Advisory

Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in many biochemical processes in the body. It is essential for protein synthesis, nitrogen production, ammonia detoxification, and supporting the immune system. It aids in wound healing, supports cardiovascular health, and may enhance sexual function by boosting nitric oxide production, which helps maintain vascular elasticity. This amino acid can be found in many foods—meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. Consuming it as a dietary supplement in higher doses may cause some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and weakness. In cases of diabetes, low blood pressure, or kidney disease, it is important to consult a physician before use.

Hello, Mr. Jelínek.
For a professional hockey player, is it appropriate to enhance performance by taking arginine only before a game or also during daily training sessions? Additionally, I would like to ask when it is suitable to take arginine - during physical activity or some time before starting?
Thank you

Even though arginine has become a popular substance in sports supplements, my recommendation is to use it cautiously. At higher doses, which are individual, the vasodilatory effect can be too pronounced. This leads to "pump" in the muscles, which manifests as stiffening during sprints, preventing the athlete from performing adequately. In sports like athletics, soccer, basketball, or hockey, it is advisable to recommend either small doses or avoid products containing this substance entirely (they are primarily relevant for typically strength-based disciplines). Arginine is usually taken shortly before performance.

Good day Mr. Jelínek,
is arginine suitable for individuals with varicose veins? I am wondering whether the vasodilatory effect could be harmful from the perspective of venous diseases.
Thank you.

In most situations, there should not be a major issue with the use of arginine, as the overall vasodilatory effect is not so dramatic as to cause undue stress on varices—this holds true for the use of arginine alone in recommended doses. The problem arises when a product contains a range of other substances that significantly increase nitric oxide production in the body; in this case, exercise caution and avoid using such products.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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