisable to reach out to medical professionals to assess your need for supplements.
L-Citrulline
Any article on L-Arginine would be incomplete if we ignored the parent molecule, which is L-Citrulline.
L-Citrulline, the endogenous precursor of L-Arginine, is a non-essential amino acid. And as an oral supplement, it increases the L-Arginine levels in the plasma with greater effectiveness.
It is because the enzyme Arginase degrades L-Arginine. However, L-Citrulline undergoes no enzymatic degradation and is readily transformed into L-Arginine.
Final Word
L-Arginine is conditionally essential to the body. One can get it from natural products such as poultry, dairy, lentils, and soybeans. But there is always the option of formulated supplements to fit your needs.
It is a magic amino acid that contributes a major part to men's health. It plays a role in dealing with issues of sperm quality and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, it benefits gym lovers as a pre-workout drink.
Although L-Arginine is usually safe to consume, it is always advised to reach out to medical professionals in case of health issues.
Article by: Sameena
Edited by: Puneet Kapani