Arginine
OKG generates glutamine and arginine production in the human body.
Arginine is an essential amino acid for children during their growth
period, but since it can be manufactured by the body later in life, it is
classified as a non-essential amino acid for adults. Although most adults
can manufacture arginine, sometimes supplementation is required. For
example, a condition known as (idiopathic hypospermia) low sperm
count, has been reversed with supplements of arginine.
The amino acid ornithine is derived from arginine and can be converted
back again when needed. Although arginine is one of the poorly
absorbed amino acids, studies show that the arginine-ornithine
conversion is the most rapid. Arginine aids in liver detoxification through
its conversion of ornithine. Supplementation is usually given
intravenously and can produce side effects when dosages are too high.
Arginine requires manganese, aspartic acid, citrulline, and glutamic acid
to metabolize properly.
Arginine is important in the transport, storage, and excretion of nitrogen
and in regulating protein metabolism throughout the body. It is also
glycogenic, meaning that it can be turned into sugar. When there is a
deficiency, insulin production is diminished. Animal testing revealed that
an arginine deficiency produces numerous alterations in bodily functions,
including fatty liver deposits. This indicates that the ability of the liver to
process fats is affected.
Arginine is involved in the most important part of the urea cycle, freeing
the body of dangerous breakdown products. Arginine's primary metabolic
role in the urea cycle is in metabolizing nitrogen and protein. Five major
enzymes participate in the urea cycle, and arginine stimulates the first
enzyme starting the cycle. A deficiency of arginine can cause alkalosis,
which increases urinary ammonia. Arginine supplementation has
promptly decreased urinary citrate concentration during kidney disease.
Arginine acts as an anti diuretic, causing the pituitary to release
vosopressin, believed to enhance the memory. However, an excess can
stimulate growth hormone release (undesirable for those still growing).
