L-arginine is an amino acid obtained naturally from plant and animal proteins, dairy products, fish, and nuts. It dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow when it is converted to nitric oxide in the body. A 1999 study in “Human Reproduction” showed that L-arginine increased blood flow to the reproductive organs, but a subsequent 2002 study in the same journal showed that women who took large amounts of L-arginine actually produced lower-quality eggs and had lower IVF pregnancy rates than women who took placebo pills. The National Institute of Health still considers L-arginine’s effectiveness to be unproven for treating infertility.
People who have the herpes virus, including cold sores, should not
supplement with L-arginine because it could stimulate an attack.
Sources: NIH, BabyCenter, EHow, OxfordJournals, NIH
People who have the herpes virus, including cold sores, should not
supplement with L-arginine because it could stimulate an attack.
Sources: NIH, BabyCenter, EHow, OxfordJournals, NIH