What are the side effects of L-arginine tablets?

L-Arginine is an amino acid that helps the body make protein. This amino acid is naturally present in many foods such as animal and plant proteins. Of course, the human body usually makes all the L-arginine it needs naturally. One of the most important benefits of L-arginine, which can be used in the treatment of many diseases such as heart disease, is that this amino acid acts as a vasodilator and opens blood vessels. But can L-arginine pills have side effects as well as benefits? Side effects of L-arginine tablets are discussed in this article.

The function of L-arginine in the body

As mentioned in the introduction, L-arginine is an amino acid. L-Arginine performs two important functions in the body: 1. It helps build protein. 2- It is involved in making nitric oxide. The first important function of L-arginine, which is to help build protein, is to be effective in building muscle and increasing muscle growth and volume. This is why many athletes take L-arginine supplements in addition to their workouts.

The second most important function of L-arginine in the body is to make nitric oxide. This substance causes the blood to flow easily in the arteries as the blood vessels dilate. This property is used in the treatment of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, improving erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure and..

Side effects of taking L-arginine tablets

L-arginine tablets are generally considered to be a safe supplement that has many benefits. Side effects of taking L-arginine tablets usually occur only when the pill is taken in excess and allowed to be used excessively. However, in rare cases, taking L-arginine tablets can be associated with the following symptoms:

Nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea

The above are among the gastrointestinal side effects that may be caused by taking L-arginine as a supplement for the consumer. L-arginine usually increases gastric acid secretion when used in high doses. As a result, heartburn may occur and stomach ulcers and digestive problems may increase. However, if L-arginine is taken in the recommended amounts, there will usually be no gastrointestinal side effects; Except in people who have sensitive stomachs.

Allergic reactions

Some people may be allergic to L-arginine and develop allergic reactions. In this case, respiratory problems or gastrointestinal complications may be observed. People with normal allergies or asthma may also experience more severe symptoms of these conditions with L-arginine.

Lower blood pressure in the body

Side effects of taking L-arginine tablets include lowering blood pressure in the body. Because, as we have explained, L-arginine is involved in stimulating the production of nitric oxide, and this substance also facilitates blood flow in the body. This is especially true if you are taking other antihypertensive drugs in addition to L-arginine tablets, which can lead to low blood pressure. Decreased insulin sensitivity is another complication that can occur with high L-arginine consumption.

Increased risk of gout in the body

Arginine in the body converts ammonium, a toxic substance, into urea to be excreted by the kidneys. When a person consumes high levels of L-arginine, the risk of gout increases with an increase in uric acid in the body. Gout is a disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation and pain.

Headache, inflammation of the airways, blood disorders, and worsening of symptoms in people with herpes are other side effects of taking L-arginine tablets.

Contraindications L-arginine

L-arginine tablets are not recommended for the following people:

• People who have recently had a heart attack (may be at risk for death)
• People with allergies or asthma
• People with herpes or genital herpes
• People with diabetes

There have not been many studies on the use of L-arginine tablets for children and pregnant and lactating women, so this product should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Drug Interaction L-Arginine Tablets

This pill may interact with the following medications:

• Anticoagulants, herbs, and supplements: These drugs reduce blood clotting. In this case, there is an increased risk of bleeding.
• Blood Pressure Supplements and Medications: L-Arginine lowers blood pressure itself. For this reason, if used in combination with antihypertensive drugs, it may cause the blood pressure to drop too much in the body.
• Diabetes Medications: L-Arginine may lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In the meantime, if diabetes pills are used, the dose of the drug needs to be adjusted because the blood sugar may be too low.
• Isoproterenol: This is a cardiac drug that, along with L-arginine, may lower blood pressure dramatically.
• Nitrates: This drug is used to reduce chest pain and its concomitant use with L-arginine may cause hypotension.
• Diuretics: L-arginine should not be taken with amiloride (midamor), spironolactone (aldactone, carospir) or triamterene (dirium) as potassium levels in the body may become excessive.
• Sildenafil (Rotavio, Viagra): This drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction and its concomitant use with L-arginine may cause hypotension.

Food sources of L-arginine

Side effects of L-arginine tablets are more common when used in excessive doses and in high doses. You can also make L-arginine naturally for your body. For this purpose, you can use the following foods:

• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts
• The seeds are like pumpkin seeds
• Dairy products like milk and yogurt
• Red meat and chicken and turkey
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice and corn

How much L-arginine can be taken daily?

We have said that at normal doses L-arginine tablets generally do not cause side effects. But what do ordinary values ​​mean? How much L-arginine are we allowed to consume daily? It is generally recommended that the daily dose of L-arginine be less than 9 grams per day to prevent possible side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and bloating. However, this amount can be increased if your doctor prescribes it or your trainer recommends it.

Concluding remarks

L-Arginine can be considered a completely safe supplement that often does not cause any side effects even in high doses. However, any medication or supplement, in addition to its benefits, can also have side effects, and in this article, we also discussed the side effects of taking L-arginine tablets. Once again, these side effects usually occur when the supplement is taken in excess of the recommended daily allowance.