Arginine Cautions
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Certain people should not take arginine supplements:
- People who have an active herpes infection
Arginine seems to increase the activity of the herpes virus (both types of herpes - cold sores and genital herpes), so arginine supplements should not be taken by people with an active herpes infection as it will make the infection worse. If arginine supplementation is required, it should be taken with a lysine supplement at the same time. - People who have cancer, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or any other serious health condition
While arginine has some excellent immune-boosting effects, it is still unknown whether it has positive or adverse health effects on all types of cancers, so care should be with supplementation in people with any type of cancer. People with certain medical conditions (diabetes, heart, kidney and liver disorders) should not take arginine supplements as it could make their condition worse. supplementation. - People taking any type of medication
Arginine may interfere with the activity of certain medications (especially heart medication that act as vasodilators), which could be dangerous to their health. - Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take any type of arginine supplements due to the risk on the baby (both when it is in the womb and when it is born). Mother's milk and baby formula contain enough natural arginine (in the form of the protein) and supplementation is not required. - Children and teenagers
Children and teenagers, who are still growing, may have unknown adverse reactions to arginine, including bone deformities, so supplementation is not advised.
People in the above groups who want to take arginine supplements should speak to their doctor to get professional advice about the risks of supplementation.
Arginine supplements should be taken for a few weeks at a time, with a few weeks break in between. Arginine supplements should not be taken long term (except under strict medical supervision). Always consult your medication practitioner if you want to take it for any condition.
Toxic Levels of Arginine
Arginine is toxic at doses greater than 2-400g per day.
Overdosage and Toxicity Symptoms
Arginine supplements can cause adverse side effects at doses higher than 2-400g. Some of the symptoms of arginine excessive intake side effects are:
- Decreased levels of lysine
- Diarrhoea
- Increased activity of some viruses
- Nausea
- Weakness
In general, intake of very high arginine supplements are not life threatening, but can cause the above side effects. Use of the supplements should be discontinued if the above side effects are experienced.