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Supplementation with L-Arginine + Vitamin C has beneficial effects
This suggestion is for those that are not on any prescriptions or pain medicine that could interact with L-Arginine. You should do research on the possibility that L-Arginine could interact with your prescription or talk to your doctor. If you are on certain meds, especially blood thinners, you should not take L-Arginine.
I have had long covid since 9/22 with fatigue, breathing problems, muscle aches and brain fog. Those symptoms are gone, and I want to share what I have been taking.
I do not take any meds, a blessing. This year, I have been taking L-Arginine and L-Citrulline powder in water with vitamin C. L-Citrulline turns into L-Arginine in our bodies. I have been limiting them to a total of 6 grams a day. The upper combined limit is 10 grams a day. They create nitric oxide that helps the immune system and blood vessels.
There was a study in Europe that showed L-Arginine with 500 mg of vitamin C did help long covid symptoms, so I decided to try it. Here is a link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9295384/
I did incur one problem. I was taking them with vitamin C capsules of 500 mg, which is a common dosage, and I found that taking 500 mg twice a day gave me bloating / stomach pain. I ordered a vitamin C powder and take 1/8 teaspoon of vitamin C (90mg) with each 8 oz glass of water with 3 grams of L-Citrulline powder. I have it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (for absorption) and ½ hour before either lunch or supper (“empty stomach”). I sip it, not guzzle it, to go easy on the stomach.
L-Arginine does lower blood pressure, which is a plus for me. If you have low blood pressure, you should either not take it or talk to your doctor.
Below is an excerpt from an article on L-Arginine and L-Citrulline from Infinite Labs. Earlier this year, I was taking just L-Arginine. Now, I am taking just L-Citrulline and not doubling up as the article suggests. If the long covid symptoms return, I may double up, but within the combined limit of 10 grams total a day. If you try it, plan on taking it for weeks to a couple months before you see major improvement. It takes a while to work, but I am grateful to be relieved of the symptoms.
From Infinite Labs:
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps to dilate blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow to various parts of the body. Both L-arginine and L-citrulline are involved in the production of nitric oxide, with L-arginine being a precursor to nitric oxide and L-citrulline being converted to L-arginine in the body.
The improved blood flow that results from increased nitric oxide production can also help to lower blood pressure.
L-arginine and L-citrulline have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, meaning they can help to regulate the immune system. This may be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases or those who are looking to support their immune function.
What's more, the two supplements appear to work synergistically to promote better health and performance. Not only do citrulline supplements absorb more efficiently than arginine supplements, but they also increase nitric oxide more when taken together. Taking L-arginine and L-citrulline together supplies the body with both immediate L-arginine and its L-citrulline precursor for sustained benefits.
• Take L-citrulline first: L-citrulline is a precursor to L-arginine, so it's recommended to take it first. This allows the body to convert L-citrulline to L-arginine, which can then be used to produce nitric oxide.
• Take L-arginine next: Once L-citrulline has been converted to L-arginine, it's important to take L-arginine to ensure that there's enough available to produce nitric oxide. This can help improve blood flow and support cardiovascular health.
• Consider timing: It's best to take L-arginine and L-citrulline on an empty stomach to improve absorption.
https://infinitelabs.com/blogs/supplements/why-consider-taking-l-arginine-and-l-citrulline-together
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Best of luck! I hope it helps.
I'm taking somewhere between twenty to thirty-five or forty pills a day - a few more shouldn't hurt. 🙂
I'll check to see if L-arginine conflicts with any of the Rx drugs I'm taking, or my myriad of diseases and conditions - and if not, I'll give it a go.
At some point, however I'm a bit concerned that the admix might get a bit out of hand and that some rare interaction might cause an explosion. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Go to drugs.com and use their interaction checker.
https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
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3 ReactionsThanks for the source!
Saves my usual bouts of endless poking around...
@chuckstran. you bring up a good point - "I'm taking somewhere between twenty to thirty-five or forty pills a day - a few more shouldn't hurt."
Sometimes an additional pill or supplement can hurt. @searcher1 was wise to check with the interaction checker. Given that you are on so many medications and supplements, you might be best to check with your pharmacist.
Pharmacists are a great addition to your medical team and are relatively easy to get in touch with. They are experts in drug interactions and can reconcile the treatments you are taking to ensure one drug or supplement is not negating the benefits of another or causing avoidable harm.
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2 ReactionsThanks for the cautionary note and yes - I have checked with my pharmacist and primary care provider.
But serious - the count is up there. Five Rx in the morning, 4 at night. That's nine, before counting prescribed vitamins and supplements such as NAC and D3, plus 3 Amy Meyer vitamins, 2 citruleine, 2 quercitin, zinc, 3 mineral blend, melatonin, 3 magnesiums, an antacid some nights, an antihistamine 1 or 2X day, and thrtee times a week, ALC.
It's ridiculous, I know. But every bit is researched and run past my pharm D who is a good one and a good friend. I even wrote a little song about it.
Here goes - it's called The Medicare Waltz [ (c) 2022 Chuck Stranahan ]
People greet me and tell me that I’m looking great
I say thanks, but it’s all a charade
I’m a testimony to the procedures and prescriptions
Provided by Medicare B,C,D and A
I’ve got pills and prescriptions of every description
Two kinds of blue ones and three shade of tan
And two kinds of white ones and one little yellow one
And a pentagonal pink one both A and PM
There’s one little square one and sev-e-ral round ones
Torpedo-shaped capsules and football-shaped tabs
With unresearched side-effects and a rare interaction
That once caused an explosion at an FDA lab
But I’m told not to worry, “They’re safe and effective!”
“Trust the science!” the FDA scientists scream
And why not? Their payola comes straight from big pharma
As they stuff us with pills and suspicious vaccines
So I take prescribed pills and OTC potions
For every conceivable ailment and ache
I’ve been marinated and mummified, petrified and fossilized
I’m well Medicared for while I decay
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7 ReactionsThat poem is great. Thank you.
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1 ReactionThanks. I had fun with it - you can read it in three-quarter time or make up your own tune and sing it.
I hope it brings a little light, a smile and maybe a laugh to those who need it. There is much to be said for the healing effects of laughter .
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1 ReactionI did the drug interaction checker. That was an eye opener. Thank you for the site information. Lots to follow up on with doctors. My doctors know my list of serious drug side effects and allergic reactions is extensive. It feels like the easy way out is to have me take a drug and wait to see if I live through it or the ER can handle
it. I’ve completely lost my voice for the second time lasting a week so far during this episode . This does not appear to be Covid related but several drugs may cause this reaction. My family physician is not concerned. I am.
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1 ReactionRegarding the supplements that L-arginine could interact with, you listed garlic as one. I sometimes take a garlic supplement called “extra strength garlic with Allicin”. What should I be concerned about or look out for if I am taking both the garlic pills and L-arginine? I can’t seem to find information regarding that specifically. Thank you!