The ageing of the body is a complex process influenced by many factors, both biological and environmental. As we age, our cells gradually lose their ability to regenerate. The function of mitochondria, or the ‘energy centres’ of cells, deteriorates, leading to increasing oxidative stress that damages DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. As a result, the body’s efficiency declines and repair processes slow down.
In their search for natural ways to slow down the ageing process, scientists are increasingly turning their attention to L-arginine. It is an amino acid that plays a key role in many metabolic processes. However, its most important function is its involvement in the production of nitric oxide (NO), which dilates blood vessels. Thanks to this, L-arginine can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure regulation, muscle regeneration, physical performance, and heart and blood vessel health.
In addition, this amino acid supports natural antioxidant mechanisms, helping to neutralise free radicals that accelerate cell ageing. L-arginine also supports the regulation of hormone balance by stimulating the secretion of insulin and growth hormone, as well as supporting wound healing processes.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Research analysed the anti-ageing effects of L-arginine. It involved 21 adults aged between 41 and 75 (16 men and 5 women). Most of the participants (18 out of 21) were taking various medications, including those for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, hypothyroidism, neuropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis. Seventeen people did not smoke, and four were smokers. As a result, the study reflected the actual population of adults with varying health conditions and lifestyles.
Participants took 5 grams of arginine daily, in the evening, for 28 days. The study was open-label and did not include a placebo group. The effects were assessed using a 30-question questionnaire on various aspects of health and well-being, which participants completed once a week. The assessments were made on a five-point scale, where 1 meant significant improvement, 2 meant mild improvement, 3 meant no change, four meant deterioration, and 5 meant not applicable.
After a month of supplementation, researchers observed a wide range of beneficial effects. The most commonly reported changes included improved sleep quality and depth, increased muscle performance, improved mood and general well-being, and reduced nervous tension. Participants also reported a delay in the onset of mental fatigue. However, none of the participants reported any adverse effects or deterioration in health. Moreover, all of them expressed a willingness to continue supplementation after the end of the experiment.
The study suggests that short-term supplementation with L-arginine may have a positive effect on many aspects of the body’s functioning. Although it was a pilot study and requires confirmation in larger clinical trials, its results provide strong evidence that L-arginine may have a beneficial effect on anti-ageing processes and improve quality of life in older age.
Based on: Mohamed Z. Gad, Anti-ageing effects of L-arginine, Journal of Advanced Research, Volume 1, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 169-177.
