Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including blood flow, immune function, and hormone regulation. It is semi-essential, meaning the body can synthesize it, but under certain conditions, such as illness or stress, the body may require more than it can produce. Some benefits of Arginine include:
Effectiveness and Risk Overview
Condition | Effectiveness | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Immune Function | Arginine is important for immune cell function and can be conditionally essential during times of stress or illness. Some studies suggest it can boost immune response, though the evidence is not uniform. | |
| Interferes with lysine. | Arginine can interfere with the absorption of lysine, another essential amino acid. This can lead to an imbalance of amino acids in the body, potentially causing adverse effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. | |
| Increases herpes risk. | Arginine can increase the risk of herpes outbreaks, as it is used by the herpes virus to replicate. Individuals with a history of herpes may need to avoid taking arginine supplements or take precautions to minimize the risk of outbreaks. |
