IMPORTANT USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Suggested Serving: Mix one serving (1 scoop providing 5g elemental L-arginine) with 4-8 oz. water (depending on individual taste). Stir to dissolve. If water is very cold, mixture will take about 1 minute to dissolve. Add 3-4 cubes of ice to activate the flavor system ( if desired ). One serving (1 scoop) may be taken twice per day. Take the LArginine formula, 30 minutes before or after ingesting food. High glycemic foods and drinks should be avoided. Store in a cool dry place. Refrigerate after opening.
Directions for taking LArginine at bedtime (Anti-Aging Benefits)
Anti-aging benefits of L-arginine only occurs when 10 grams of pure elemental L-arginine is ingested in a low glycemic format with no competing proteins, amino acids, maltodextrins, or sugars. Take 2 servings (2 scoops ) in desired amount of water, 30 minutes prior to sleep on an empty stomach. Do not ingest food, including protein drinks, L-Citrulline (an ingredient in Herbalife's L-arginine product), high glycemic drinks, or supplements containing any other amino acids with or within 2 hours of taking this product at bedtime. Ingesting food, amino acids, or high glycemic ingredients with or near this product is not in any way harmful, it simply will negate the benefits.
Directions for Cardiovascular and Nitric Oxide Benefits - Daytime Protocol
Take 5 grams of elemental L-arginine (1 scoop) - 2- 3 times/day.
Women - 10 grams/day
Men - 12 grams/day
Directions For Athletes: Take 2 servings at bedtime (see instructions above) and an optional 1-2 servings 30 minutes prior to intense exercise on an empty stomach.
Optional Instructions for Athletes: On non-exercise days, athletes should take LArginine only at bedtime. LArginine should not be cycled (pre-mixed). Most sports drinks interfere with GH release, so only drink water near desired GH release times.
Directions For Professional Athletes: The only other time you release growth hormones is when you do some very intense exercise. If you are a professional athlete you should take L-arginine on an empty stomach, 30 -45 minutes before a workout.
It is recommended to start the first dose at night with 5 grams of LArginine. For 2 -3 nights take one scoop. Then increase the amount to 2 scoops which is 10 grams of elemental L-arginine. For 3 - 4 weeks continue with 10 grams of LArginine. For optimum benefits, you will want to work up to 30 grams/day. Take 15 grams of LArginine during the day at workouts and 15 grams at night following the Night-time Protocol.
Men - start taking 15 grams at bedtime. Maintain that schedule for a month. Evaluate the results with 15 grams compared to 10 grams. If you aren't seeing better results, decrease the amount back to 10 grams.
Women - stay at 10 grams.
LArginine is used by professional athletes to:
- improve muscle tone
- increase ratios of muscle-to-fat
- improve muscle co-ordination and bone density
- increase healing time from injury
- used as a healthy alternative to steroids
Caution: For use by adults over the age of 23. Keep out of reach of children. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women. Not for use by persons with brain or ocular herpes, prostate cancer, or those with Wilson's disease (genetic copper disorder). Persons with diabetes, borderline diabetes, and cancer patients may only use this product under direction from their physician.
CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
L-ARGININE is a natural amino acid found in meat, poultry, dairy foods, peanut butter, chocolate and nuts. It is also found in nutritional supplements.
L-ARGININE is the safest amino acid in the entire amino food chain, but certain persons should avoid using any L-arginine supplements without express authorization from their physician.
DO NOT attempt to self-treat any medical condition. As with any medical condition, consult your physician before taking any supplements.
Contraindications
DO NOT use plain L-arginine without the appropriate co-factors, as it may stimulate replication of the herpes-simplex viruses and other negative side effects. M2® contains the essential co-factors designed (Patent-Pending) to avoid the negative herpes-side-effects associated with taking L-arginine, but persons with active herpes simplex or brain and ocular herpes should avoid:
- Eating foods that contain high levels of L-arginine, such as chocolate, beer, meats, nuts, sesame and other seeds, onions, garlic, grapes, peanut butter, coconut grape juice, orange juice, grain cereals, and beans
- Using any L-arginine supplements.
The herpes virus (herpes virus hominis) typically lays dormant in humans until activated by stress, colds, lack of sleep, and nutritional factors. Plain L-arginine (not formulated with essential co-factors) can increase replication of the virus. L-lysine-rich foods that help combat herpes viruses include whole boiled eggs, yogurt, cheese, fish, and turkey.
DO NOT take L-arginine with L-lysine. These two aminos compete with each other to cross the blood-brain barrier.
