Our experts have responded to many of your questions that you have emailed to us. Here is what they had to say:

1. Who can use L-arginineM2?

L-arginineM2 was designed for use by adults (persons over the age of 23) who have declining levels of the natural anti-aging hormone.

2. What is the difference between ProArgi9, L-arginine M2 and RG9 m2?

Prior to April 20, 2007 Dr. Ann de Wees Allen had licensed ProArgi9 to Synergy WorldWide. Synergy WorldWide no longer has Dr. Allen's patented formula.

Synergy WorldWide owns only the name ProArgi9, not Dr. Allen's L-Arginine formulation.

April 20, 2007, Dr. Ann de Wees Allen had licensed her L-Arginine m2 to Agel Enterprises. December 27, 2007, Nutrilab Corp. announced Agel Enterprises LLC, together with Dr. Ann de Wees Allen and Nutrilab Corporation, "with regret they have mutually agreed to terminate their business relationship, effective immediately." 

Agel Enterprises no longer has Dr. Allen's Patented L-Arginine formula.

Dr. Ann de Wees Allen's Patented L-Arginine formula labeled RG9 m2 will be replaced with her newest formulation of L-Arginine m2, 'Noni Arginine.'  Available August 2008.  The Pina Colada flavor and formula is the same, only the kiwi glycoside has been replaced with the noni glycoside for additional health benefits.  

3. Has L-arginineM2 been proven to be safe for humans to use?

Yes. L-arginineM2 has been used safely in humans for the past 20 years (since 1983) and has the longest history of use in humans of any L-arginine product. Thousands of professional athletes, as well as non-athletes, have used L-arginineM2 with no adverse side effects.

4. Is L-arginineM2 accepted for use by athletes by the Olympic Committee?

Yes. Athletes using L-arginineM2 have won Gold medals. L-arginineM2 is used and promoted by famous world-class athletes who have used L-arginineM2 during their careers and in their competition events. L-arginineM2 is legal for use in Olympic games, IFBB world body building competitions, WPF powerlifting events, fitness pageants, NFL events, NBA events, the Ironman competition, and any other sports event.

5. Is there any age limit for an elderly person to see benefits?

There is no age limit if you are over the age of 23. An elderly person can benefit more from this product with the night time protocol.

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6. Does L-arginineM2 contain any hormones?

No. Hormones can only be prescribed safely by a physician. The human body produces its own growth hormone naturally.

7. Can L-arginineM2 be mixed with protein drinks?

No. Other amino acids may not be ingested simultaneously with L-arginineM2, and that includes protein and amino acid supplements and foods or drinks containing protein and/or amino acids. However, you can ingest it two hours before or after taking L-arginineM2. Other amino acids compete with L-arginine, particularly Lysine, and can render the formula inert. You can take your protein supplement, shake or bar, following your workout. Make sure the product or meal is also low glycemic unless you have depleted muscle glycogen during your workout or training regimen.

8. L-Arginine is an ingredient in my protein shake. Can't I take a double dose, say 50 grams of protein, to get sufficient arginine?

No. Very little of the arginine in the protein shake will be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These are amino acids that compete for the same pathway. The stomach should not contain amino acids that compete with L-arginine. Athletes that take their protein shakes with their arginine supplements are wasting their time and money.

9. How much L-arginine is in a serving of L-arginineM2?

One serving (1 scoop) of L-arginineM2 contains 5,000 milligrams (5 grams) of pure free form L-arginine.

10. How do I know how much L-arginineM2 I should be taking each day?

The average person doesn't need to take any more than 1 scoop during the day and 2 scoops in the evening. A night-time dose of 2 scoops will give you the necessary 10 grams of L-arginine to release anti-aging hormones.

Women need 8 grams, while men need 10 grams. Keep in mind that L-arginineM2 does not stop the aging process, but it does help to slow it down.

Pro-athletes have large muscular physiques and weigh 200-400 lbs. The recommended protocol is 30 grams/day. Three scoops (15 grams) 30-40 minutes before lifting weights. Lifting weights builds muscle and that's when they need additional L-arginine.

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11. What if you have trouble falling asleep right away?

Occassionally, some people become more energetic after taking L-arginineM2 at bedtime and can't fall asleep. They find themselves in a panic because they aren't falling asleep. Relax. Try cutting back to a smaller amount and work back to the desired level, or take 1-2 Tylenol PM tablets. Gradually your body will adjust.

12. What if I experience "extreme dreams" or my dreams are in color?

This can occur when the Arginine crosses the blood brain barrier. The change in dreams is normal and not anything to worry about. Sometimes they subside and sometimes they don't.

