The amino acid L-Arginine has many talents when it comes to health and fitness. Nitric oxide (NO), which is produced in the body from Arginine, ensures that the blood vessels are dilated, thereby promoting blood flow. It is believed that the muscles also benefit from the improved blood flow, which in turn supports muscle formation. Bodybuilders also like to use Arginine as a “Pump Supplement” because the increased blood flow and dilated vessels make the veins visibly stand out under tension. As a component of important proteins, Arginine also plays a crucial role. The body needs proteins to support muscle building and guarantee the growth of muscle cells. Proteins are also essential in the muscle recovery phase, promoting the maintenance of muscle mass. Furthermore, Arginine can stimulate the release of growth hormones, which enhance fat burning in metabolism and the synthesis of muscle protein. With its role as an “Immune booster,” Arginine is especially capable of supporting the body's own defenses during periods of increased susceptibility to infection (e.g., during intense sports).
Arginine is one of the semi-essential amino acids. This means that under certain life circumstances, such as stress, injuries, intense physical training, competitive sports, a long diet, or during the growth phase, the body's own Arginine production may not be sufficient to meet the body's needs. The consequence? Arginine can become "scarce," and our body now relies on an adequate supply from the diet. In addition to consuming oats, nuts, tuna, chicken, and legumes, which are valuable Arginine sources in our diet, supplementing with an Arginine product can also make sense to optimize the body’s supply.
