L-Arginine Safety
In the few studies to date in which L-arginine HCl has been administered parenterally, metabolic acidosis and alterations in some electrolytes (e.g., potassium, phosphorus) have been noted. While these appear to occur with very large parenteral doses of the hydrochloride salt, these effects would not be anticipated following oral administration of more modest doses. Of the limited studies of L-arginine administered orally in humans, few report any adverse effects following acute or chronic treatment. One report27 in 1992 that caused much concern demonstrated the ability of L-arginine (30 g/day, QID for 3 days) to double the rate of tumor protein synthesis in patients with breast cancer. However, studies prior28 and subsequent29,30 failed to replicate these findings, and in fact demonstrated a reduction in tumor growth. However, since the effect of L-arginine in patients with active malignancy is not fully known, caution should be exercised if L-arginine use is being considered in such patients.
Generally doses up to 30 g/day are well tolerated, the most common adverse effects (nausea and diarrhea) being reported infrequently.31 No changes in liver function, blood glucose, or plasma electrolytes have been noted. One study with 9 g/day reported one patient with a recurrence of oral herpes lesions, which resolved upon discontinuance of L-arginine treatment. In a recent study of 24 hypercholesterolemic patients administered 14 g/day for 12 weeks, no changes in plasma insulin, growth hormone or other serum chemistries or hematological parameters were noted except for a slight but clinically nonsignificant increase in blood urea nitrogen.32 There were no reports of any adverse effects in this study. L-Arginine (9 g/day) administered for 6 months in patients with angina appeared to be well tolerated with no adverse effects noted.16 Another study administered a medical food containing L-arginine (6.6 g/day, divided dose) for one week to 43 hypercholesterolemic patients. Beneficial effects on exercise tolerance and vasodilator responses were noted. The multicomponent product also contained vitamins B6, B12, C, E, folate and niacin in a soy protein base. It appeared highly effective, with no reports of adverse effects.
Due to NO’s physiological role in the vasculature, a number of potential cautions and/or contraindications to the use of L-arginine exist. Because of the vasodilator role of NO associated with septic shock, patients with severe infections probably should not use L-arginine. Since NO is capable of promoting angiogenesis, patients with diabetic retinopathy should use L-arginine carefully, if at all. Finally, as described above, patients with active malignancies probably should avoid L-arginine supplementation.
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In the few studies to date in which L-arginine HCl has been administered parenterally, metabolic acidosis and alterations in some electrolytes (e.g., potassium, phosphorus) have been noted. While these appear to occur with very large parenteral doses of the hydrochloride salt, these effects would not be anticipated following oral administration of more modest doses. Of the limited studies of L-arginine administered orally in humans, few report any adverse effects following acute or chronic treatment. One report27 in 1992 that caused much concern demonstrated the ability of L-arginine (30 g/day, QID for 3 days) to double the rate of tumor protein synthesis in patients with breast cancer. However, studies prior28 and subsequent29,30 failed to replicate these findings, and in fact demonstrated a reduction in tumor growth. However, since the effect of L-arginine in patients with active malignancy is not fully known, caution should be exercised if L-arginine use is being considered in such patients.
Generally doses up to 30 g/day are well tolerated, the most common adverse effects (nausea and diarrhea) being reported infrequently.31 No changes in liver function, blood glucose, or plasma electrolytes have been noted. One study with 9 g/day reported one patient with a recurrence of oral herpes lesions, which resolved upon discontinuance of L-arginine treatment. In a recent study of 24 hypercholesterolemic patients administered 14 g/day for 12 weeks, no changes in plasma insulin, growth hormone or other serum chemistries or hematological parameters were noted except for a slight but clinically nonsignificant increase in blood urea nitrogen.32 There were no reports of any adverse effects in this study. L-Arginine (9 g/day) administered for 6 months in patients with angina appeared to be well tolerated with no adverse effects noted.16 Another study administered a medical food containing L-arginine (6.6 g/day, divided dose) for one week to 43 hypercholesterolemic patients. Beneficial effects on exercise tolerance and vasodilator responses were noted. The multicomponent product also contained vitamins B6, B12, C, E, folate and niacin in a soy protein base. It appeared highly effective, with no reports of adverse effects.
Due to NO’s physiological role in the vasculature, a number of potential cautions and/or contraindications to the use of L-arginine exist. Because of the vasodilator role of NO associated with septic shock, patients with severe infections probably should not use L-arginine. Since NO is capable of promoting angiogenesis, patients with diabetic retinopathy should use L-arginine carefully, if at all. Finally, as described above, patients with active malignancies probably should avoid L-arginine supplementation.
"The Grow Taller Guys"
Learn how this STIMULANT TO GROW TALLER has helped many grow taller and faster.