Supplement Reviews

L-Arginine

Arginine has been researched quite well and has many beneficial effects especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. Some other research suggests it may help improve exercise performance, support protein synthesis, boost growth hormone levels at higher doses, and even help replenish glycogen (stored carbohydrate) stores post workout. Its main mechanism of action is boosting nitric oxide (NO) production which helps promote its many effects. NO is basically the muscle cells "signaling molecule". Boosting nitric oxide in muscle tissue can have many anabolic effects including increased nutrient transport and vasodilation (increased blood flow). Arginine boosts nitric oxide by stimulating nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that makes NO  A good time to take arginine is before and after a hard workout and before bed time.  Taking three to five grams at these times can be beneficial.  Be careful because in some people, gram doses of arginine may cause stomach discomfort.  There is a new and supposedly better absorbed form of arginine that just hit the market called arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (a product called NO2 by MRI). Future research will tell if this form really works.  Based on the current research, pure L-Arginine may be better and more effective.

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