ARGININE SUPPLEMENTATION ASSISTS IN DILATION

Arginine is an amino acid that among many functions is needed to make a very potent vasodilator in the body called nitric oxide (NO). NO functions to dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the cells and tissues. In a recent study cited below, investigators were interested in testing whether supplementing with arginine would increase production of NO and dilation of blood vessels. The study was done in rats that were provided with extra arginine in their diets. After 10 weeks of arginine supplementation, the cells that line blood vessels demonstrated greatly increased NO production and improved dilation. The study indicates that adding arginine in the diet can lead to increased levels of NO that have the end effect of increasing dilation and blood flow.

Meininger CJ, et al. Dietary arginine supplementation improves endothelial nitric oxide synthesis and vasorelaxation in the Zucker diabetic rat. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Washington D.C., April, 2004. Abstract #112.2.