L-Arginine SR
Sustained release of L-Arginine supports healthy nitric acid (NO) levels and may help maintain cardiovascular health.
Nitric oxide is a natural reactive gas that plants and animals produce. L-arginine is needed by endothelial cells lining the endothelium of blood vessels to form enough NO to keep blood flowing freely. In a healthy artery, the endothelium is smooth and flexible; it easily widens or dilates (vasodilation). NO is manufactured in the endothelium via three enzymes collectively called nitric oxide synthase (NOS). One of those enzymes, endothelial nitric oxide synthase or e-NOS, starts the activation of NO in the endothelium, resulting in the creation of the molecule dubbed endothelium-derived relaxing factor.
NO diffuses out of the endothelium into a layer beneath it, the smooth muscle of the artery. There, it signals the muscles to relax, widen and expand vasodilation.
This increases blood flow, providing a steady current of nutrient and oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout the body.
When the opposite occurs, blood squeezes through a tense, tightened, smaller artery. Blood pressure rises; increased pressure damages the artery walls; plaque grows; chronic inflammation results; the potential for stroke increases; CVD becomes an issue, along with heart attack.
One of the challenges with L-arginine is its absorption rate. The body very rapidly absorbs and metabolizes L-arginine. This means we would likely have to take supplements frequently during the day to maintain sufficient levels of L-arginine. Sustained-release (SR) helps maintain an optimal level of L-arginine in the system over a 24-hour period, reducing the need to take supplements frequently.