DO NOT use L-arginine if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Though L-arginine has been shown to help successfully combat many cancers, very high doses (30-50 grams of L-arginine) per day stimulates growth hormone, which primarily stimulates growth of muscle mass. Certain tumor cells may thrive on human growth hormone, which may stimulate growth of breast cancer cells. As far back as 1981, the National Cancer Institute reported that arginine-derived nitric oxide inhibits [blocks] breast-cancer-cell replication in a test tube, and L-arginine has never been shown to cause breast or any other type of cancer. The research shows the pros and cons of using L-arginine at high doses. Doses of 6 grams a day or less of L-arginine is not considered a potential problem for cancer patients, but, as a precautionary decision, use of L-arginine in the presence of any cancer is contraindicated without a doctor's specific permission.
DO NOT take L-arginine with Viagra.
L-arginine is NOT for use by pregnant or lactating women, males with prostate disorders or high PSA values.
L-arginine should not be used by diabetics or borderline diabetics unless under close medical supervision because growth hormones can sometimes block the effects of insulin. L-arginine may be beneficial to some persons with Type II diabetes or sub-diabetic insulin resistance: Physicians and clinicians may request the "L-Arginine/Diabetes Report".
Persons under the age of 23 and/or persons who have not completed their long-bone growth phase should NOT take L-arginine.
If you have a medical condition or health concerns, please consult your physician first.
At this time (January-2004) there are no well-known drug interactions with L-arginine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR LARGININE FORMULA
Our medical experts have responded to many of your questions that you have emailed to us. Here is what they had to say:
What foods may be taken with LArginine?
Food, proteins, amino acids, sugars, fat, and drinks other than water, compete with L-arginine for uptake across the blood-brain barrier. It is for this reason that doses of more than 1 scoop of LArginine must be taken 2 hours apart from any food, drink, and most nutrients. No deleterious effects will occur, but it is simply a waste of time and product, to take L-arginine with competing agents. Proteins (meats, dairy, cheese, eggs, protein drinks, protein bars), and amino acids (like Lysine) should not be taken with L-arginine, and should not be ingested sooner than 2 hours from drinking LArginine.
Daytime doses of LArginine (5 grams of elemental L-arginine/1 scoop of LArginine) do not need to cross the blood-brain barrier to be effective, so foods, drinks, and nutrients do not compete for this metabolic process. It recommended when following the daytime dose, that foods, drinks etc. be taken 30 minutes apart from LArginine.
Who Can Use LArginine?
LArginine was designed for use by adults (persons over the age of 23) who have declining levels of the natural anti-aging hormone; growth hormone (GH).
Has LArginine been proven to be safe for humans to use?
Yes. LArginine has been used safely in humans for the past 20 years (since 1983) and has the longest history of use in humans of any L-arginine product. Thousands of professional athletes, as well as non-athletes, have used LArginine with no adverse side effects.
Do athletes by the Olympic Committee accept LArginine for use?
Yes. Athletes using LArginine have won Gold medals. LArginineM2 is used and promoted by famous world-class athletes who have used LArginineM2 during their careers and in their competition events. LArginine is legal for use in Olympic games, IFBB world body building competitions, WPF power lifting events, fitness pageants, NFL events, NBA events, the Ironman competition, and any other sports event.
Is there any age limit for an elderly person to see benefits?
There is no age limit if you are over the age of 23. An elderly person can benefit more from this product with the nighttime protocol.
Does LArginine contain any hormones?
No. A physician can only prescribe hormones safely. The human body produces its own growth hormone naturally. The hypothalamus regulates the release of growth hormones as well as thyroid stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The anterior pituitary makes Trophic hormones, which activate endocrine system glands. Growth hormone is a Trophic hormone, and as such can be promoted by administration of a natural Homeostatic HGH protocol. *
Why is LArginine low glycemic?
Research has shown that a high glycemic reaction, in drink or food form, attenuates (weakens) GH levels. A high fat drink or meal also reduces GH response by about 50%, and so do MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides), an oil frequently used by athletes in place of fat.
Can LArginine be mixed with protein drinks?
No. Other amino acids may not be ingested simultaneously with LArginine and that includes protein and amino acid supplements and foods or drinks containing protein and/or amino acids. However, you can ingest it two hours before or after taking LArginine.
Other amino acids compete with L-arginine, particularly Lysine, and can render the formula inert. You can take your protein supplement, shake or bar, following your workout. Make sure the product or meal is also low glycemic unless you have depleted muscle glycogen during your workout or training regimen.
L-Arginine is an ingredient in my protein shake. Can't I take a double dose; say 50 grams of protein, to get sufficient arginine?
