Arginine is used in bodybuilding to increase blood flow and growth hormone secretion, but scientific research has found that it does not cause increased muscle growth. Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels, and it can also lead to increases in growth hormone production. However, studies have not found a significant improvement in muscle mass for those taking arginine. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that can be found in foods like chocolate, raisins, and peanuts.
Arginine uses for bodybuilding relate to increasing blood flow and secretion of growth hormone. Research has confirmed a link between arginine production and nitric oxide: nitric oxide can increase blood flow. Bodybuilders believe that increased blood flow and additional growth hormone secretion leads to increased muscle mass when combined with exercise. However, scientific research done on the subject has found that the use of arginine for bodybuilding does not cause increased muscle growth. However, it increases the amount of growth hormone found in the blood.
People use arginine for bodybuilding as a method of increasing blood flow to the muscles. This is believed to occur because arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which has been shown to widen blood vessels. For this reason, patients previously taking anabolic steroids may be given arginine to help combat high blood pressure commonly caused by steroids. Bodybuilders believe that increased blood flow can improve their performance. Additionally, the nitric oxide produced is believed to increase fat metabolism and lower cholesterol.
Another reason people use arginine for bodybuilding is that it can lead to increases in growth hormone production. Growth hormone is a chemical that stimulates growth in the body, which is a major concern for bodybuilders. Growth hormone causes the body to divert calories to the production of protein required by muscles instead of fat. As a result, the people most receptive to growth hormone can achieve a 15 percent increase in muscle mass. These results can only be achieved if elevated levels of the hormone are combined with regular muscle building exercise.
Research on the effects of arginine for bodybuilding has generally had inconclusive results. Most research takes a group of bodybuilders and puts them on an identical training regimen and diet, giving half arginine and half a placebo. These studies have not found a significant improvement in terms of muscle mass for the group taking arginine, indicating that the supplement does less than it claims. However, growth hormone levels within the blood are increased in bodybuilders taking arginine.
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body does not produce naturally. It can be found in foods like chocolate, raisins, and peanuts. The amino acid is part of many processes in the body, including hormone secretion and immune system defenses. It can also help regulate salt levels.
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