Did your doctor prescribe L-arginine and wondering what is it for. Did you wonder why it is given during pregnancy? Well, L-arginine supplementation has several benefits if taken during pregnancy. Naturally, L-arginine can be obtained from any natural protein-rich food like meat, nuts, and seeds that we consume daily. However, supplementation is for several medical benefits during pregnancy.
The L-Arginine role is backed by several research studies saying taking these supplements can benefit both mother and baby in terms of placental health and fetal growth. In this article let’s learn about what L-arginine is, its role in pregnancy benefits, safety, side effects, and any precautions that need to be taken.
What is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is one of the 20 essential amino acids that is required for the body to make proteins.It has many roles in contributing to overall well-being. Recent studies show its therapeutic benefits in cardiovascular disease, wound healing, and cancer treatments.(1) In the pregnant population it helps in treatment of various Hypertensive disorders.
One of the main roles of L-Arginine in our body is to produce Nitric oxide, a molecule which is needed for important functions like regulating blood flow, and body cell functioning. Nitric oxide in turn is responsible for healthy pregnancy and fetal growth. L-arginine can be obtained both from dietary intake and as supplements.
Is L-Arginine Safe During Pregnancy?
L- Arginine administration is safe during pregnancy. Many studies say L-Arginine can have beneficial outcomes for mothers and babies with blood pressure disorders and fetal growth restrictions. (2)
4 Benefits Of Taking L-Arginine During Pregnancy
The benefits of L-arginine are many and can have potential outcomes when used as a supplement. Nowadays many doctors are showing interest in prescribing L-arginine along with prenatal vitamins to have meaningful outcomes during pregnancy. Here are the top benefits of L-Arginine during pregnancy (3), (4)
Reduces Preterm Birth
L-arginine supplements have an impact on reducing preterm births. Pregnant women taking these supplements have fewer premature deliveries as it can inhibit uterine contractions causing premature delivery.
Aids In Fetal Growth
Supplementation of L-Arginine can improve the birthweight as it can improve the functioning of the placenta which helps carry required nutrients to the fetus.
Reduces Hypertensive Disorders
Pregnant women having risk of Preeclampsia and chronic hypertension taking L-Arginine have improved their blood pressure readings throughout their pregnancy. Both oral and Intravenous administration have significantly controlled the blood pressure.
Helps Control Insulin
L-arginine can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Studies say pregnant women with obesity can improve their insulin regulation by taking L-arginine
Other Benefits
L-arginine helps in wound healing, It can reduce pregnancy-related stress, has many antioxidant properties, and can improve pregnancy fatigue and mood regulation during pregnancy.
L-arginine is gaining popularity through its therapeutic benefits and doctors are showing interest in prescribing it as prophylaxis for many desirable outcomes in pregnancy.
[Read: Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?]
How Do You Use An L-Arginine Sachet When Pregnant?
Please read the instructions on the label before consuming the product. Generally, L-Arginine sachets contain granules that need to be dissolved in half a glass of water and consumed. Please follow the instructions of your healthcare provider before consuming.
What Is The Ideal Dose Of L-Arginine?
The dose depends on the condition you are having. Generally the 3 gm-4gm daily for 2 weeks or until your doctor advises you to take (5).
Side Effects Of L-Arginine During Pregnancy
L-Arginine is well tolerated up to 9 gms. The safety level is up to 30 gm/day Generally there will be no side effects in most people. Few may experience (6)
- Bloating
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Symptoms may subside once you stop using the medications. Please consult the doctor if you have any other side effects other than listed above.
Precautions To Take While Taking L-Arginine?
Even though there are no special precautions to take, please inform your doctor if you have cold sores or are suffering from Herpes already as it may aggravate the virus and worsen the condition. Do Not take more doses than recommended by your doctor. Please inform your doctor if you experience any adverse effects other than those mentioned.
[Read: Glycolic Acid During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?]
When Should You Avoid Taking L-Arginine?
If you have any history of recent heart attacks, L-Arginine should be avoided as it may increase the risk of death. It’s better to avoid L-Arginine if you have asthma, Low blood pressure, kidney and liver disorders, Arginine metabolic disorders. Please consult your doctor before taking the supplementation (7).
Alternatives For L-Arginine
L-citrulline is an effective alternative to L-arginine. It is a precursor for L-arginine and has twice the potential of L-arginine supplementation. Studies say that L-citrulline is more effective at increasing arginine levels than L-arginine in the body (8).
L-arginine is beneficial for pregnant women who are at risk of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. The increase in production of nitric oxide can increase the blood flow to the placenta delivering oxygenated-rich blood and nutrients to the fetus thus contributing to fetal growth and weight. Most of the research studies suggest using L-Arginine sachets as supplementation to have beneficial outcomes in hypertensive disorders, low birth weight, and preterm deliveries. Generally well tolerated with minimal side effects. Best absorbed half hr before breakfast during the morning. Please follow the doctor’s suggestion on dose, dosage, and when to stop taking.
FAQ’s
1. Does L-Arginine Increase Fetal Weight?
L-arginine can increase nourishment through oxygenation-rich blood thereby increasing the fetal weight.
2. When Is The Best Time To Take L-Arginine?
L-Arginine is best to take half an hour before morning breakfast for better absorption.
3. Is It Ok To Take Arginine Every Day?
L-arginine can be taken for longer periods. Your doctor will decide when to start and stop depending on your condition.
4. Does L-Arginine Improve Egg Quality?
By decreasing the oxidative stress and increasing the blood flow to ovaries L-arginine elevates the egg quality and viability.
Read Also: Loperamide During Pregnancy – Safety, Dosage and Side Effects
References
- Arginine chapter- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/arginine
- L-Arginine supplementation in pregnancy: a systematic review of maternal and fetal outcomes- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37258415/
- Maternal Dietary L-Arginine and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania-https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/186/5/603/3813219
- L-Arginine supplementation in pregnancy: a systematic review of maternal and fetal outcomes-https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14767058.2023.2217465
- L-Arginine supplementation in pregnancy: a systematic review of maternal and fetal outcomes-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17454224/
- Therapeutic Benefits of l-Arginine: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021928/
- L-Arginine Medline Plus-https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/875.html
- The Effects of Oral l-Arginine and l-Citrulline Supplementation on Blood Pressure- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6683098/
