Evidence supporting the use of: Arginine
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that has gained popularity in the bodybuilding community primarily due to its role as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule involved in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). The theory is that increased NO production could enhance blood flow to muscles during exercise, potentially improving nutrient delivery, performance, and muscle "pump." Several studies have investigated these claims:

  • Scientific Evidence: Clinical trials on arginine supplementation for muscle strength and hypertrophy have produced mixed results. Some short-term studies report modest improvements in exercise performance or blood flow, but many others find little or no benefit. A 2011 review in the journal Current Sports Medicine Reports concluded that oral arginine supplementation does not consistently increase NO production or enhance exercise performance in healthy adults.
  • Mechanism: While arginine is necessary for NO synthesis, oral supplementation is limited by rapid metabolism in the gut and liver, which may prevent significant increases in blood arginine or NO levels.
  • Bodybuilding Use: Despite limited scientific support, arginine remains a common component of pre-workout supplements, largely due to its theoretical benefits and anecdotal reports of enhanced muscle pump or vascularity.

Conclusion: The use of arginine in bodybuilding has some scientific rationale but is not strongly supported by clinical evidence. The strength of evidence is weak (rating: 2/5), and benefits, if any, appear to be modest and inconsistent.

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Products containing Arginine

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