Some frightening new research suggests that a supplement once thought to be good for patients who have suffered a heart attack may be very harmful. L-arginine, is an amino acid that is found in many natural supplements such as ArginMax, Herc, InnerPower and HeartBar. This amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps keep the veins open and helps keep blood flowing, presumably lessening the workload on the heart.

Prior research had suggested that l-arginine can help improve exercise tolerance in patients with angina (chest pain) and may help lower blood pressure. For this reason it is promoted in natural supplements for cardiovascular health.

New research show that l-arginine does not improve outcomes after a heart attack and large amounts of the amino acid may be harmful. This revelation came after a recent study had to be stopped early because patients taking l-arginine experienced a much higher rate of death within 6 months after a heart attack. It should be noted that some of these patients were taking up to 9 grams of l-arginine daily. This is about 2 1/2 times the amount found in one HeartBar, for example. It is notable, however, since many patients may have more than one bar a day.

In light of this new evidence, it is recommended that patients who have suffered a heart attack not consume large amounts of l-arginine. Accomplishing this may involve reading food labels on nutrition and supplement products. If you need help reading these labels, you can always ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.