13. How should L-arginineM2 be used?

For General Health Benefits:
Mix one serving with 4-8 oz. water (depending on individual taste). Stir to dissolve. If water is very cold, mixture will take about 1 minute to dissolve. Add ice to activate the flavor system if desired. One serving may be taken twice per day. Food and drinks may be taken with daytime servings, but high glycemic food and drinks should be avoided. Do not use L-lysine within 2 hours of taking this product. For more information click here.

For Anti-Aging Benefits:
Take 2 servings in desired amount of water, 30 minutes prior to sleep on an empty stomach. Do not ingest food, including protein drinks, L-Citrulline, high glycemic drinks, or supplements containing any other amino acids with or within 2 hours of taking this product at bedtime. For more information click here.

Example: If your are planning to be a sleep at 11:00 pm - the last time you eat will be 8:30 pm. Take the L-arginineM2 at 10:20 - 10:30 pm. The L-arginineM2 will not work unless you follow this protocol. If you don't go to sleep within that time frame or if there is a presence of food, the L-arginine will not cross the blood brain-barrier. The L-arginineM2 will be wasted. You need to sleep for a minimum of 4 hours. Ideally you should sleep 8 hours for your body to repair itself.

14. If someone is not using the L-arginineM2 for anti-aging benefits, but rather for pre-training, should he/she still not take anything else within 2 hours of using it? For example; other amino acids such as protein supplements?

Those wishing to use L-arginineM2 for pre-training should do so on an empty stomach (no food, supplements or drinks other than water should be ingested for two hours prior to taking L-arginineM2) and ingest L-arginineM2, 30 to 45 minutes prior to exercise.

Example for Daytime Proathlete:
Use L-arginineM2 - 30 minutes prior to exercise - 2 scoops on an empty stomach. No proteins for 2 hours before or after L-arginineM2.

In regards to daytime protocol - Lysine needs to be 2 hours away from the L-arginineM2. It could be a capsule form, in food, a protein supplement, whatever, but anything with Llysine needs to be 2 hours away.

If you take 2 scoops of L-arginineM2 at 10:30 am - wait 30 minutes - (11:00) then workout - if the workout lasts till 12:00 noon - wait 30 minutes before introducing any protein or anything containing Llysine, even the smallest amount. If your workout is 90 minutes - then at 12:30 pm - you can introduce your protein.

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15. Do you recommend L-arginineM2 for someone who has herpes?

The amino acid L-arginine may reactivate the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in individuals with a latent herpes infection due to its competition for absorption with L-lysine, an amino acid which suppresses the HSV in the body. Therefore, L-arginine may block the L-lysine and render it less effective in suppressing the HSV.

16. What are the negative effects of taking L-arginine?

L-arginineM2 is not specifically contraindicated for people with oral or genital herpes because the L-arginine delivery system in L-arginineM2 is formulated to reduce the likelihood of this type of a reaction. However, some individuals may experience a reactivation of the herpes simplex virus due to L-arginine use.

1. What can happen if you take L-lysine with plain L-arginine together?
2. What can happen if you take L-lysine with L-arginineM2 together?

Taking nutritional supplements that contain L-arginine, including L-arginineM2, together with L-lysine is not recommended because L-lysine may prevent the absorption and utilization of L-arginine. L-lysine may still be included in the daily supplementation regimen; however, it should be taken as far away from the L-arginineM2 as possible.

17. I was taking L-arginineM2 and have genital herpes as well as some other serious health issues, someone recommended that I take L-arginine as treatment. What is your recommendation?

All forms of L-arginine are capable of reactivating herpes virus's. Taking L-arginine as a treatment for herpes is wrong.

Dr. Allen’s patented L-arginine is the only L-arginine that has reduced capacity for activating herpes (including genital). But in a substrate of the population, any form of L-arginine can activate the virus if the person is under stress, whether physical or mental.

If the L-arginineM2 is activating your herpes, then do not take it.

18. “I have a sleeping disorder and sleep with a breathing machine. I have been following the night-time protocol however with my ‘Sleep Apnea’ I usually will wake up at least every hour during the night. Are there any benefits for me to continue following the night-time protocol other than cardiovascular with this sleeping disorder?”

Try taking the L-arginineM2 at night, and then on different days, in the daytime, to see if the night-time dose is effective, given your sleep problems. When sleep is disrupted, the daytime L-arginineM2 protocol should be followed for optimal L-arginineM2 benefits.

19. I have had several people look at this product including nurses and they say that it contains ingredients that may cause cancer. Is this true, and if it is then why is it prescribed to us?

