What are the side effects of L-arginine?

Before you put down L-arginine on your short list of miracle products, remember that the can be adverse side effects.

Because L-arginine plays a role in how your body handles waste, it may adversely affect some of the organs involves in that process. Liver and kidney problems may be increased through the use of L-arginine. Potassium imbalances, dehydration, nausea, stomach cramps and other digestive malaise have been blamed on L-arginine.

The affect L-arginine has on the circulatory system may also cause side effects there. Those recovering from heart attacks should avoid L-arginine. Because it dilates blood vessels, L-arginine may also increase excessive bleeding risks. L-arginine may also be bad news for hemophiliacs, people on blood thinners and people taking gingko balboa should refrain from taking L-arginine, the latter because it is also a herbal supplement that can increase bleeding risks.

Those with sickle cell disease see their symptoms get worse from taking L-arginine. And it can exacerbate low blood pressure problems as well.

Though dialysis hinders L-arginine production in the body, supplements can increase blood sugar, another example of the intricacies of the body.

But perhaps the worst side effect of L-arginine is anaphylaxis, an extremely severe allergic reaction known to cause shock and maybe even death. An anaphylactic reaction is most unpleasant. You may have sudden chills, diarrhea, shortness of breath, hives, tremors, sweating and even fainting - sometimes all at the same time.