Cochran Foundation
of Medical Research

 Report of February 28, 1997.  Prepared by Tim Cochran 

L-Arginine helps the body in the following ways:

1. REDUCES BLOOD PLATELET AGGREGATION, WHICH REDUCES THE BUILD-UP OF CHOLESTEROL ALONG ARTERIAL WALLS.
2. STIMULATE LYMPHOCYTE (WHITE BLOOD CELL) PRODUCTION TO SUPPORT AND STRENGTH THE BODY’S IMMUNE SYSTEM.
3. SUPPORT BLOOD CIRCULATION TO THE GENITALS.

L-Arginine plays a critical role in both cardiovascular production and immune system support. Normally considered a non-essential amino acid, under conditions of stress, sickness or injury this important amino becomes and is changed into a conditionally-essential, which means that supplemental L-Arginine must come from the diet. Normally, this amino is synthesized by the body from the amino acid L-Citrulline in the kidneys and the liver.

L-Arginine nutritionally supports the cardiovascular system by enhancing the expansion of blood vessels and inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing cholesterol build-up in the artery walls. It serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, which, when released from the cell lining in the arterial wall, causes the blood vessel to expand.

This is very important because cholesterol lodges on to the arteries, narrowing them and impeding blood flow throughout the entire body. This plaque collection can actually block the critical flow of nutrient-dense oxygenated blood that is needed by body tissue and organs. The arteries most susceptible to cholesterol build-up are the arteries in the heart region and those in the brain area.

Studies have found that L-Arginine also supports male sexual function, by enhancing blood flow to the male sexual organs. An additional number of studies have confirmed a relationship between a low sperm count and a diet deficient in L-Arginine.

L-Arginine is essential in the production of Lymphocytes, or white blood cells produced by the thymus gland. Lymphocytes are used to fight foreign substance (like bacteria) from entering the body. This in turns strengthens the immune system and enhances wound healing. Studies show beneficial effects of supplemental Arginine even when the subject is not shown to be deficient.

Please Note, People who need supplemental Arginine should avoid taking Lysine supplements and avoid foods high in Lysine.

L-Lysine helps protect the immune system by overpowering the amino acid L-Arginine. An excess of L-Lysine reduces the absorption of Arginine, required by viruses for replication. Consequently, L-Lysine inhibits the growth of these Arginine dependent viruses by decreasing Arginine’s transport into the viral cells, since these two amino acids compete for the same transport system.

L-Arginine should not to be used by children, pregnant or lactating women, diabetics or individuals with herpes. Preliminary research suggests that Arginine rich food products may cause reactivation of latent herpes viruses in a few susceptible people. If this occurs, discontinue use.