In this post I am going to tell you why there are so many couples taking L-Arginine when they are trying to get pregnant. In addition, some supplements to improve sperm quality already have L-Arginine included in their composition.
But, let us start at the beginning.
What is L-Arginine?
L-Arginine is an amino acid, that is, the minimum unit that makes up proteins. And, although it is not an essential amino acid because we can manufacture it ourselves, its uses are such and so important that external support in its production is often necessary.
It has important immunological functions and metabolic. Its vasodilatory capacity has made it widely used for cardiovascular and hypertensive pathologies. And within the world of fitness, its ability to act on growth hormone, muscle performance and the ability to improve the healing of wounds and sores has attracted attention.
Free radicals, circulation and L-Arginine
It is well known that stress affects a woman's hormonal cascade and worsens blood circulation, but it also affects the body's production of nitric oxide. Free radicals especially affect this substance. And there is also the added difficulty that Nitric Oxide cannot be supplemented from the outside so we can only support its formation through indirect routes such as through Arginine.
L-Arginine and female fertility
The main usefulness of Arginine in terms of fertility lies in its ability to be a precursor to the production of another substance, Nitric Oxide. This is a powerful vasodilator and is a great stimulator of the pulse of gonadotropin hormones (GnRH), which come from the brain and are capable of reactivating ovarian activity that may have been altered.
In addition, L-Arginine helps to vascularize the follicles and nourish the blood vessels that must generate a quality endometrium throughout the cycle.
L-Arginine and PCOS
Its ability to sulfate androgens and their metabolites makes it a particularly interesting substance in the case of women who suffer from polycystic ovaries (PCOS). And its added ability to improve insulin sensitivity makes it especially interesting for these patients.
Blood supply to the corpus luteum
Finally, it has been shown that Nitric Oxide helps the vascularization of the corpus luteum, which is why it is capable of improving the progesterone levels in luteal phase, avoiding spotting situations prior to menstruation.
Apart from fertility, in women it is also recommended to improve the detoxifying capacity of the liver. It helps lower blood cholesterol and helps eliminate sex hormones once they have done their job and preventing them from creating other types of alterations.
Male fertility and L-Arginine
How we have visited L-Arginine provides us with important benefits for female fertility, but what about men? Well too.
In the case of men, L-Arginine helps vasodilation of the corpora cavernosa of the penis, improving any situation of erectile dysfunction or high demands for intercourse as it promotes erection.
On the other hand, L-Arginine for men is considered a nutrient to take into account for improve male fertility, since there are studies on the improvement in both the quantity and mobility of sperm. And finally, L-Arginine is an essential amino acid for the correct formation of DNA and its possible repair.
What is the best L-Arginine?
We help you choose which L-Arginine to buy since there are several brands with different formats, powder, capsule and different doses as well as thousands of opinions about it.
Here I leave you the top 3 best-selling l-Arginines for fertility on Amazon. Surely among these you will find the one that best suits you in terms of price and format.
See L Arginine from Solgar 500 mg Vegetable capsules
See l-Arginine Vitanaze 4500 mg highly concentrated
See l-Arginan from Solaray 500 mg VerCap
You will be interested…
As we have seen, L-Arginine works as a powerful antioxidant and promotes blood flow. Now, what better way to seek pregnancy than being in stress-free shape, with good physical, emotional and nutritional tone? Here I leave you a blog post to encourage you to value your lifestyle habits related to fertility. and Does stress cause infertility? What science says.
Bibliography on L-Arginine and fertility
- Prolonged treatment with N-acetylcysteine and L-arginine restores gonadal function in patients with PCO syndrome Andi Masha et al. European Society of Endocrinology. Istanbul, Turkey. 25 – 29 Apr 2009. Endocrine Abstracts (2009) 20 P657
- GH release after GHRH plus arginine administration in obese and overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Francesco OrioJ et al. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. February 2003, Volume 26, Issue 2, pp 117–122
- Effect of psychological stress on the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway and semen qualit Eskiocak et al.Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. May 2006, Volume 39(5) 581-588
- Micronutrient Supplementation Increases Sperm Quality in the Sub-fertile Male. Martin Imhof et al. Male infertility.Touch Briefings 2001. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Public Teaching Hospital Korneuburg/Vienna
- Growth hormone treatment of men with reduced sperm quality Ovesen PG et al. Ugeskrift for Laeger [01 Jan 1998, 160(2):176-180]
Warnings with taking L-Arginine:
Taking L-Arginine can reactivate the appearance of cold sores. This can be avoided with the combination of 500mg of L-Lysine. High doses of arginine could favor the loss of this other important amino acid in urine. Its potent vasodilatory actions may cause it to have synergistic effects with antihypertensive medications, sildenafil or nitrates and you should consult your regular therapist or doctor.
