L-arginine provides several benefits, but is headache relief among them? When it comes to l-arginine and migraines, does it help? Let’s find out.
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is necessary for making proteins. You can get it from dietary sources such as fish, red meat, dairy products, and poultry.
In addition to helping with protein creation, the amino acid can provide various health benefits. These benefits include treatments for high blood pressure, chest pain, peripheral arterial disease, erectile dysfunction, and more.
However, not all benefits associated with l-arginine have scientific backing. Read on to find out which benefits are real and which ones need more confirmation.
L-arginine Benefits
The main factor behind the benefits of l-arginine is nitric oxide – a chemical that improves circulation. Once inside the body, l-arginine converts into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and opens them for better blood flow.
Furthermore, the amino acid helps release insulin, growth hormone, and other substances. According to research, l-arginine may be possibly effective in treating the following conditions.
Chest Pain (Angina)
L-arginine supplements may help treat symptoms of angina. Moreover, they may improve quality of life and exercise tolerance in people who have angina.
One of the side effects of angina is how it narrows blood vessels. However, it’s important to note that l-arginine may not be able to treat this particular effect of angina.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
L-arginine may also help improve sexual function in men who have erectile dysfunction. To experience the benefits, you should take between 2.5-5 grams of the supplement.
According to some early evidence, combining l-arginine with maritime pine bark extract may help improve the effectiveness of the treatment. Moreover, taking the supplement along with medications for ED may improve the treatment more than by just taking medicine.
High Blood Pressure
Oral l-arginine supplements may help people who have high blood pressure (hypertension). In addition to helping regulate blood pressure levels in those with hypertension, the supplement also helps healthy people.
People with or without diabetes with slightly high blood pressure levels may also benefit.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Narrow blood vessels that result in poor circulation to the limbs is called peripheral arterial disease. According to research, either oral or intravenous (IV) forms of l-arginine may help with this condition.
The benefits come after taking the supplement for up to 8 weeks. However, using l-arginine for an extended period of time (up to 6 months), doesn’t help improve walking speed in people with the condition.
Does L-arginine help with migraines?
Some people may find that oral l-arginine supplements along with ibuprofen can help with migraine headaches. Moreover, by combining l-arginine and ibuprofen, you may experience the benefits within 30 minutes.
However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that l-arginine plays an essential role in migraine treatment. Since ibuprofen is capable of treating migraine on its own, the effectiveness of l-arginine in the process needs more confirmation.
If you want to add l-arginine supplements to your daily routine, L-arginine Plus is a good option. Even if the migraine benefits are inconclusive, the product combines ingredients to help improve overall heart health.
Discuss migraine treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask if adding l-arginine supplements can help.