L-Arginine
Type: Amino Acid
L-arginine is an amino acid not only needed to build protein, but also needed to support liver health, as it helps detoxify the liver by neutralizing ammonia, a waste product of protein metabolism.
It is also important for the formation of collagen, and is found in high concentrations in the skin and connective tissue, thus helpful for healing and repairing of damaged tissue. In the human body, L-arginine releases nitric oxide (NO), which is a gas that dilates blood vessels to improve blood circulation. Due to this property, it is often used by athletes and/or body builders to ensure effective delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the working muscle for greater energy output. Some evidence proposed that L-arginine might benefit men with erectile dysfunction, as it promotes blood flow to the extremity.
L-arginine deficiency is rare because it can be found abundantly in various types of foods, such as red meat, poultry, grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. As it is a non-essential amino acid, it can also be produced by our body.