Many believe that the amino acid arginine pyroglutamate, also referred to as the growth hormone releaser, reverses the effects of aging. Unlike human growth hormone (HGH), the Food and Drug Administration considers arginine pyroglutamate a food supplement. The amino acid is taken orally and is becoming popular. Some studies suggest high doses are required before beneficial results occur, whereas researchers believe the various functions of this amino acid improve certain medical conditions while proving harmful to others.
In an effort to slow the process of aging, people explore ways of replacing the substances responsible for providing a youthful appearance. These substances include arginine pyroglutamate and HGH, whose production rates naturally decrease with age. The amino acid readily crosses the blood brain barrier where it stimulates the pituitary gland to release HGH. Increased levels of HGH combat the effects of aging as the hormone promotes weight control by decreasing body fat and increasing muscle mass. The hormone must be administered by injection because the digestive process would destroy it.
Arginine pyroglutamate supplements are taken orally but must be ingested on an empty stomach either one hour before of three hours after a meal. Consuming the amino acid with other foods, antihistamines and analgesics diminishes the protein’s capacity to induce HGH production. The amino acid is naturally available in dairy products, meats, grains, nuts and seeds, but health care providers suggest that 10 to 30 grams are required before to achieve the level of HGH release desired.
Nitric oxide, which induces vasodilatation and converts short-term memories into long term memories, uses arginine pyroglutamte as one of its basic building blocks. As a vasodilator, the gas enhances blood flow to various parts of the body, which bolsters immune system performance. Researchers have discovered that high levels of nitric oxide are generally present in wounds. Health care providers have learned that increasing a patient’s blood levels of arginine pyroglutamate generally accelerates the healing of fractures, accidental and surgical wounds.
The vasodilatation properties associated with the amino acid have also reportedly helped persons experiencing certain types of sexual dysfunction. Arginine pyroglutamate supplementation seems to improve vascular circulation in other ways as it decreases cholesterol’s ability to adhere to blood vessel walls, making the amino acid promising as a possible treatment for high cholesterol. When converted into nitric oxide, arginine pyroglutamate also breaks down ammonia, which typically accumulates in patients having hepatic insufficiencies.
The HGH releasing properties of the arginine pyroglutamate are not without adverse effects, and studies indicate that HGH enhances the growth of certain bacteria and viruses, including pseudomonas and herpes. Increased growth hormone levels also enhance cancer growth. Healthcare providers also generally advise against arginine pyroglutamate supplementation for diabetic patients as the amino acid has insulin-blocking effects.
