Arginine

Arginine - what is it and how does it affect your muscles?

Arginine is an amino acid that your body can produce on its own, but... well, there's one "but." Under conditions of intense physical exertion, stress, or illness, the demand for arginine increases dramatically, and its natural production becomes insufficient. This is when arginine becomes a relatively exogenous amino acid – you need to supply it externally for your body to function at peak performance. Arginine's greatest secret is its role as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is the magic molecule that will revolutionize your training.

The Magic of Nitric Oxide (NO) – The Key to Power

Imagine your blood vessels as highways that transport oxygen, nutrients, and anabolic hormones to your muscles. At rest, traffic on these highways is moderate. However, when you supplement with arginine, nitric oxide levels in your body increase. NO acts as a powerful regulator of movement – ​​it signals the relaxation and dilation of blood vessel walls (this process is called vasodilation).

What does this mean for you in practice?

• More blood = more oxygen: Dilated blood vessels transport significantly more blood to working muscles. More blood means more oxygen, which directly translates into increased endurance and delayed fatigue.
• Better muscle nutrition: Your muscles are delivered a powerful dose of key nutrients – amino acids, glucose, and creatine – through your bloodstream. This is the fuel that allows you to train harder and longer.
• More efficient hormone transport: Anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone, are more efficiently delivered to muscle cells, creating an ideal environment for growth.

The muscle pump phenomenon - how does it support exercise?

A muscle pump isn't just a temporary, visual muscle enlargement that makes you feel and look like a superhero. It's a powerful anabolic signal for your body.

When blood surges into your muscles, it stretches the muscle fascia – the membrane surrounding your muscles. This mechanical tension signals to the body: "Hey, something important is happening here! These muscles are under enormous strain, we need to strengthen and enlarge them to meet future challenges!".

In response to this signal, the body triggers a cascade of anabolic processes that lead to the synthesis of new muscle proteins, or hypertrophy. This means that the stronger and longer pump you achieve during training, the stronger the growth stimulus you give your muscles. Arginine, by maximizing blood flow, is a direct tool for intensifying this process.

Benefits of using arginine

Arginine supplementation is an investment that pays off in the form of real, measurable results. Regardless of your sport, the benefits are invaluable.

Extreme Muscle Pump and Veining

This is the most well-known and desired effect. Thanks to increased nitric oxide production, your muscles become fuller, harder, and more "pumped up." The visibility of blood vessels (vascularization) also increases dramatically, giving your physique a sporty, trimmed look. This not only motivates you but proves that your muscles aremaximally nourished.

Increased Endurance and Strength

Better transport of oxygen and nutrients to muscles means they can work longer and more efficiently. Arginine helps delay the onset of muscle fatigue, allowing you to perform additional reps in a set or train with heavier loads. In combat sports, this translates into maintaining high dynamics and punching power even in the later rounds.

Faster Recovery and Reduced Muscle Soreness

Training is one thing, but real growth occurs during recovery. By improving circulation, arginine helps to more quickly remove metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid and ammonia, from the muscles, which are responsible for the feeling of "soreness" (DOMS). Faster toxin removal means less post-workout soreness and a faster readiness for another, hard training session.

Supports Growth Hormone (HGH) Synthesis

Studies suggest that arginine supplementation, especially taken before bed, can stimulate the pituitary gland to increase the production of natural growth hormone. HGH is one of the most powerful anabolic hormones in the body, crucial for building muscle mass, reducing body fat, and overall body regeneration.

Improving Sexual Function

The mechanism of action of nitric oxide, which involves the dilation of blood vessels, is the same mechanism responsible for proper erections in men. Regular arginine supplementation can improve the quality of sexual life by supporting healthy blood flow.

Types of Arginine – Which Arginine Should You Choose?

You will find various forms of arginine on the market. Choosing the right one can determine the effectiveness of the supplement. Here are the most popular:

L-Arginine

The basic, free form of arginine. It is effective and well-researched, and forms the foundation of most arginine supplements. Its drawback may be its relatively low bioavailability and the need to take higher doses.

AAKG (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate)

This is a combination of arginine with alpha-ketoglutaric acid. It is currently the most popular form of arginine and is considered by many to be the most effective. AAKG is characterized by significantly better stability and bioavailability than free L-arginine. This means that a smaller dose of AAKG can produce better results in the form of a muscle pump. Alpha-ketoglutaric acid also participates in the Krebs cycle, a key energy-producing process in the body, which further supports your performance.

Arginine Hydrochloride (Arginine HCL)

A form of arginine combined with hydrochloride to increase its solubility and absorbability. This is a stable and easily absorbed form, often found in advanced pre-workout stacks.

Our l-arginine supplements offer

Arginine powder
Our arginine powder is easy to consume and quickly absorbed by the body, providing fast and effective results.

Arginine in capsules
For those who prefer convenience, we offer arginine in the form of easy-to-swallow capsules that can be taken anytime, anywhere.

Arginine enriched with other ingredients
Choose our products with arginine enriched with additional ingredients, such as taurine, citrulline or beta-alanine, to maximize the benefits of your training.

How to dose arginine for a pump?

The recommended daily dose of arginine varies depending on the form, body weight, and supplementation goals.

General recommendations: Typically, 3 to 9 grams per day is used, divided into 2-3 servings.

AAKG form: Due to better bioavailability, doses may be lower. Portions of 2-5 grams are usually effective.

Always start with a lower dose to assess your body's tolerance and gradually increase it.

When should I take arginine?

The best times to take arginine are:

Before training (approx. 30 minutes): This is the most important time. Supplementation before exercise maximizes nitric oxide production, leading to a powerful muscle pump, better oxygenation, and muscle nourishment exactly when they need it most.

After training: A serving of arginine after exercise supports the transport of nutrients (e.g.from a protein shake) to tired muscles, accelerating their recovery and repair processes.

Before bed: As mentioned earlier, arginine taken on an empty stomach before bed can support the natural secretion of growth hormone, optimizing overnight recovery.

Is arginine legal in sports?

Yes, arginine is not on the WADA list of prohibited substances. It is safe and legal for all athletes.

Does arginine support fat burning?

Indirectly – improved performance and recovery allow you to train more intensely, which promotes fat loss.

What is the daily dose of arginine?

The standard daily dose of L-arginine for physically active people and for health-promoting purposes is usually 3 to 6 grams per day, divided into 1–2 servings. For therapeutic purposes (e.g., supporting endothelial function, improving circulation, supporting erections), doses of up to 9 grams per day are used, but always under a doctor's supervision. In sports supplementation, a dose of 5–8 g on an empty stomach 30–60 minutes before training can increase the "muscle pump" effect by dilating blood vessels (vasodilation). Is arginine suitable for women? Yes, arginine is safe for physically active women and can support their goals. training.

How much arginine should I take before sex?

To support erectile function and improve blood flow to the genitals, the recommended dose of L-arginine before intercourse is 3 to 5 grams, taken approximately 30–60 minutes before sexual activity. To enhance its effects, it is often combined with citrulline, ginseng extract, or pycnogenol.

Can arginine be combined with other amino acids?

Absolutely – arginine works great with BCAAs, glutamine, and other amino acids that support recovery and performance.

What should arginine not be mixed with?

Arginine should not be combined with:

High doses of lysine – lysine may compete with arginine for common transport pathways in the body.

Blood pressure-lowering drugs – arginine may enhance the hypotensive effect and lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.

Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors – synergistic vasodilation may occur, which may be risky for the cardiovascular system.

People with herpes (HSV) – because arginine may promote HSV virus replication, it is worth limiting its consumption in the case of an active infection or a tendency to relapse.