Arginine
ARGININE is an essential amino acid for children during their growth period, but, since it can be manufactured by the body later in life, it is classified as a non-essential amino acid for adults. Although most adults can manufacture arginine, sometimes supplementation is required. For example, a condition known as "idiopathic hypospermia" (low sperm count) has been reversed with supplements of arginine.
The amino acid ornithine is derived from arginine and can be converted back again when needed. Although arginine is one of the poorly absorbed amino acids, studies show that the arginine-ornithine conversion is the most rapid. Arginine aids in liver detoxification through its conversion of ornithine. Supplementation is usually given intravenously and can produce side effects when dosages are too high. Arginine requires manganese, aspartic acid, citrulline, and glutamic acid to metabolize properly.
Arginine is important in the transport, storage, and excretion of nitrogen and in regulating protein metabolism throughout the body. It is also glycogenic, meaning that it can be turned into sugar. When there is a deficiency, insulin production is diminished. Animal testing revealed that an arginine deficiency produces numerous alterations in bodily functions, including fatty liver deposits. This indicates that the ability of the liver to process fats is affected.
Arginine is involved in the most important part of the urea cycle, freeing the body of dangerous breakdown products. Arginine's primary metabolic role in the urea cycle is in metabolizing nitrogen and protein. Five major enzymes participate in the urea cycle, and arginine stimulates the first enzyme starting the cycle. A deficiency of arginine can cause alkalosis, which increases urinary ammonia. Arginine supplementation has promptly decreased urinary citrate concentration during kidney disease.
High doses of arginine can precipitate schizophrenic episodes and can encourage the growth of the herpes virus. Those with herpes simplex infections should avoid high intakes of arginine-rich foods. However, it was noted that in cases of treating herpes simplex with high lysine-low arginine diets, adding dietary fiber (not wheat bran) showed an increased elimination of nitrogen, which reduced any side effects resulting from arginine deficiency. Foods rich in arginine are: peanuts, peanut butter, cashew nuts, pecan nuts, walnuts, almonds, chocolate, coconut, cereal grains including white and whole wheat flour, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oats, soybeans, and edible seeds. It is also found in smaller amounts in peas, non-toasted cereals, garlic, and ginseng.
When the liver decreases function because of injury, cirrhosis or fatty degeneration, ammonia toxification and hepatic coma, a deficiency in arginine results. Thus, supplements may be useful in alcohol abuse, hepatitis, and solvent exposure.
Arginine enhances the immune system. However, longterm imbalances can harm the immune system and also the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates. Therefore, to avoid this possibility, taking supplements over a long period should be avoided. Pseudomonas, an aggressive and deadly bacillus, which often attacks chronically ill individuals, can be very dependent upon arginine in the diet. Therefore, low-arginine diets may be helpful in controlling this infection.
By giving arginine supplements four days before and ten days after a surgery, it was found that incisions healed more quickly because of greater collagen synthesis. Scar tissue that forms during wound healing has a high arginine content. Arginine has also assisted in retarding cancer and tumors. In test animals, the thymus gland enlarges and becomes more active with the addition of arginine, but occurred only when there was a healthy pituitary gland. Arginine stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary, proving that all work synergistically in tissue healing.
By stimulating the growth of new bone and tendon cells, arginine appears to be helping those who suffer from arthritis. However, supplementation should be avoided in children as it can cause joint and bone deformities instead.
Arginine acts as an antidiuretic, causing the pituitary to release vosopressin, believed to enhance the memory. However, an excess can stimulate growth hormone release (undesirable for those still growing), increase schizophrenic symptoms, and increase the severity of herpes simplex infections. Excessive doses can also cause thickening of the skin and larynx growths in adults.
Other names for arginine include: ARG, amino acid R, and 2-amino-5-guanido-pentanoic acid.
Deficiency symptoms include: impotency, sterility, decreased sperm motility and formation, decreased immunity, decreased protein uptake, improper carbohydrate metabolism, and delayed sexual maturation.