This is simply not the case with L-arginineM2. L-arginineM2 is an L-arginine product whose safety and efficacy have been proven over a 20-year period in over 250,000 people.

L-arginineM2 was formulated by our research scientist, Dr. Ann de Wees Allen with an extensive experience in the field of arginine research and bio-chemistry. For more information, please visit Dr. Allen’s website at www.argm2.com .

L-arginineM2 holds a Federal patent and the FDA has determined that the claims made by L-arginineM2 in regard to safety and efficacy are valid and supported by clinical studies.

20. I have an allergy to chocolate and wonder whether or not that would prevent me from using L-arginineM2?

An allergy to chocolate should not prevent you from using L-arginineM2. L-arginineM2 does not contain chocolate or chocolate derived ingredients.

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21. I was wondering if Dr. Allen has considered an alternative for sucralose (Splenda), as there are some early warning signs that this may be even a worse product than aspartane. Do you know if they have looked at stevia?

Research has shown that sucralose does not pose any abnormal risk for the user. We utilize the smallest amount we can, as with any additive. There have been studies done in humans, which showed no toxicity or propensity towards cancer when consuming large amounts of sucralose over extended time periods.

In the United States, Stevia is a substance that is prohibited from use in human food, according to the FDA. Stevia may be sold as a stand-alone dietary supplement, or an herb, but not as a sweetener.

If you have concerns about using artificial sweetening, try the L-arginineM2 Mixed Berry flavor that uses only the natural berries for sweetening.

22. I recently saw a protein product that had l-arginine as one of the ingredients in it. Would I get the same benefits from taking l-arginine in this form?

L-arginineM2 is a product formulated with an ingredient called Trutina Dulcem which is proprietary to L-arginineM2. The active ingredient in L-arginineM2 is the amino acid L-Arginine. L-Arginine is a blind amino acid, and does not follow a preset path once it gets into the body. The positive benefits it is able to provide cannot be achieved if it follows the wrong path. Trutina Dulcem is intended to guide the L-Arginine to ensure that it follows a path that provides the body with the most benefits without the negative side effects associated with some other Arginine formulations.

23. Is there a difference between L-Arginine and Arginine?

In nature amino acids are found in two forms, the L form and the D form, the chemical structure of one being the mirror image of the other. The L form of amino acids as in L-Arginine is more compatible with the human body.

24. What is HCL, and why is it a bad thing in other l-arginine products?

L-Arginine hydrochloride (HCl) is one form of l-arginine used in commercial preparations. L-arginine HCL is considered to be an inferior form of l-arginine.

Unlike oral ingestion of large amounts of arginine hydrochloride (HCL), which may increase the production of free radicals such as superoxide and peroxynitrite, the patented L-arginine formula in L-arginineM2 utilizes a low glycemic base of Trutina Dulcem which allows the L-arginine to follow a correct pathway within the body in order to achieve the most beneficial results.

25. Is the dosage the same for someone that may be heavy?

The optimal amount of L-arginineM2 is not dependent upon a person’s weight. Both the daytime and the night-time L-arginineM2 protocols are the same for both sexes and should be followed according to the directions regardless of weight.

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26. I suffer with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Would it help me to take more than 2 scoops of L-arginineM2?

It is not necessary to take more than 10 grams or L-arginine or 2 scoops of L-arginineM2 at night. However, a scoop of L-arginineM2 may also be taken twice during the day for a total of 4 scoops. Results are typically seen anywhere from a week to a month of continuous use.

27. I would like to take L-arginineM2 but am concerned by the fact that I had breast cancer in 2003.

L-arginineM2 is not recommended when there are cancers of an endocrine origin (cancer sensitive to hormonal levels - examples of these types of cancer would include prostate, breast, endometrial, cervical, thyroid, etc).

L-arginineM2 use is not recommended for persons who have had breast cancer as a precaution.

It is recommended to avoid L-arginine if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Though L-arginine has been shown to help successfully combat many cancers, very high doses (30-50 grams of L-arginine) per day stimulates growth hormone, which primarily stimulates growth of muscle mass. Certain tumor cells may thrive on human growth hormone, which may stimulate growth of breast cancer cells. As far back as 1981, the National Cancer Institute reported that arginine-derived nitric oxide inhibits [blocks] breast-cancer-cell replication in a test tube, and L-arginine has never been shown to cause breast or any other type of cancer. The research shows the pros and cons of using L-arginine at high doses. Doses of 6 grams a day or less of L-arginine is not considered a potential problem for cancer patients, but, as a precautionary decision, use of L-arginine in the presence of any cancer is contraindicated without a doctor's specific permission. A person in cancer remission should also consult with a health care provider before taking L-arginine.

