The Side Effects of Too Much L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid normally produced by the body in the amounts needed for proper functioning 1. Most people do not need any more L-arginine than what their bodies naturally supply 1. Some choose to supplement, however, because L-arginine converts to nitric oxide, a blood vessel relaxant, which can improve cardiovascular conditions and erectile dysfunction 1. L-arginine also prompts the body to produce protein, offering an advantage to bodybuilders 1. It hasn't been decisively determined yet, however, how much L-arginine supplementation the average person can handle 1. In some cases, it is possible to supplement too much and cause side effects to occur 3.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Digestive Problems
L-arginine can increase levels of stomach acid, particularly gastrine 1. Too much gastrine can result in stomach pain and nausea. You may also experience bloating, cramps and diarrhea.
Allergic Reactions
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Some people experience anaphylaxis, or an allergic reaction, to L-arginine 1. The severity of anaphylaxis increases with dosage. Symptoms include itches and skin rashes, swollen eyes, and in the worst cases, shortness of breath. People with asthma may be especially prone to this.
- Some people experience anaphylaxis, or an allergic reaction, to L-arginine 1.
- The severity of anaphylaxis increases with dosage.
Blood Pressure
Because of L-arginine’s properties as a vasodilator, low blood pressure can be a side effect of supplementation 13. If you experience low blood pressure, you may notice dizziness, fainting or blurred vision. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these or other associated symptoms.
- Because of L-arginine’s properties as a vasodilator, low blood pressure can be a side effect of supplementation 1.
- If you experience low blood pressure, you may notice dizziness, fainting or blurred vision.
Chemical Imbalance
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Because it is an amino acid, L-arginine can affect chemical and electrolyte levels 1. It can increase the body’s production of potassium, chloride, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Sodium and phosphate levels may lower. Those suffering from kidney or liver problems are especially susceptible to changes in these chemical balances and should never supplement with L-arginine without talking to a physician first 1.
Recommendations
L-arginine is also present in certain foods, so if you’re going to supplement, take your diet into consideration when you factor a safe dosage 1. Many nuts and seeds are high in this amino acid, as well as raisins, coconut, chocolate, corn, brown rice and some meats. If your diet is high in any of these things, begin supplementation at a low dose to gauge your body’s reaction. A standard dose of L-arginine is 2 to 3 g taken orally three times a day 1. Start on the low side of this recommendation, and if you tolerate the supplements, you can gradually increase your dose. You should also confer with your doctor before you start taking any supplement to rule out any medical conditions that might be aggravated or worsened by L-arginine 1.
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References
- Drugs.com: L-Arginine
- American Heart Association: What We Know and Don’t Know About l-Arginine and NO
- Side Effects 101: L-Arginine Side Effects
- Barassi A, Corsi romanelli MM, Pezzilli R, et al. Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology. 2017;5(2):256-261. doi:10.1111/andr.12293
- Kobori Y, Suzuki K, Iwahata T, et al. Improvement of seminal quality and sexual function of men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia syndrome following supplementation with L-arginine and Pycnogenol®. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2015;87(3):190-3. doi:10.4081/aiua.2015.3.190
- Schulman SP, Becker LC, Kass DA, et al. L-arginine therapy in acute myocardial infarction: the Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI) randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2006;295(1):58-64. doi:10.1001/jama.295.1.58
- Au yeung SL, Lin SL, Lam HS, Schooling CM. Effect of l-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and symmetric dimethylarginine on ischemic heart disease risk: A Mendelian randomization study. Am Heart J. 2016;182:54-61. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2016.07.021
- Alexander JW, Supp DM. Role of Arginine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Wound Healing and Infection. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2014;3(11):682–690. doi:10.1089/wound.2013.0469
- Jonker R, Engelen MP, Deutz NE. Role of specific dietary amino acids in clinical conditions. Br J Nutr. 2012;108 Suppl 2:S139-48. doi:10.1017/S0007114512002358
- Natural Standard. Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide - E-Book An Evidence-Based Reference. St Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2016.
Writer Bio
Beverly Bird has been writing professionally since 1983. She is the author of several novels including the bestselling "Comes the Rain" and "With Every Breath." Bird also has extensive experience as a paralegal, primarily in the areas of divorce and family law, bankruptcy and estate law. She covers many legal topics in her articles.