L Arginine: Bodybuilding Dosage, Benefits and Side Effects

Arginine bodybuilding benefits
Arginine Supplement capsules

L Arginine Pre-Workout Supplement

Bodybuilding Benefits of L Arginine powder or capsules

L Arginine supplements support Bodybuilding and Muscle Growth as a pre-workout Nitric Oxide Booster.

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  • Increases Nitric Oxide in the bloodstream, which dilates blood vessels increasing blood flow to muscle tissue.
  • Allows protein and creatine-rich blood to flood the muscles.
  • Increases exercise tolerance, which means more reps, more strength and more growth.
  • Main ingredient in many pre-workout supplements.
  • Using an Arginine supplement will help get a better “pump”, which leads to enhanced muscle growth.
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L-Arginine Pre-workout Supplement Bodybuilding Dosage*

  • L-Arginine bodybuilding dosage is a total of 2-10 grams of in powder or capsules per day.
  • Take 2-3 grams prior to bodybuilding work out.
  • Take 2-3 grams immediately afterward.
  • You can stack it with your protein and creatine shake.

I personally use a pre-workout formula, Cellucor C4, that contains a 1000mg dose of Arginine AKG, as well as L-Arginine in capsule form. I normally feel that I get a better and quicker “pump” when I take this before my workouts, especially arm workouts. Also See L-Citrulline.

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate or AAKG

This is a combined supplement consisting of L-Arginine and Alpha-ketoglutaric acid. Alpha-ketoglutaric acid in salt form is known as Alpha-ketoglutarate, or AKG.

AKG bodybuilding benefits are similar to L-Arginine benefits in that it can also increase exercise endurance, making it a perfect complimentary supplement.

AAKG may give you increased results when compared to taking L-Arginine alone.

Where to Buy L-Arginine and AAKG Supplements

L-Arginine is readily available as a powder or capsule at many sports nutrition retailers in addition to Amazon.com.

L Arginine Bodybuilding Rating:****

L Arginine is highly rated as a bodybuilding pre-workout supplement. The bodybuilding benefit of blood vessel dilation in the muscle makes this a common ingredient in many popular pre-workout supplements. Cellucor C4 contains 1 gram of arginine AKG per serving.

Pre-workout supplementType of Arginine
Cellucor C4Arginine AKG
Animal PumpArginine AKG

Side Effects of L Arginine

L Arginine is considered a safe supplement with only minor side effects reported when taken for up to 3 months. Some possible side effects are: some abdominal discomfort, diarrea, bloating. Also reported was difficulty breathing in people with asthma.

See your doctor before using Arginine if you are taking any medications, especially meds that lower blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra as it may interact with these medications.

Women who are nursing or may be pregnant should also seek the advice of a physician before using Arginine.

Facts about L Arginine

See also Arginine at Wikipedia.

Arginine or L-arginine, is a conditionally essential amino acid that’s required for growth, immune function, wound healing, and many aspects of protein metabolism. This is why it is essential for muscle growth and bodybuilding.

Arginine is the main ingredient in most of the very popular Nitric Oxide products due to it’s reputation as a nitric oxide booster. This means it enables the body to produce nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate, creating the all-important “pump” that you feel when you intensely work a muscle. This dilation also allows more nutrient rich blood to saturate the muscle, resulting in more muscle growth.

Health Benefits of L Arginine

L Arginine is a “conditionally essential” amino acid. The body is able to synthesize the amino acid if necessary when it is lacking in the diet. However, a diet that consists of plenty of protein from chicken, steak & beef, fish, eggs and dairy products, should provide enough of an arginine  dose for a normal diet.

L-Arginine may stimulate the production of growth hormone and prolactin. The body uses l-arginine along with glycine and methionine, to produce creatine.

Deficiencies of arginine may occur in children with certain genetic disorders, or in cases of trauma (including surgery), sepsis, or serious burns. These individuals may receive arginine as part of medically prescribed therapy during recovery.

L-Arginine may help prevent or reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and may decrease the occurrence of artherosclerosis (the formation of hard plaque from fatty deposits in the arteries).

Arginine is also thought to help lower cholesterol levels, and may help improve symptoms of angina.

Arginine may also help prevent or reduce the spread of certain cancers, and may have antioxidant properties.

Research shows that l-arginine, when taken in the proper dosage, may help the body repair wounds, may help individuals with some kidney disorders, may help decrease the severity or incidence of migraine headaches, and may help improve symptoms of male infertility caused by erectile dysfunction.

L Arginine has many benefits for bodybuilding as well as general health and can be a good supplement to consider adding to your daily regimen.

*Dosages are only general recommendations. Always check with your Physician and product label before taking any supplement or medication.

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