Amino Acid L-Arginine

I (GP) thought I'd add a quick overview of L-Arginine, given its mention to me by a couple of people today in nutrition talks.

Firstly, in reference to supplementing (orally) and increased arousal and fertility. Notably though, the individual was supplementing L-Arginine in a stack (combined with Niacin, AKG, Vanadyl Sulphate). The increased blood flow (caused by the vaso-dilating properties of the other three main ingredients) could provide an answer as regards arousal (combined with the fact he's a rather horny individual) (NB: L-Arginine's often stacked with the aforementioned ingredients as it improves the bioavailability of nitric oxide). The above said, some older studies (a couple of decades ago) have purported increased fertility and sperm production (something of note: L-Arginine makes up approximately 80% of seminal fluid).

Secondly, wound healing and muscle tone. Initially, we'll consider wound healing. As it appears that L-Arginine plays an important part in the formation of collagen (main protein of connective tissue), it would therefore be sensible to assume that increased L-Arginine (perhaps through supplementation) may help improve our wound healing capability (coupled with L-Arginine's effect on the improved immune function of the Thymus Gland, which may also increase wound healing). Claims of increased "muscle tone" through supplementation is speculation only (to date) and the assumed correlation, I would presume (blimey, I'm assuming things now!), is borne from the role L-Arginine plays in stimulating the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Most journal references to L-Arginine and "muscle tone" will advise that high levels of L-Arginine would need to be given intravenously for there to be any effect in this area.

Contraindications: Schizophrenics, Herpes sufferers.