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Arginine is an essential amino acid, which serves as the primary nitrogen donor for many biochemical reactions in the body. In response to nervous impulses resulting from sexual stimulation, nitric oxide or NO is released. NO is actually a gas and it has a very short half-life of only five seconds. During this brief interval, it directs the smooth muscle cells in the walls of the penile arteries to dilate.
Arginine is the sole precursor in the body for the formation of NO. No arginine --- no NO. No NO --- no erection. By taking supplemental arginine, we can ensure that adequate raw material is on hand for NO synthesis.
Typical doses of arginine for prosexual purposes are anywhere between two and 18 grams. Because of the large volume involved, it is often consumed as a powder. Best results are seen when it is taken on an empty stomach between 30-60 minutes prior to sexual activity.
Being a naturally occurring amino acid, side effects with arginine are rare. Individuals with a history of herpes outbreaks, diabetes and cancer should however, avoid it. The herpes virus has an affinity for arginine and can be stimulated into reactivation when arginine is taken in large amounts. Blood sugar levels can be raised by arginine, so caution should be used in cases of diabetes. In addition, arginine is one of the amino acids that causes release of growth hormone from the pituitary. The effect of increased growth hormone levels on cancer cells is unclear, so we err on the side of caution and do not use it where malignancy exists.
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