AMINO ACIDS – A MULTIPURPOSE BENEFACTOR Part 1

Arginine, of course, acts as more than the precursor of NO. In certain instances – examples include a growth spurt, recovery from trauma, wound healing and any need for a strong immune presence – the body can’t satisfy its need for arginine, and arginine becomes ‘essential’. Like the other building blocks of protein, arginine participates in the maintenance of muscle and lean tissue throughout the body. It can be converted into ornithine, another amino acid. And its presence can stimulate the release of certain natural anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone and insulinlike growth factor.

Muscle Preservation
According to a small study of forty-five older people, a daily tonic containing 17 grams of arginine was shown to preserve lean muscle tissue. It also raised blood readings of insulinlike growth factor (a measure of human growth hormone) and lowered LDL cholesterol. The study volunteers who did not receive arginine actually lost lean muscle tissue.

Immune Function
Natural killer (NK) cells, a main component of our body’s defence system, step up their activity dramatically with arginine’s assistance. Taking a total of 30 grams over the course of the day, one study showed, expanded these NK cells activity by a whopping 91 per cent. T cell function also improves.

The rejuvenation could prove to be of great value to people afflicted with AIDS or any other virus or malignant disease.

Supplementation also can increase the weight of the thymus gland, where most immune function originates, and strengthen the bacteria-killing power of neutrophils. At the same time, more nitric oxide becomes available to patrol the gastrointestinal tract, combating infections and quelling any overgrowth of Candida albicans. Taking arginine with lysine, another amino acid, further augments the immune system’s strength, especially in its battle against recurrent infections. In turn, this more potent immune system may account for the association between arginine supplements and a reduction in both tumour growth and the incidence of cancer, as has been documented in several studies.

Male Sexual Disorders
Nitric oxide is the decisive factor in a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Taking 2.8 grams of arginine per day, several studies show, generates enough of the vasodilating compound to help in the treatment of erectile failure. Enhanced genital blood flow probably facilitates sexual arousal in women, too.

Regular doses of the amino acid also invigorates sperm production. A daily supplement of 3-4 grams, according to other research, increased both sperm counts and overall sperm activity. For a more thorough nutritional approach to infertility, nutritional doctors would add supplements of zinc, carnitine and coenzyme Q10.

Bone and Tissue Injuries
Burn researchers found arginine to be indispensable in restoring protein balance in severe burn victims. It also has been shown to speed the healing of wounds, fractures and diabetes-related foot ulcers. It may heal and regenerate nerves. Additionally, the success of an osteoporosis prevention programme also may hinge on arginine. Nitric oxide inhibits the loss of bone, while the release of growth hormone also may augment bone density.

Reye’s Syndrome
In ways not understood, a deficiency of the amino acid may perhaps encourage the syndrome. Supplements may have preventive potential against this IP illness.