28. Could you please tell me why L-arginineM2 is not recommended for nursing women? 

Most things ingested by the mother while lactating can be secreted in breast milk.  This includes dietary supplements. Because of this it is our policy to not recommend any products to pregnant or nursing women. Any decision regarding supplementation must be made a physician.

29. If you are taking Coumadin for a blood clot can you still take L-arginineM2?

The ingredients in L-arginineM2 are not known to interfere with Coumadin. However, it is best to separate nutritional product use from prescription medications by 1-2 hours and discuss product use with a physician.

30. I am currently on hormone therapy (Livial) and have started taking L-arginineM2 (4 grams) every morning. Can I continue taking my Livial tablets in the evening? Will this combination cause any problems?

According to our pharmacist, L-arginineM2 is not known to interfere with hormone replacement therapy.

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31. I have problems sleeping and I understand that Tylenol PM can be taken. If one is taking the L-arginineM2 at night, how soon can one take Tylenol?

Tylenol PM may be taken 1 hour before or after L-arginineM2.

32. Will L-arginineM2 have negative effects for someone with Epstein-Barr?  

L-arginineM2 is not known to adversely affect persons with the Epstein-Barr virus. However, as individual conditions may vary, it should be discussed with a physician.

33. Why is Viagra not recommended with L-arginineM2 use?

Viagra stimulates Nitric Oxide production and therefore should not be used with L-arginineM2 because there is such thing as too much Nitric Oxide. L-Arginine and Viagra both elevate Nitric Oxide, so they cannot be taken within 4 hours of each other.

34. I work 3 jobs and am only able to get 3 hours of sleep at night.  Will I still benefit from taking the L-arginineM2 following the nighttime protocol?

Delta sleep is typically achieved in the first 45 minutes to 75 minutes of sleep and is characterized by very deep sleep. If you get up in the night at least 1.5 to 2 hours after falling asleep then this should not interfere with the efficacy of L-arginineM2 nighttime regimen.  (Delta sleep is the only time period when the l-arginine can cross the blood brain barrier.)

35. I would like to take L-arginine, however also take a statin. I have asked my doctor and while he knows of no adverse interactions, he has not heard of many people taking l-arginine either. I take Advicor.

At this time there are no well-known drug interactions with l-arginine and statin drugs.  It should be fine to use the L-arginineM2.  However, it is a good idea to separate any medications from the time one takes supplements by 1-2 hours.  If L-arginineM2 is used at bedtime, one should take the statin drug at least 2 hours before using the L-arginineM2.

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36. What is “HCL,” and why is it a bad thing in other l-arginine products?

L-Arginine hydrochloride (HCL) is one form of l-arginine used in commercial preparations.  L-arginine HCL is considered to be an inferior form of l-arginine.  

Unlike oral ingestion of large amounts of arginine hydrochloride (HCL), which may increase the production of free radicals such as super oxide and peroxynitrite, the patented L-arginine formula in L-arginineM2 utilizes a low glycemic base of Trutina Dulcem which allows the L-arginine to follow a correct pathway within the body in order to achieve the most beneficial results. 

37. I've been considering taking Arginine Pyroglutamate (as an alternative to L-arginineM2) supposedly it does not compete with l-lysine?

Arginine Pyroglutamate absolutely DOES compete with Lysine.  

NO form of L-arginine can cross the blood-brain-barrier if it is taken within 2 hours of Lysine.

After 23 years of L-arginine research, Dr. Allen will tell you that the rules of arginine biochemistry do not change because companies marketing arginine pyroglutamate make up ridiculous statements.

38. Is it okay if I take Aspirin with LArginineM2?

No, Aspirin is an antagonist to arginine and should not be taken within 2 hours of taking LArginine.  If your physician has recommended the aspirin, then you should take it at least 2 hours away from LArginineM2.  Aspirin can be beneficial to ones health and is often recommended by physicians.

39. Does LArginineM2 contain ferulic acid?

Yes. LArginineM2 contains ferulic acid. In fact, "Ferulic acid, and other phenolic acids may prevent damage to DNA in cells."

(source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Maryland; The Johns Hopkins White Papers, Nutrition and Weight Control for Longevity, 2000, pg 40.)

Phenolic acids are found in strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, whole grains, and nuts.

40. I'm 21 years old and I'm interested in taking the supplement for increasing muscle mass. I haven't taken any yet by any other company because there are still a few blank spaces. I was reading that arginine products may induce the herpes simplex virus to appear in the mouth and genital area. I have the virus and I was wondering if there is a way to still take arginine without that nasty side effect. I'm unsure if ocular herpes is the same as the cold strand of herpes though, because I have the cold strand. I was also reading that Lysine has the potential to blunt the virus from becoming active. And why is it that you have to be at least 23 years old to take your supplements? 