No. Very little of the arginine in the protein shake will be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These are amino acids that compete for the same pathway. The stomach should not contain amino acids that compete with L-arginine. Athletes that take their protein shakes with their arginine supplements are wasting their time and money.
What is HCL, and why is it a bad thing in other l-arginine products?
L-Arginine hydrochloride (HCL) is one form of l-arginine used in commercial preparations. L-arginine HCL is considered to be an inferior form of l-arginine.
Unlike oral ingestion of large amounts of arginine hydrochloride (HCL), which may increase the production of free radicals such as superoxide and peroxynitrite, the patented L-arginine formula in LArginine utilizes a low glycemic base of Trutina Dulcem which allows the L-arginine to follow a correct pathway within the body in order to achieve the most beneficial results.
How much L-arginine is in a serving of LArginine?
One serving (1 scoop) of LArginine contains 5,000 milligrams (5 grams) of pure free form L-arginine.
How do I know how much LArginine I should be taking each day?
The average person doesn't need to take any more than 1 scoop during the day and 2 scoops in the evening. A nighttime dose of 2 scoops will give you the necessary 10 grams of L-arginine to release anti-aging hormones.
Women need 8 grams, while men need 10 grams. Keep in mind that LArginine does not stop the aging process, but it does help to slow it down.
Pro-athletes have large muscular physiques and weigh 200-400 lbs. The recommended protocol is 30 grams/day. Three scoops (15 grams) 30-40 minutes before lifting weights. Lifting weights builds muscle and that's when they need additional L-arginine.
What if you have trouble falling asleep right away?
Occasionally, some people become more energetic after taking LArginine at bedtime and can't fall asleep. They find themselves in a panic because they aren't falling asleep. Relax. Try cutting back to a smaller amount and work back to the desired level, or take 1-2 Tylenol PM tablets. Gradually your body will adjust.
What if I experience "extreme dreams" or my dreams are in color?
This can occur when the LArginine crosses the blood brain barrier. The change in dreams is normal and not anything to worry about. Sometimes they subside and sometimes they don't.
If one is not using the LArginine for anti-aging benefits, but rather for pre-training, should one still not take anything else within 2 hours of using it? An example would be, other amino acids?
Those wishing to use LArginine for pre-training should do so on an empty stomach (no food, supplements or drinks other than water should be ingested for two hours prior to taking LArginine) 30 to 45 minutes prior to exercise.
Do you recommend LArginine for someone who has herpes?
The amino acid L-arginine may reactivate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in individuals with a latent herpes infection due to its competition for absorption with L-lysine, an amino acid that suppresses the HSV in the body. Therefore, L-arginine may block the L-lysine and render it less effective in suppressing the HSV.
What are the negative effects of taking L-arginine?
LArginine is not specifically contraindicated for people with oral or genital herpes because the L-arginine delivery system in LArginine is formulated to reduce the likelihood of this type of a reaction. However, some individuals may experience a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus due to L-arginine use.
1. What can happen if you take l-lysine with plain l-arginine together?
2. What can happen if you take l-lysine with LArginine together?
Taking nutritional supplements that contain L-arginine, including LArginine together with L-lysine is not recommended because L-lysine may prevent the absorption and utilization of L-arginine. L-lysine may still be included in the daily supplementation regimen; however, it should be taken as far away from the LArginine as possible.
I have a sleeping disorder and sleep with a breathing machine. I have been following the nighttime protocol however with my "Sleep Apnea" I usually will wake up at least every hour during the night. Are there any benefits for me to continue following the nighttime protocol other than cardiovascular with this sleeping disorder?
Try taking the LArginine at night, and then on different days, in the daytime, to see if the nighttime dose is effective, given your sleep problems. When sleep is disrupted, the daytime LArginine protocol should be followed for optimal LArginine benefits.
I have noticed an increase in urination since taking LArginine. Is this normal and if so what would the reason be for this?
The increase in urination is not typically associated with LArginine and may be attributed to an increase in the consumption of liquids prior to sleep.
How should LArginine be used?
For General Health Benefits:
Mix one serving with 4-8 oz. water (depending on individual taste). Stir to dissolve. If water is very cold, mixture will take about 1 minute to dissolve. Add ice to activate the flavor system if desired. One serving may be taken twice per day. Food and drinks may be taken with daytime servings, but high glycemic food and drinks should be avoided. Do not use L-lysine within 2 hours of taking this product.
For Anti-Aging Benefits:
Pituitary release of growth hormone (GH) only occurs when 10 grams of pure elemental L-arginine is ingested in a low glycemic format with no competing proteins, amino acids, or sucrose (table sugar). Take 2 servings in desired amount of water, 30 minutes prior to sleep on an empty stomach. Do not ingest food, including protein drinks, L-Citrulline, high glycemic drinks, or supplements containing any other amino acids with or within 2 hours of taking this product at bedtime.
