Role of L-Arginine in Bodybuilding and Muscle Development

Have you ever heard that protein is a key player in muscle building? Well, guess what? Arginine, an amino acid naturally produced by the human body, is commonly found in protein rich foods! Some of which are red meat, fish, and poultry! Other arginine-rich foods are grains, nuts and seeds, and dairy products—all of which you may have been consuming already. Naturally, our bodies already make arginine. So, why is there still a need for l-arginine supplements?

Fitness is one thing, while bodybuilding is another. And while both may require similar nutrients, bodybuilding may need a more specific set of supplements for it to be able to work without compromising overall health.

In a research heavily focused on the relationship between l-arginine and resistance training, it was found that l-arginine supplementation influenced body mass gain and helped promote cardiovascular health. These are all possible because l-arginine functions as a nitric oxide (NO) precursor and therefore encourages healthier circulation in the body.

When your body experiences healthier blood flow, you get a surge of strength, energy and endurance for longer workouts—it simply makes exercise more efficient as you evidently get more out of it!

Apart from helping build body mass and encouraging longer gym sessions, what else does l-arginine do?

ED can happen when your body has poor blood flow. L-arginine, being the NO precursor that it is, may increase the effectiveness of medications like Viagra.

The use of l-arginine supplementation may trigger healthier blood flow. A 2016 study reports that l-arginine may help reduce high blood pressure in adults with hypertension. It does this by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels.

L-arginine may support endothelial health, meaning that there could be lesser chances of a stroke or of a heart attack in individuals who carefully take l-arginine supplements.

L-arginine, along with l-citrulline supplementation, helps increase the number of cells and encourages skin wound healing.

A 2004 research has found that l-arginine has an amazing contribution to kidney function as well! Apparently, it helps the kidneys remove waste products from the body and may help improve acute and chronic renal issues.

Havasu Nutrition has been on a steady course to fulfill the goal of helping thousands of individuals achieve their fitness goals. Our L-Arginine Capsules are formulated with 400 mg L-Arginine HCI, 400 mg L-Arginine-Alpha-Ketoglutarate, 400 mg L-Citrulline-DL-Malate, and 100 mg Beet Root Powder for enhanced workouts, increased energy, and muscular and vascular growth.

Take 2 capsules once a day, 30 minutes before activity. Havasu Nutrition encourages you to seek professional advice from your health provider prior to taking any of our supplements. 

Taking l-arginine benefits vascular health and more. However, it may also introduce several side effects, especially when taken without medical guidance.

Steer away from l-arginine and l-arginine supplements if you are: 

1. Asthmatic. L-Arginine may worsen breathing or trigger the narrowing of the airways of people with asthma. 

2. Pregnant. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should not take supplements without prior consultation with a medical professional. 

3. Two weeks from having surgery.  

4. Not of age. It is discouraged for children to take l-arginine supplements without consultation from a medical professional. 

Essentially, taking l-arginine might cause an allergic reaction if not administered correctly. When consumed without prior consultation, you may be at risk of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or gout among other things. Havasu Nutrition urges you to visit your doctor first before taking our L-Arginine Capsules.  urges you to visit your doctor first before taking our L-Arginine Capsules.  

Bruce, D. June 2023. Arginine: Heart benefits and Side Effects. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/heart/arginine-heart-benefits-and-side-effects 

WebMD Editorial Contributors. November 2022. Health Benefits of L-Arginine

Bailey, S. et al. November 2010. Acute L-arginine supplementation reduces the O2 cost of moderate-intensity exercise and enhances high-intensity exercise tolerance. DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00503.2010

Stefani, G. et al. September 2018. Resistance training and L-arginine supplementation are determinant in genomic stability, cardiac contractility and muscle mass development in rats. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204858 

McRae, A. September 2016. Therapeutic Benefits of l-Arginine: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021928

Sarandy, M. et al. January 2023. l-arginine and l-citrulline supplementation accelerates second intention wound healing in iNOS knockout mice. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464622004650#ab010

Gautam, C. October 2004. Role of L-Arginine in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Renal Disease. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623031310#:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20l%2Darginine%20seems,models%20of%20hypertensive%20renal%20injury