L-arginine supplements may benefit those with high blood pressure. All rights reserved. ", "But while there is research to show benefit, the question is if people need to consume them," Diekman says. Speak with your doctor before using supplements for any medical reason. Inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism: GABA is an amino acid. Copyright: Merative US L.P. 1973, 2023. (2013). Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. Forming carnosine (a peptide important for muscle and brain tissue) Making histamine (a chemical that mediates allergic reactions) Bonding (chelating) of metals. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, says that makers of arginine supplements claim they can be a boon to athletes by boosting blood flow and oxygen delivery, while stimulating muscle growth. Leucine is one of the 3 essential branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Due to these effects, some people tout glycine supplements as "natural antidepressants." Under these circumstances, your body can no longer fulfill your arginine needs, which must be met through external sources. Valine: PubChem states that valine helps in muscle growth and muscle regeneration and is also an important part of the production of energy. A 2016 review of 7 studies found that supplementing with L-arginine by both oral and intravenous (IV) administration significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure by up to 5.4 mm/Hg and 3.1 mm/Hg, respectively (1). L-arginine is considered a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid. The amino acid cysteine is available in supplement form as N-acetylcysteine (NAC)a form of the amino acid commonly used in hospitals to treat acetaminophen overdose. A randomized group was given two 100 mg chewable tablets of L-theanine twice daily. Taurine has important functions in the heart and brain . L-theanine may be beneficial for those who experience increased blood pressure in stressful situations. This may lead to weaker bones, which can lead to more serious long-term effects. However, side effects may include: Nausea. Patel S, et al. Also, if you have a condition that might be exacerbated by amino acids, you shouldnt use these products. Leucine: Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid or BCAA. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. But does that mean amino acid supplements are good for your health? But taking l-arginine supplements may interact with certain medications. Paired with caffeine, L-theanine may help increase focus and attention. Additionally, although the increased demand for arginine during pregnancy can be provided through diet, protein or individual amino acid supplements may be necessary under certain circumstances. Another study that looked at tea drinkers compared to nondrinkers found that women who drank green tea were 32 percent less likely to develop pancreatic cancer (14). There is a way to sidestep all the unwanted side effects of getting too much of an amino acidtaking a full host of amino acids as part of an essential amino acid blend. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The evidence for glycine after a stroke is conflicting and inconclusive. Its necessary for the production of nitric oxide, a signaling molecule thats needed for a variety of bodily processes and functions, including blood flow regulation, mitochondrial function, and cellular communication (1, 3). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What Happens When You Have Too Much Amino Acids? For example, those with asthma, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, low blood pressure, and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency an inherited disorder that affects arginine metabolism, should avoid L-arginine due to the potential for adverse effects (22). Histamine is necessary for the regulation of sleep cycles, sexual function, digestion and immune response. However, adverse reactions have been reported with consumption of excessive levels of dietary supplements, especially when amino acids have been used individually or in an unbalanced formulation. Glycine stimulates the production of serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone that helps elevate mood, improve sleep, and enhance memory and thinking. Good sources of these amino acids are beef, poultry, eggs and fish. Researchers found that L-theanine decreased anxiety and improved symptoms (3). Miyachi T, et al. However, only nine of them are officially considered essential. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Pak J Pharm Sci. Risks and Side Effects. Additionally, it acts as a precursor to other amino acids, including glutamate, proline, and creatine, and is essential for the health and functioning of your immune system. It's said to help ease anxiety, stress, and reduce insomnia. stomach cramps or pain. Im turning 55 this year, and Ive never looked or felt better. The Action intra-workout mix from aminoVITAL, for instance, contains only 2.4 grams of amino acids; even if you took 10 of these supplements, you probably wouldnt hit the upper limit of consumption established in the study discussed above. Its not recommended to give your child L-arginine unless its medically necessary and was suggested by a healthcare provider. Published 2015 Dec 31. doi:10.1161/JAHA.115.002621, Heresco-Levy U, Ermilov M, Lichtenberg P, Bar G, Javitt DC. Memorial Sloan Kettering Staff. 200 mg of Zen: L-theanine boosts alpha waves, promotes alert relaxation. However, consuming a supplement like glycine may have potential side effects. Targeting glutamate to treat schizophrenia: lessons from recent clinical studies. If you have erectile dysfunction, you may be interested in herbal supplements such as L-arginine. Nobre AC, et al. Glycine toxicity from supplements is rare. In fact, too much serotonin may result in a condition called serotonin syndromewith high blood . In a 2012 human study, researchers evaluated glycine's effects on daytime performance in sleep-restricted participants. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Also, your sleep and wake cycles may be disrupted, according to a July 2015 review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Furthermore, some of these studies found that citrulline supplements may be more effective than L-arginine supplements at enhancing athletic performance (39, 40). However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesnt mean that they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. What You Should Know About L-Arginine, Nitric Oxide, and Bipolar Disorder, The 10 Best Foods to Boost Nitric Oxide Levels, 5 Ways to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, Essential Amino Acids: Definition, Benefits, and Food Sources, Preeclampsia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments. This system affects the spinal cord and the brain. There are three types of amino acids: essential amino acids, nonessential amino acids and conditionally essential amino acids. The essential amino acids are the ones that you are most likely to take too much of when your levels are too high. In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use glycine to support: Your healthcare provider may recommend you take glycine to support your sleep or mood or lower your heart disease or stroke risk. While there havent been reported side effects from taking L-theanine, because of the caffeine content, consuming large amounts of green tea can lead to: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also limit how much tea they drink to avoid over-caffeinating. However, excess amino acids can be bad for you. de Paz-Lugo P, Lupiez JA, Melndez-Hevia E. High glycine concentration increases collagen synthesis by articular chondrocytes in vitro: acute glycine deficiency could be an important cause of osteoarthritis. What's left once protein is digested? Some people prefer capsules because they are easy to take. