Embla Arginine - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proper way to take L-Arginine in order to obtain a nitric oxide release?

The answer is — at a different time than Lysine.

If Arginine and Lysine are consumed together, these two amino acids compete for uptake into the body, and so, the benefits of neither are received. The matter of receiving Arginine benefits boils down to having Arginine go into the blood stream at a different time than Lysine (approximately 2 hours apart from each other). This seems simple enough, but the reality is that most foods contain a significant amount of Arginine and Lysine. Therefore, we recommend no other foods for two hours before and one hour after consuming an Arginine supplement, so that Arginine uptake and nitric oxide manufacturing is best assured.

The other element of ensuring ample Nitric Oxide production is having endothelial cells that are in good working order. That's why Embla Arginine includes ingredients that help repair and maintain endothelial cells.

What Are Specific Benefits of Arginine?

• Arginine helps enables fat burning
• Arginine improves immune function
• Arginine helps improve hormone signaling and production
• Arginine builds muscle mass
• Arginine helps to increase bone density
• Arginine reduces healing time of injuries particularly bones when they break as in Osteoporosis
• Arginine furnishes antioxidant properties
• Arginine increases energy levels
• Arginine helps to naturally reduce blood pressure
• Arginine helps reduce risk of heart disease, stroke and cholesterol
• Arginine helps improve blood flow through arteries
• Arginine is a natural alternative for Viagra and also works for women
• Arginine helps with achieving and maintaining erections

Has there been any research to confirm the effectiveness of Arginine?

There has been a great deal of research and ongoing study of Arginine for over 30 years. A Nobel prize and over 10,000 citations exist for the effectiveness of Arginine in producing cardiovascular and other health benefits.

What are the benefits for increasing testosterone, especially in older men?

One of the biggest complaints of older men is in the area of sexual dysfunction and that relates to testosterone. Reduced testosterone levels, also, are correlated to high blood pressure, heart attacks, lessened levels of all hormones, a propensity to catch colds and, in general, lessened happiness. So, when men get older and their hormones start declining, they are not as happy. Fortunately, it is possible to boost hormone levels without any side effects by supplementing with L-Arginine. Also, fortunately, there are few, if any, side-effects. Arginine is a natural amino acid that when consumed apart from other amino acids, will tell the pituitary gland to make its own natural hormones, giving the same testosterone levels that men had when they were young. Arginine is not testosterone, it is simply triggering the body to produce it’s own natural testosterone and that is the key to not having any side effects.

There is a correlation between testosterone levels and sexual desire, increased sexual performance and fertility in regards to both male and females. And, in males, increased arginine levels also produce increased sperm counts.

Erectile dysfunction is a problem for 50% of the male population over 40, which is related to low testosterone and diminished blood flow. L-Arginine scores a direct hit in helping in both of these areas. This is why many reproductive clinics and reproductive endocrinologists now use L-Arginine in their practices with virtually all their patients.

Isn’t Arginine Just an Amino Acid Present in Nearly All Food?

That depends on one’s point of view... laser light could be called just light, but it is far more than just "light" in what it can do. Here’s why Arginine is special:

• When Arginine is eaten by itself (away from the other amino acids so as to avoid Arginine / Lysine competition), it takes on the ability to produce many remarkable results, including the ability to release nitric oxide into the body, the ability to promote wound healing, HGH release, improve immune function and improve sexual function.
• These properties have been validated by the scientific community including receiving the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998. Columbia University refers to it as the “magic bullet” in human health. In an effort to document its many properties, Columbia’s researchers have compiled over 10,000 citations. A study of the phenomenon of Arginine is even included in the course material at the Columbia University of Medical Physicians and Surgeons. The key is taking Arginine in a specific way, namely, apart from Lysine.

Does It Really Matter Which Arginine Formulation I Use?

