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Arginine is currently not recommended for regular use in pregnancy. There is contradictory evidence of its beneficial or harmful effects during pregnancy.
I will give you certain facts about Arginine to help you understand the possible role of Arginine.
Arginine is an amino acid ( building block of protein ) that must be present in your diet.
Deficiency of Arginine is rare in well-nourished individuals but can occur due to disease, infections and malnutrition.
During pregnancy, Arginine can play an important role in circulation and fetal development, but supplementing with Arginine is currently not advised.
Specific information regarding safety and efficacy during pregnancy is lacking, although several trials have been conducted in pregnant women without notable ill effects.
The National Institutes of Health lists Arginine supplementation during pregnancy as "possibly safe" but advises pregnant and nursing mothers to err on the side of caution and avoid supplementation.
Dietary sources of Arginine include; Watermelon ( it contains L-citrulline, which is metabolized to L-arginine in the body ). Other sources include nuts and seeds, cereals, brown rice, raisins, coconut, red meats, chicken, chocolate, dairy products and fish. If you consume a well-balanced diet during pregnancy, you are unlikely to become deficient in Arginine.
For women with pre-eclampsia, a serious condition marked by high blood pressure during pregnancy, Arginine may be a beneficial treatment option. The National Institutes of Health, however, regards this treatment as "possibly ineffective".
Women with certain medical conditions, may be advised Arginine as a natural method for managing health problems. The NIH regards Arginine as "possibly effective" as a treatment option for angina, congestive heart failure, bladder inflammation, and leg pain related to blocked arteries. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, you may talk to your health care provider to determine if you should take Arginine during pregnancy.
Some researchers believe Arginine may have significant implications for preventing miscarriage in early pregnancy and enhancing reproductive performance in mammals, including humans.
Early studies in pregnant mothers suggest that arginine supplements may improve growth in fetuses that are small for gestational age.
The NIH considers the supplements to be "possibly safe" when used short-term, but advises against their unsupervised use. Expectant mothers should consult trained medical experts before using it.
In addition, Arginine supplements can cause side effects like nausea, stomach pain and vomiting. They may also cause outbreaks of herpes viruses,Back pain, headache, numbness and restless legs have also been associated with Arginine use. These symptoms are common in pregnant women and may be worsened by the use of Arginine. So, Always consult a qualified expert before taking it.
In short, Pregnancy is not a time to be experimenting with supplements.
It is best to stick with products that are known to be safe. It is always a good idea to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement. Do not assume that Arginine is automatically safe for use in pregnancy just because it is a dietary supplement.
Yes, it is also available in capsule form. Please reconfirm from your prescribing physician before taking as doses & composition may differ.
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