Bodybuilding takes a lot of work and effort, but certain supplements may help. Learn how to improve muscular strength with l-arginine and l-citrulline.
L-arginine and l-citrulline are semi-essential amino acids that serve various functions which may help athletes and bodybuilders. While the body naturally produces them, supplementation can be beneficial if you have a deficiency or want to increase your levels.
In addition to supplements, you can find l-arginine in food products such as whole wheat, nuts, seeds, poultry, and fish. However, dietary sources may not have the amounts you need if you want to improve your exercise performance.
Besides having an important role in protein synthesis, l-arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide, which is a powerful vasodilator. As a result, it’s helpful in various areas such as muscle mass development, erectile dysfunction, and high blood pressure.
On the other hand, l-citrulline doesn’t build protein, but it helps your body get rid of harmful compounds like ammonia. Moreover, as a precursor to l-arginine, it helps widen the blood vessels and help build muscle.
L-arginine and Muscular Strength
One of the ways in which l-arginine supplements contribute to muscle growth is through protein synthesis. As muscle mass increases, l-arginine promotes fat metabolism and the release of growth hormones.
Accordingly, these supplements may help bodybuilders in their journey to have well-toned, lean muscle mass. Furthermore, l-arginine supplements may help boost your fitness and strength by promoting muscle growth, which is essential for bodybuilding.
Boosting Endurance
Besides helping with muscle building, l-arginine helps with vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a natural compound that widens the blood vessels as it relaxes the blood vessel walls.
In turn, you can experience lower blood pressure and an increase in blood flow to the muscles as you work out. Due to the increase in blood flow and circulation, your body can effectively get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. In other words, l-arginine is beneficial in promoting endurance, muscle conditioning, healing, and overall performance.
L-arginine Supplements and Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders who use l-arginine supplements usually take between 2 to 30 g per day. Still, if you want to keep side effects to a minimum, it’s better to start with a low dosage before and after workouts.
Otherwise, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, and weakness. As you start using them, you can gradually increase the dosage to the point where you can experience the benefits without the side effects.
Besides being helpful for your workouts, these supplements may be beneficial for your overall heart health. One of the most popular l-arginine supplements available is L-arginine Plus.
It contains 5,110 mg of l-arginine, 1,010 mg of l-citrulline, and various key vitamins and minerals per serving. Through the combination of these ingredients, L-arginine Plus is effective in promoting blood pressure, circulation, cholesterol, and energy.
Try L-arginine Plus as part of your daily regimen if you want a safe and effective way to support your health.