Side Effects of L-Arginine Supplements: Precautions while using L Arginine Supplements

On the whole, L-arginine supplements are well tolerated when administered intravenously, orally or topically .L- Arginine is an amino acid which plays a crucial role in ammonia detoxification, strengthening the immune system and secretion of certain hormones. Though L Arginine supplements are considered beneficial, there consumption can be associated with certain side effects and precautions are suggested while consuming these supplements

Arginine supplements
can have side effects

Side Effects of L Arginine Supplements

In some cases Arginine is known to cause diarrhea, bloating, hormonal changes, gastrointestinal derangements, hives, increased levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood creatine, and serum creatinine, increased inflammatory response, pain in the lower back, numbness, severe tissue necrosis, systemic acidosis, or venous irritation.

Arginine supplements are also known to set off anaphylaxis in some patients. Symptoms include: hives and rash, itching, breathlessness.

Precaution for using L Arginine Supplements

• People having cardiovascular disorders, may see an increase in the WBC count, fatigue, vertigo, increased blood pressure, or increased post-heart attack deaths; after taking arginine. Arginine must be avoided in hypotensive people or those being administered blood pressure lowering drugs. Those who are at a risk for or have a history of cardiac arrest should avoid arginine, because arginine could aggravate the condition and increase the peril of death.
• Arginine may raise the risk of bleeding. Those having bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding must be very careful.
• Arginine may alter blood glucose levels. People having diabetes or hypoglycemia must exercise extreme care when taking arginine supplements. In case you need to start supplementation, serum glucose levels should be monitored from time to time.
• Those having impaired kidney function, those who are at a risk for hyperkalemia (i.e. abnormally high levels of blood potassium), diabetics or people who take drugs which increase potassium levels, must be extremely cautious, since, arginine causes hyperkalemia.
• Post menopausal women must talk to their health care professional before starting the supplements, given that, flushing and night sweats have been reported.
• Arginine worsens herpetic infection. The herpes virus makes use of arginine, therefore, a diet that is high in arginine in people who may be sheltering the virus, could trigger a reactivation. It may increase the danger of herpes simplex cold sores. 

Other Side Effects of Use of L Arginine Supplements

• Headache is reported as a side effect of arginine; hence, must be used cautiously in those prone to headaches.
• Individuals having immunological disorders must take added care.
• People diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and hyperchloremic acidosis, should consult their doctor, since, arginine aggravates the symptoms.
• High-risk pregnancy women and women having multiple medical conditions should not take arginine supplements; arginine given intravenously can trigger premature delivery, pre-eclampsia, and even death. by and large, experts advocate one to avoid arginine during pregnancy and lactation.
• Avoid arginine with nitrates, as simultaneous usage causes extreme blood pressure-lowering.
• Asthmatics mustn’t use arginine supplements, since; arginine could trigger an allergic response and worsen inflammation of the airways.
• Avoid use in breast cancer.