Arginine Helps Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Any problems with our arteries or veins that impair our circulatory system can have disastrous consequences. The amino acid arginine benefits many aspects of the cardiovascular system in a way that helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.

One of the most common problems of the cardiovascular system is atherosclerosis, the hardening of the lining of the arteries. In this condition, a fatty material called plaque is deposited in the inner layer of the arteries. As this plaque buildup increases over time, it causes a constriction of the arteries. This, in turn, impairs blood flow and increases blood pressure.

Ultimately, atherosclerosis can seriously impair the blood supply to different parts of the body - even more so if a piece of plaque breaks off and completely obstructs an artery. If blood circulation to the heart is obstructed, a heart attack can occur. If blood circulation to the brain is cut off, a stroke can occur.

Studies have shown that nitric oxide plays a vital role in maintaining the cardiovascular system. This compound, which outside of the body is a poisonous gas and notorious pollutant, can actually benefit the body when it is formed inside the body from the amino acid arginine.

Several studies have shown that nitric oxide plays a direct role in preventing atherosclerosis. Its action is believed to be twofold. Firstly it acts as a vasodilator, that is it stimulats the dilation (widening) of arteries. This dilation increases the arterial volume and helps blood circulation, while lowering blood pressure - the exact opposite of the effects caused by atherosclerotic plaque. Secondly, nitric oxide reduces the tendency of a particular type of white blood cell to stick to the cells that line the arteries. This helps to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaque that leads to atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Nitric oxide also plays a major role in maintaining optimal blood circulation in our veins.

Arginine Helps Nitric Oxide

So now we know that nitric oxide is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system. But how can we increase the levels of this remarkable compound in our bodies? Nitric oxide is produced primarily from the amino acid arginine through a direct enzymatic reaction. Many of the health benefits attributable to arginine arise through its ability to stimulate the production of nitric oxide within the body. Arginine is present in many foods but it is difficult to obtain enough from the diet to exert cardiovascular protective effects.

Scientific Evidence

In a 1997 study, ten men with atherosclerosis (average age of 41) were given oral arginine supplements for three days followed by a placebo compound. Arginine treatment was found to result in a 2.6-fold greater increase in the dilatation of their arteries compared with the placebo. Arginine treatment resulted in a 16% reduction in the ability of monocytes to adhere to epithelial cells (an event that normally leads to atherosclerosis).

Another study demonstrated that supplemental arginine can reduce the ability of cigarette smoking to initiate atherosclerosis.

Yet another 1997 study (on rabbits) found that arginine totally blocked the progression of the atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the thickening of the arteries caused by these plaques. It also clearly caused dilation of the arteries.

The Take-Home Message

• A daily dosage of 6,000 - 12,000 mg of arginine can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis by stimulating the production of the beneficial molecule nitric oxide. This reduced risk of atherosclerosis leads a reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Supplemental arginine is most effectively utilised when it is taken on an empty stomach with water or juice.