ARGININE By Jake Feigel 10 26 11 Why

ARGININE By: Jake Feigel 10 -26 -11

Why Talk About Arginine? � � � Improves blood flow & vascularity Improves strength, power & muscle recovery Removes metabolites such as ammonia and lactate (cause of muscle fatigue during intense physical exercise)

Overview � � � What is arginine? Composition How it works Food sources History Health claims � � � Recommendations Safety Prices Who should not use Conclusions What you need to know

What is Arginine? � � Considered a semi essential amino acid as long as body is sufficiently producing The immediate precursor of nitric oxide, urea, ornithine, and agamatine � Nitric oxide is a major vasodilator that regulates vascular tone and hemodynamics � Necessary for the synthesis of creatine

Composition � � Chemical name - 2 -amino-5 -guanidinopentanoic acid Chemical formula - C 6 H 14 N 4 O 2

How Does it Work? � � Made in pituitary glands Synthesized from glutamine, glutamate, and proline Normal plasma arginine concentrations depend on the age of the individual 40% of arginine is metabolized in the intestine before reaching circulation

Food Sources � � � � � Chocolate Wheat germ Flour Nuts Seeds Poultry Wild game Seafood Chick peas � � � � Buckwheat Granola Oatmeal Dairy products Beef Pork Cooked soy beans Energy drinks, pre workout drinks vitamins etc…

History � � First isolated from a lupin seedling extract by the German chemist Ernest Schulze 1998 -Nobel Prize given to 3 American scientists for discovering its role in nitric oxide production � NO is a dilator that helps arteries relax, thus allowing better flow of blood and less strain on the heart

Health Claims � � � � Ammonia detoxification Nitric oxide synthesis Boosts immune system Heals wounds Increases lean muscle mass Increase production and release of growth hormone Vasodilatory effect on people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol Treatment of erectile dysfunction

Health Claims � � � Prevent and treat obesity & diabetes Anti-coagulant (could prevent clotting without increasing risk of stroke) Prevent and treat hypertension & cerebrovascular disease May slow or stop growth of tumors in Alzheimer’s patients Improved blood flow decreases symptoms of impotence and increases female sexual function

Ergogenic Aid � � Promotes vasodilation by increasing NO production in the active muscle during exercise Improves strength, power and muscular recovery through increased substrate utilization and metabolite removal (such as lactate & ammonia) � Skeletal Muscle Functions � Force & power production � Vasodilation � Protein synthesis � Activation of satellite cells � Mitochondrial biogenesis � Glucose homeostasis

Schaefer et al. Study � Investigated metabolic changes with 3 g of intravenous L-arginine hydrochloride during incremental cycle ergometer exercise. � Lower plasma lactate concentration and ammonia � Higher concentrations of L-citrulline and NO synthesis during exercise

Bailey et al. Study � � 9 healthy recreationally active men Double blind study. supplemented with 6 g of Larginine (dissolved in 500 m. L of water), or placebo 1 hour before exercise 3 days of intense cycling to failure � Time to failure increased � Reduced oxygen consumption

Nitric Oxide Synthesis � � � Arginine is the physiological precursur of nitric oxide, an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, a signal transduction molecule, a nuero transmitter, and a mediator of immune response NO production is dependent on nitric oxide synthases (NOS) NOS isoforms contain a binding site for arginine

Creatine Synthesis � � Arginine is a precursor for creatine synthesis by providing guanidino groups Creatine is involved in neurotransmitter release, calcium homeostasis, and maintenance of membrane potential and ion gradients Plays a major role in CNS embryonic development Creatine is produced mostly in kidney and liver

Vascular System Disorders � � Impaired NO production due to arginine deficiency has been implicated in perturbed intestinal vascular stability predisposing to the formation of necrotising entercolitis (NEC) Arginine supplementation to preterm infants has potential to prevent NEC and persistent pulmonary hypertension

Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke (MELAS) � � L-arginine supplementation to patients with MELAS during acute stroke-like episodes improved microcirculation & reduced tissue injury Study of 24 MELAS patients-when treated prophylactically with arginine decreased clinical severity and frequency of stroke like episodes

Recommendations � � Typical supplemental dose of L-arginine is 2 -5 grams/day For ergogenic results, take 30 -45 min before aerobic workout

Safety � � Excess arginine can lead to overproduction of NO with consequent vasodilation and hypotension Studies with high doses (30 g intravenous) showed side effects such as hypotension with tachycardia, reduced peripheral arterial resistance and an increase in cardiac output Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis Hyperkalaemia & hyperphosphataemia found in people with liver & kidney failure

Other Side Effects � � � Diarrhea Nausea Nose bleeds

Prices � � � 120 tablets, 1000 mg, $12. 99 (120 servings) 250 capsules, 500 mg, $14. 99 (125 servings) 100 capsules, 500 mg, $5. 99 (50 servings) 1 pound, powder, $22. 99 (200 servings) 2. 2 pounds, powder, $45. 49 (302 servings) www. bodybuilding. com had 234 results for products containing arginine!!!

Who Should Not Use Arginine � � Patients post-infarction Individuals with liver or kidney disorders

Conclusions � � � Improves blood flow & vascularity Precursor of nitric oxide Improves strength, power & muscle recovery Semi essential amino acid Made in pituitary glands � � � Necessary in creatine synthesis Heals wounds Boosts immune system May help with erectile dysfunction Improved blood flow Treat & prevent diabetes & obesity

Conclusions � What you should know: � Country first synthesized � Health claims � Food sources � Recommendations � composition

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