An Overview of L-Arginine and Pregnancy
L-arginine is an amino acid that is often used in
dietary supplements. It is not known if L-arginine supplements are safe for use during pregnancy.
Is L-Arginine Safe During Pregnancy?
There is very little evidence to suggest that L-arginine is safe (or unsafe) for pregnant women. Even though L-arginine is a substance that is naturally produced by the human body, it does not automatically mean that it is safe for use during pregnancy. Until more information is available, it may be a good idea to avoid L-arginine supplements if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, unless your healthcare provider recommends that you take L-arginine for a specific medical reason.
One study used L-arginine to treat
preeclampsia. Although L-arginine seemed to be safe short-term, it was not effective for treating preeclampsia.
Pregnancy is not a time to be experimenting with supplements or medications. It is best to stick with products that are known to be safe for pregnant women. As a dietary supplement that has been studied very little in pregnant women, L-arginine is not one of these products.
L-Arginine and Pregnancy: Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
If you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement, including L-arginine. Do not assume that L-arginine is automatically safe for use in pregnancy just because it is a dietary supplement.
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