There are plenty of powerful new drugs to help prevent and treat chronic
health problems. But we also know that certain nutrients may help, as
well. Take arginine, for example. Arginine has gotten lots of attention
lately for its potential heart benefits. That's important because,
today, about 85.6 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular
disease.
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Deficiencies of arginine are rare. It's abundant in many different types
of foods, and your body can also make it. Arginine-rich foods include
red meat, fish, poultry, wheat germ, grains, nuts and seeds, and dairy
products. But what does arginine do for the heart, and are there
potential side effects?As a natural dietary supplement, arginine has
garnered particular attention for its possible heart benefits.
What Are Arginine's Heart Benefits?
In the body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO).
Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels
relax and also improves circulation.
Some evidence shows that arginine may help improve blood flow in the
arteries of the heart. That may improve symptoms of clogged arteries,
chest pain or angina, and coronary artery disease. However, there
currently is no data on how the long-term use of arginine affects
cholesterol or heart health.Since arginine may help arteries relax and
improve blood flow, it may also help with erectile dysfunction.
There are other potential health benefits with arginine, such as
possible reduction of blood pressure in some people and improved walking
distance in patients with intermittent leg cramping and weakness known
as intermittent claudication. However, the scientific studies are not
conclusive enough for experts to make any firm recommendations.
Not all studies on arginine have been positive. A 2006 study showed that
arginine was not helpful -- and may have been harmful -- for treating
heart attacks in combination with standard treatment.
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