L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is found within the cells of the human body. This eMedTV Web article discusses how L-arginine works and offers more information on its beneficial uses, safety concerns, and potential side effects.
As this eMedTV resource explains, some people may use L-arginine supplements to help with several health conditions, such as high blood pressure, the common cold, and impotence. This page covers other L-arginine benefits and its use in children.
L-arginine may be effective at treating certain heart problems, impotence, and migraines. This eMedTV Web page addresses the question, "Does L-arginine work?" This page also explains the research that has been done on the effectiveness of L-arginine.
This portion of the eMedTV archives addresses the question, "Is L-arginine safe?" This page explains what you should discuss with your doctor before using L-arginine, such as your existing medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
Some of the bothersome side effects of L-arginine include diarrhea and stomach pain. This eMedTV segment also describes some of the more serious reactions to the supplement that may require medical care, such as breathing problems.
This eMedTV page explains that there are no clearly established L-arginine dosage guidelines because research on this supplement is still in its early stages. This page also offers tips on how to find an L-arginine product that is right for you.
L-arginine can interact with nitrates, impotence medicines, and blood pressure medicines. This eMedTV page describes the problems that these L-arginine drug interactions may cause and covers what your doctor might do to avoid these problems.
As this eMedTV resource explains, the effects of an L-arginine overdose will depend on how much was taken and whether it was taken with other substances. This article also describes possible symptoms of an L-arginine overdose and treatment options.
Pregnant women should probably avoid L-arginine products due to potential safety concerns. This eMedTV page offers more information on L-arginine and pregnancy, explaining how there is little information available about using L-arginine when pregnant.
It is currently not known whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking L-arginine. This eMedTV segment provides more information on L-arginine and breastfeeding, and explains whether the supplement is likely to cause problems in a nursing infant.