Example: If your are planning to be a sleep at 11:00 pm - the last time you eat will be 8:30 pm. Take the LArginineM2 at 10:20 - 10:30 pm. The LArginine will not work unless you follow this protocol. If you don't go to sleep within that time frame or if there is a presence of food, the L-arginine will not cross the blood brain-barrier. The LArginine will be wasted. You need to sleep for a minimum of 4 hours. Ideally you should sleep 8 hours for your body to repair itself.
What are some of the benefits of LArginine for menopause?
The nighttime dose of LArginine (or LArginine taken prior to sleep) stimulates the production of GH or Growth Hormone in the body. Growth hormone production declines as we age and increasing its production provides the body with rejuvenate benefits. Therefore, increased levels of GH enhance muscle mass, aid in decreasing body fat, help boost energy, promote healthy sexual performance and stimulate the production of anti-aging mechanisms. The benefits associated with menopause symptoms may be related to the increased production of anti-aging mechanisms and growth hormone.
I have an allergy to chocolate and wonder whether or not that would prevent me from using LArginine?
An allergy to chocolate should not prevent your customer from using LArginine. LArginine does not contain chocolate or chocolate derived ingredients.
Is there a difference between l-arginine and arginine?
In nature amino acids are found in two forms, the L form and the D form, the chemical structure of one being the mirror image of the other. The L form of amino acids as in L-Arginine is more compatible with the human body.
I was taking LArginine and I also have genital herpes as well as some other serious health issues. It was recommended that I take Larginine as treatment.
All forms of L-arginine are capable of reactivating herpes viruses. The person who recommended taking L-arginine as a treatment for herpes is wrong.
Dr. Allens patented L-arginine is the only L-arginine that has reduced capacity for activating herpes (including genital). But in a substrate of the population, any form of L-arginine can activate the virus if the person is under stress, whether physical or mental.
If the LArginine is activating your herpes, then do not take it.
How do I take lysine to prevent any outbreak of viral symptoms?
For Herpes Simplex, L-Lysine capsules (not tablets) containing ONLY L-Lysine and no other amino acids, can be taken three times per day with meals. Never take L-Lysine within 2 hours of taking LArginine or any L-arginine product.
Will LArginine help with women or men who are experiencing hair loss?
Hair loss may be attributed to a number of different factors such as heredity, stress, illness, poor nutrition, and hormones. Because LArginine effects hormone production, and elevates the levels of Growth Hormone as well as testosterone, it may have a negative effect upon hormone related hair loss. It is impossible to know whether or not LArginine will be beneficial until the exact cause of the hair loss is determined.
I recently saw a protein product that had l-arginine in it. What are the benefits from the l-arginine in this form?
I do not have extensive experience with other manufacturers' products and do not have access to detailed, information proprietary to a product. LArginine is a product formulated with an ingredient called Trutina Dulcem, which is proprietary to LArginine. The active ingredient in LArginine is the amino acid L-Arginine. L-Arginine is a blind amino acid, and does not follow a preset path once it gets into the body. The positive benefits it is able to provide cannot be achieved if it follows the wrong path. Trutina Dulcem is intended to guide the L-Arginine to ensure that it follows a path that provides the body with the most benefits without the negative side effects associated with some other Arginine formulations.
Should the amount of LArgininetaken be dependent on a person's weight?
The optimal amount of LArginine is not dependent upon a persons weight. Both the daytime and the nighttime LArginine protocols are the same for both sexes and should be followed according to the directions regardless of weight.
I suffer with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Would it help me to take more than 2 scoops of LArginine?
It is not necessary to take more than 10 grams or L-arginine or 2 scoops of LArginine at night. However, a scoop of LArginine may also be taken twice during the day for a total of 4 scoops. Results are typically seen anywhere from a week to a month of continuous use.
Does the LArginine conflict with coconut oil and xylitol?
There should not be a problem with using LArginine with xylitol as it is a low glycemic sweetener. However, it is best to follow the LArginine instructions and not take it at the same time as the coconut oil.
I have been reading about your LArginine product and wonder if I can take it if I have problems with GERD. Will it increase gastric acid and aggravate my problem?
It isnt known to cause excess acid. Ive heard from others that have GERD and theyve not had a problem with it. If the GERD is being treated, it should be even less of a problem.
I would like to take LArginine but am concerned by the fact that I had breast cancer in 2003.
