Review
The Ergogenic Potential of Arginine
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* Corresponding author: Bill I Campbell William_I_Campbell@baylor.edu
Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2004, 1:35-38 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-1-2-35
Published: 31 December 2004Abstract
Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in protein synthesis, the detoxification of ammonia, and its conversion to glucose as well as being catabolized to produce energy. In addition to these physiological functions, arginine has been purported to have ergogenic potential. Athletes have taken arginine for three main reasons: 1) its role in the secretion of endogenous growth hormone; 2) its involvement in the synthesis of creatine; 3) its role in augmenting nitric oxide. These aspects of arginine supplementation will be discussed as well as a review of clinical investigations involving exercise performance and arginine ingestion.