L-arginine, one of the amino acids found in ProArgi 9, was initially isolated in 1886. In 1932, it was subsequently discovered to be necessary for the creation of urea, the necessary vehicle for the removal of ammonia, a toxin, from the human body. Then in 1939, it was additionally proved to be necessary for the body to synthesize creatine, a nitrogenous organic acid which can help to build muscle mass.
L-Arginine is also involved in various other aspects o human biochemistry including immune system function, and hormone secretion. It is also a precursor to nitric oxide, an essential cellular messenger molecule associated with numerous physical and pathological processes within the body.
Recent studies have shown that L-Arginine is useful for patients with erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and preeclampsia. It is currently being studied for its potential uses for diabetes, burns and trauma, athletic performance, body building, and both male and female infertility.
If the body does not have enough L-arginine, is can cause a variety of problems. Indications of an L-arginine deficit include things like improper healing of wounds, rashes, constipation, fatty liver, and even hair loss.
Food sources of L-arginine
Generally speaking, all foods which have protein contain this amino acid.
Animal sources - pork, beef, poultry (turkey, and chicken), wild game birds (such as quail, partridges, and pheasant), seafood (lobster, tuna, snails, shrimp, salmon, halibut), and dairy products (milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, etc)
Plant sources - buckwheat, wheat germ, wheat flour, oatmeal, granola, peanuts, sunflower seeds, coconut, sesame seeds, soybeans, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and almonds
Health Benefits
Heart Problems - There is some research which shows that L-arginine may be useful to reduce blood pressure as well as angina (chest pain). It is also being studied for its use for post-op heart transplant patients. Supplementation has also been shown to improve renal function for patients with chronic heart failure.
Weight Building, Athletic Performance, and Exercise - Researchers in England have found that dietary supplements such as ProArgi 9, which contain L-arginine, can be used in order to boost the body's production of nitric oxide, which can in turn drastically improve stamina during high intensity workouts. A study which was published within the 2010 Journal of Applied Physiology suggested that taking an L-arginine supplement makes it possible for athletes to work out as much as 20% longer than athletes who do not take a supplement.
