L-arginine supplements may offer health benefits. Here’s a closer look at a few potential perks.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Thanks to its role in creating nitric oxide, L-arginine may help lower blood pressure when taken as a supplement.
“The use of L-arginine for high blood pressure is controversial and not generally recommended,” says Anurag Sahu, MD, director of the Adult Congenital Heart Center at Inova Health System in Fairfax, Virginia, and medical reviewer for Everyday Health. “The data is limited, and ironically, the use of L-arginine in patients with a history of heart attack or kidney disease is generally contraindicated, since L-arginine can actually increase the risk for complications in these populations.”
Don’t use L-arginine supplements for high blood pressure without talking to your doctor first.
May Boost Athletic Performance
By helping produce nitric oxide and improving blood flow, L-arginine supplements may improve athletic performance. Expanding blood vessels allows for the delivery of more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles, which may stave off fatigue and enable the muscles to perform at greater effort, explains Stangland.
Talk to your doctor before using L-arginine supplements for athletic performance.
May Improve Male Sexual Function
Some L-arginine supplements are marketed toward improving male sexual function, including erectile dysfunction (ED, which is the inability to get and keep an erection). L-arginine may help men achieve and maintain an erection by boosting blood flow to the penis.
However, L-arginine supplements shouldn’t be used to self-treat ED. Discuss your options with your doctor.
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