LArginine is not recommended when there are cancers of an endocrine origin (cancer sensitive to hormonal levels - examples of these types of cancer would include prostate, breast, endometrial, cervical, thyroid,etc). This is because arginine can influence levels of HGH (human growth hormone) which can, in turn, influence other hormone levels which can affect the growth of cancers sensitive to hormones.
LArginine use is not recommended for persons who have had breast cancer as a precaution.
It is recommended to avoid L-arginine if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Though L-arginine has been shown to help successfully combat many cancers, very high doses (30-50 grams of L-arginine) per day stimulates growth hormone, which primarily stimulates growth of muscle mass. Certain tumor cells may thrive on human growth hormone, which may stimulate growth of breast cancer cells. As far back as 1981, the National Cancer Institute reported that arginine-derived nitric oxide inhibits [blocks] breast-cancer-cell replication in a test tube, and L-arginine has never been shown to cause breast or any other type of cancer. The research shows the pros and cons of using L-arginine at high doses. Doses of 6 grams a day or less of L-arginine is not considered a potential problem for cancer patients, but, as a precautionary decision, use of L-arginine in the presence of any cancer is contraindicated without a doctor's specific permission. A person in cancer remission should also consult with a health care provider before taking
L-arginine.
Could you please tell me why LArginine is not recommended for nursing women?
Most things ingested by the mother while lactating can be secreted in breast milk. Any decision regarding supplementation must be made a physician.
LArginine should not be used by nursing women due to its hormone stimulating effects.
If you are taking Coumadin for a blood clot can you still take LArginine?
The ingredients in LArginine are not known to interfere with Coumadin. However, it is best to separate nutritional product use from prescription medications by 1-2 hours and discuss product use with a physician.
I am currently on hormone therapy (Livial) and have started taking LArginine ( 4 grams) every morning. Can I continue taking my Livial tablets in the evening? Will this combination cause any problems?
According to our pharmacist, LArginine is not known to interfere with hormone replacement therapy.
I have problems sleeping and I understand that Tylenol PM can be taken. If one is taking the LArginine at night, how soon can one take Tylenol?
Tylenol PM may be taken 1 hour before or after LArginine.
Will LArginine have negative effects for someone with Epstein-Barr?
LArginine is not known to adversely affect persons with the Epstein-Barr virus. However, as individual conditions may vary, it should be discussed with a physician.
Why is Viagra not recommended with LArginine use?
Viagra stimulates Nitric Oxide production and therefore should not be used with LArginine because there is such thing as too much Nitric Oxide.
I work 3 jobs and am only able to get 3 hours of sleep at night. Will I still benefit from taking the LArginine following the nighttime protocol?
Delta sleep is typically achieved in the first 45 minutes to 75 minutes of sleep and is characterized by very deep sleep. If you get up in the night at least 1.5 to 2 hours after falling asleep then this should not interfere with the efficacy of LArginine night time regimen. (Delta sleep is the only time period when the l-arginine can cross the blood brain barrier.)
I would like to take L-arginine, however also take a statin. I have asked my doctor and while he knows of no adverse interactions, he has not heard of many people taking l-arginine either. I take Advicor.
At this time there are no well known drug interactions with l-arginine and statin drugs. It should be fine to use the LArginine. However, it is a good idea to separate any medications from the time one takes supplements by 1-2 hours. If LArginine is used at bedtime, one should take the statin drug at least 2 hours before using the LArginine.
Ive been considering taking Arginine Pyroglutamate (as an alternative to LArginine) supposedly it does not compete with l-lysine?
Arginine Pyroglutamate absolutely DOES compete with Lysine.
NO form of L-arginine can cross the blood-brain-barrier if it is taken within 2 hours of Lysine.
After 23 years of L-arginine research, the rules of arginine biochemistry do not change because companies marketing arginine pyroglutamate make up ridiculous statements.
What is the difference between LArginine and Encode?
Encode is recommended for persons 18 and older. LArginine and Encode are similar products although they are targeted towards different individuals. Both contain 5 grams of l-arginine per scoop. Encode is recommended only during the daytime (between meals) whereas LArginine is often taken before bedtime.
Who would benefit from the Encode product?
Certain genetic variants exist in higher percentages in the African American population. One example of a genetic variant is the prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, which occur in a higher percentage of the African American population and in greater severity than other races. Encode may address these cardiovascular concerns because the cardiovascular concerns of the black population may be associated with altered metabolism of l-arginine. Encode was developed to help support some of these specific cardiovascular nutritional needs. Encode use may also provide cardiovascular benefits to the Caucasian population. Anyone with a preexisting medical condition should discuss the use of this product with a physician to make sure it will not interfere with the current condition or medication.