Yes!... and no! Here's some thoughts about varying formulations or Arginine rich foods:

• Arginine is good for you, period! You could just dissolve Arginine powder in water and drink (but, plain Arginine tastes awful)... and you will benefit significantly. Or, you could eat large amounts of pine nuts or walnuts (two hours apart from other foods) since they are high in Arginine and low in Lysine, and you will get Arginine benefits from food.
• Nitric oxide production can be improved by adding Citrulline as Citrulline helps recycle Arginine, extending the Nitric Oxide generating time from 20 minutes to an hour or more.
• Be aware that Arginine marketers are too exuberant about their products and their unique formulas. Some vendors tout Arginine hydrochloride, Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate or Arginine ester-chloride versions of Arginine, or different ratios of Arginine to Citrulline as being the "best". One particular Arginine formulator condemns all Arginine formulations except her own as being highly dangerous stating that only her formula will not potentially cause sterility, heart failure, and other maladies that she warns can result from consumption of competing Arginine products. In other words, the Arginine market place can be confusing.
• The best way to navigate the Arginine arena is to believe the main "thrust" of science, which is that taking any good Arginine is better than taking none.
• Beyond the general recommendation to consume Arginine regularly, we believe that plain Arginine can be improved in effectiveness by a small amount of Citrulline. Too much Citrulline or a Citrulline only formulation, however, is not so good as that will reduce Lysine levels. The reason for the loss of Lysine is that Arginine and Lysine compete for uptake in the body, and, therefore, one should ensure that Lysine has long periods of time for absorption, too. Depressed Lysine lower immune system strength. Another than warning about getting too much Citrulline, any Arginine is good. So, you should just buy an Arginine and take it. Whichever brand of Arginine you use will be better than not using one at all. Remember, however, you should consult with your medical professional before embarking on any supplementation regimen.
• Our formulation does specifically endeavor to improve cardiovascular health with the inclusion of ingredients that will improve the health of the endothelial cells (that's the place where Nitric Oxide is manufactured) and where cardiovascular disease can occur. We think of our product as not merely being an Arginine supplement, but as being a whole cardiovascular health restoring protocol. If, however, you already have another Arginine product in your cupboard or refrigerator, then take it, because in the words of General George Patton, a good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed later. But, when you run out of that product, get our product. We believe that you’ll like it better and get better health results.

How does L-Arginine Supplementation (Away from Other Amino Acids) Help in Terms of Slowing Down or Reversing Aging?

Arginine helps in many ways.

• First, it helps both the circulatory system and the muscles maintain integrity and flexibility. Loss of this flexibility is a hallmark of an old body.
• Second, Arginine is a signaling molecule and is key to nearly every process of life, energy production, thinking, immune function and much more. A slow down in these processes is also associated with aging.
• Third, Arginine helps the body’s cells stay optimally hydrated. “Drying out” (literally) is also a common hallmark of aging.
• Fourth, as part of the aging process the human body begins to slow down in its production of youth hormones. In fact, one of the clinical definitions of aging involves the reduction of youth hormones. Growth hormone, testosterone and IGF factors are the primary anti-aging hormones and they are directly involved in the aging process. In our youth the hormones account for: muscle tone, bone and skin growth, reduced stored body fat, energy and sexual stamina. These hormones keep us young (beautiful, lean and strong) when they are present in our bodies in high levels. Upon reaching the age of 23, the levels of these hormones begin to go down. As the level of these anti-aging hormones reduces in our body we begin the natural process of aging – we look and feel older. One of the amazing properties of L-Arginine is its capacity to stimulate the body's production of growth hormone, testosterone, and IGF back to the same level as it did in its youth. This product is a dream come true for the “baby boomer’s” just now stepping into old age. Quite literally, one can administer Arginine to an 80 or 90 year old person and they will begin to produce youth hormones that help keep the skin tight, the body healthy and lean, increase muscle mass, and improve immune function – all of which typically decline after the age of 23. To achieve the maximum youth-preserving effect, we recommend using either Cardio Care and Cardio Pro according to our anti aging protocol.