Arginine

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid. This means that the body normally can produce adequate amounts of arginine on its own, but under periods of intense stress (such as exercise), additional arginine supplementation is needed.

Arginine plays several key roles in the body, such as the removal or ammonia from the body and the production of nitric oxide (NO), which it is most commonly associated with. Nitric oxide reduces the stiffness of blood vessels, promotes better blood flow, is beneficial to the heart and can aid in erectile dysfunction.

Supplementing with arginine can also increase growth hormone output. By increasing GH production, losing body fat is easier, gaining lean muscle mass is easier, and it also aids in combating the aging process.

Typical doses for arginine are anywhere from 2,000mg to 5,000mg daily, and it is often combined with other amino acids such as ornithine and citrulline to enhance its effectiveness.