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers of those products bear the weight of the responsibility to make sure their products are safe (19). Additional side effects of ingesting arginine supplements can be gout, inflammation of the airway and other allergic symptoms. Last medically reviewed on January 13, 2021. Bannai M, Kawai N, Nagao K, Nakano S, Matsuzawa D, Shimizu E. Oral administration of glycine increases extracellular serotonin but not dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of rats. The Mayo Clinic agrees that the supplement is generally safe, and even acknowledges that it might have some positive effects, such as lowering blood pressure and treating erectile dysfunction. 2011;65(2):142-149. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1819.2010.02181.x. However, there are some amino acids, such as arginine and methionine, that should be used with caution in certain individuals. It occurs naturally in the body. One of the great things about amino acids is that, because theyre natural substances already found in our bodies and diets, it takes a large amount of these compounds to trigger a negative reaction in most people. There are no confirmed or direct side effects of consuming L-theanine. Front Neurol. muscle tissue couldnt be built and muscle growth couldnt occur, amino acids act as both neurotransmitters in their own right and precursors to neurotransmitters. In addition to the potential benefits and uses above, many people take L-arginine supplements for a variety of other reasons, including reducing the risk of the common cold and boosting weight loss. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. L-arginine is used in pregnancy under certain circumstances, including preeclampsia. While there is some evidence that glycine could improve sleep, research has been done on animals or in very small human trials. Instead, the only way you can get them is through your diet. While the vast majority of users have few, if any, side effects when taking amino acids, it may be worth keeping an eye . In those with erectile dysfunction, research has suggested that supplementing daily with 1.55 grams of L-arginine may significantly improve symptoms (15, 22). L-arginine is needed for the production of nitric oxide, which is necessary for the relaxation of the cells that make up blood vessels, as well as blood pressure regulation. And, in the interim, familiarize yourself with the various types and some caveats to consider. Based on the participants reactions to doses of leucine (an amino acid), the researchers conducting the study set a conservative estimate for the maximum amount of leucine that a person can safely consume: about 35 grams per day. Can You Get All Amino Acids From Being Vegetarian? Side Effects of Amino Acids. 2018;31(5):1943-1949. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator. Oxid Med Cell Longev. Again, scientists did this research on animals, and therefore it is uncertain whether these results would translate to humans. While the researchers monitored for side effects, none were mentioned in the study. Other research suggests that L-theanine improved sleep quality for those diagnosed with schizophrenia (18). Supplement-makers claim that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which include leucine, isoleucine and valine are energy-boosters, ODS notes. Nonessential amino acids are made in the body, but essential amino acids are not. L-arginine supplements have not been researched in breastfeeding women. After consumption, your gut and liver rapidly metabolize L-arginine before it has the chance to reach systemic circulation. The Mayo Clinic agrees that the supplement is generally safe, and even acknowledges that it might have some positive effects, such as lowering blood pressure and treating erectile dysfunction. Should I Combine L-Arginine With L-Lysine? ". Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is quite important in the makeup of neurotransmitters and is a precursor of many of them, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and tyrosine. There are a few special cases in which they could present a danger to a specific person, such as if someone has a rare disorder or other medical condition that affects their bodys ability to process amino acids. Several studies have examined possible toxic, mutagenic, cancerogenic and teratogenic effects of high doses of specific amino acids and tried to assess the safe limits of their increased intake [2-5].Many studies have evaluated effects on the digestive system, for example, whether or not nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are present . The effects of L-theanine (suntheanine) on objective sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. That keeps the appropriate concentration of amino acids balanced in the body. L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine through a series of enzymatic reactions that take place primarily in your kidneys (28). Results of studies have not been reliable in showing . Effects of L-theanine or caffeine intake on changes in blood pressure under physical and psychological stresses. Among the best food sources of glycine are: Glycine supplements come in capsules or powder formulations. In addition, people who are currently taking blood pressure medications should exercise caution, as concomitant use of NAC may increase the effects of the medications. Williams J, et al. . Ding Y, Svingen GF, Pedersen ER, et al. Phenylalanine is an amino acid that your body uses to make important molecules. Research on the use of vitamin B-12 for specific activities and conditions shows: Heart and blood vessel disease. They found that serotonin increased for only 10-20 minutes after glycine supplementation compared to more than 180 minutes after receiving a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), an antidepressant medication. Urol Int. See which products our registered dietitian picked as being the best. The Facts About L-Arginine Supplements and Erectile Dysfunction, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. When working out, we all want to see the best results possible. Protein supplements containing BCAA may have 'detrimental effects' on health and lifespan. Therefore, athletes may benefit more from L-citrulline or a combination of L-arginine and L-citrulline over L-arginine alone. With amino acids, the exact point at which this occurs can vary from person to person, but a 2012 study1 published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests a baseline from which suggestions can be made. 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