Importance of L-arginine in sport

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that the body can synthesize but its additional intake has positive effects on the body, especially in athletes and bodybuilders. Foods containing a lot of arginine include meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, seeds and nuts. The positive effects of arginine derive from its role in the synthesis of proteins and nitric oxide, which is a potent vasodilator.

Arginine contributes to muscle growth as it is needed for the synthesis of most proteins. By increasing muscle mass, arginine stimulates the cells to produce more growth hormones and promotes fat metabolism. The result is an improved muscle tonus and an increase in lean muscle mass, thereby improving general fitness and muscular strength.

Arginine acts as a vasodilator, which increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the muscle.

Since arginine acts as a precursor in the synthesis of nitric oxide, which is a strong vasodilator, it also improves muscular endurance. When nitric oxide is released into the bloodstream, it enlarges the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and allows a greater flow of blood to the muscle during exercise. A higher blood flow means that more oxygen and nutrients occur in the muscle, which reduces muscle damage, improves regeneration and provides optimum performance.

In addition, arginine also helps maintain the normal functioning of the immune system. It acts as an antioxidant, which means it neutralizes free radicals and improves the function of cells in the immune system. Because physical activity poses stress to the body and increases the risk of muscle damage, it is important that the immune system always works at an optimum level.

The main advantages of using arginine:

• muscle protein synthesis is increased
• extension of blood vessels (vasodilatation)
• increased production of growth hormone
• increased fat metabolism
• improved muscle tone
• increase lean muscle mass
• greater blood flow to the muscle
• faster muscle regeneration
• it works as an antioxidant