Arginine: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What is arginine for?

Arginine is an amino acid. Amino acids are obtained from food and are necessary for the body to produce protein. Arginine is found in red meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. This compound can also be made in the laboratory and used as a medicine for the following diseases:

• Congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease
• Influenza
• High blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia)

Arginine is a substance that is used in combination with a number of other medications and non-prescription drugs for a variety of conditions.

Arginine can also help improve kidney function after a kidney transplant (graft), improve athletic performance, boost the immune system, and prevent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in premature babies.

How does it work?

There aren't enough studies on how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with an expert or doctor for more information. However, there are several studies showing that arginine can be used to treat:

• Heart and blood vessel disorders
• Erectile dysfunction
• Other disorders such as disease of the blood vessels, chronic kidney failure, diabetes and upper respiratory infections

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the dose of arginine for adults?

Arginine is a substance that has been studied at drinking doses of 6 to 30 grams / day for a variety of conditions. Avoid using doses of more than 30 grams because it can increase the risk of poisoning. The dosage for this herbal supplement may be different for each patient. The dose you use depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the appropriate dosage.

In what forms is arginine available?

This herbal supplement is available in the following forms:

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Infusion

Side effects

What side effects can arginine cause?

Arginine is a substance that can cause several side effects including:

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, cramps, frequent bowel movements
• Increased BUN (blood urea nitrogen), which measures kidney activity
• Bleeding, changes in blood sugar levels, high potassium levels (hyperkalemia)

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There are several other side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about the side effects of this medicine please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before taking arginine?

High concentrations of nitric oxide are considered toxic to brain tissue. The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than the regulations for the use of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using herbal supplements, make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your herbalist and doctor for more information.

How safe is arginine?

Avoid using this herb in women with high-risk pregnancies because in women with multiple diseases, intravenous injection of arginine can result in preterm birth, preeclampsia, and in two cases death was recorded. Avoid use in people with heart disease, liver disease, herpes, asthma, hypotension, and kidney disease.

Interaction

What interactions might occur when I take arginine?

This herbal supplement may interact with your other current medications or your current medical condition. Consult your herbalist or doctor before using it. Arginine seems to reduce blood pressure. Taking arginine together with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to become too low.

Be aware of the combination of arginine and these drugs:

• Diabetes medication
• Medicines and herbs for high blood pressure
• Medicines that increase blood flow to the heart
• Medicines and herbs to slow blood clotting
• Viagra
• Diuretic pills

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.