When the herpes viral proteins have a high ratio of L-arginine to L-lysine, the virus can successfully replicate and cause herpes symptoms. This is likely seen with L-arginine supplementation. On the other hand, when the ratio of L-lysine to L-arginine is high, replication of the virus tends to be suppressed. LArginineM2 has been developed with certain cofactors that may direct the L-arginine away from the viral proteins. Studies indicate that one to three grams of supplemental L-lysine daily will combat herpes symptoms. Lysine intake should be spread out through the day, and at least 2-4 hours apart from L-arginine and L-arginine containing products. These two amino acids compete for absorption when consumed together.

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41. I have an enlarged prostate and take Flowmax for the problem.  Can I take LArginineM2?

Yes, you can take LArginineM2 but I would not recommend that you take the night time dose with the prostate problem. Make sure you separate the prescription drugs from the supplement by at least two hours.  I would also recommend that anyone with a preexisting medical condition should discuss the use of any nutrtitional prodcts with their physician to make sure the products won't be harmful or interfere with a current condition or medication.

42. What is the correct protocol for taking Larginine if you have had genital herpes?

Plain L-arginine (not formulated with essential co-factors) can increase replication of the herpes simplex virus in persons with herpes (cold sores, genital herpes). LArginineM2 contains the essential co-factors designed to avoid the negative herpes side-effects associated with taking L-arginine, but persons with active herpes simplex or brain and ocular herpes should not use the product. Some people may be sensitive to the ingredients in LArginineM2 and if a herpes outbreak develops following LArginineM2 use, it may be advisable to discontinue LArginineM2.

43. L-Arginine is an ingredient in my protein shake. Can't I take a double dose, say 50 grams of protein, to get sufficient arginine?

No. Very little of the arginine in the protein shake will be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Again, we're dealing with amino acids that compete for the same pathway. The stomach should not contain amino acids that compete with L-arginine. Athletes that take their protein shakes with their arginine supplements are wasting their time and money. The arginine formulas should be taken before the workout, and the protein shake or meal replacement taken after the workout. As for taking 50 grams of protein at one time, that is also a waste of time, and is not healthy. The body cannot absorb more than 30 grams of protein at one time, and that is the case whether you are a power lifter who weighs 300 pounds or a runner who weighs 150 pounds.

44. What are some of the benefits of LArginineM2 for menopause?

The nighttime dose of LArginineM2 (or LArginineM2 taken prior to sleep) stimulates the production of GH or Growth Hormone in the body.  Growth hormone production declines as we age and increasing its production provides the body with rejuvenate benefits.  Therefore, increased levels of GH enhance muscle mass, aid in decreasing body fat, help boost energy, promote healthy sexual performance and stimulate the production of anti-aging mechanisms.  The benefits associated with menopause symptoms may be related to the increased production of anti-aging mechanisms and growth hormone.

45. How do I take lysine to prevent any outbreak of viral symptoms?

For Herpes Simplex, L-Lysine capsules (not tablets) containing ONLY L-Lysine and no other amino acids, can be taken three times per day with meals. Never take L-Lysine within 2 hours of taking LArginineM2 or any L-arginine product.

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46. Will LarginineM2 help with women or men who are experiencing hair loss?

Hair loss may be attributed to a number of different factors such as heredity, stress, illness, poor nutrition, and hormones.  Because LArginineM2 affects hormone production, and elevates the levels of Growth Hormone as well as testosterone, it may have a negative effect upon hormone related hair loss.  It is impossible to know whether or not LArginineM2 will be beneficial until the exact cause of the hair loss is determined.

LArginineM2 holds a Federal patent and the FDA have determined that the claims made by LArginineM2 in regard to safety and efficacy are valid and supported by clinical studies.

47. I take digestive enzymes, and the enteric-coated systemic enzymes like Wobenzyme. Will these have a negative affect on the L-arginine? They all contain protease, which breaks down proteins, and proteins have amino acids, and this is why I was wondering if they will inhibit the L-arginine?

No, enzymes cannot be taken with L-Arginine.

48. Does the LArginineM2 conflict with coconut oil and xylitol?

There should not be a problem with using LArginineM2 with xylitol as it is a low glycemic sweetener. However, it is best to follow the LArginineM2 instructions and not take it at the same time as the coconut oil.

49. Then is it accurate that enzymes should not be used at all with L-Arginine m2 (not just 2 hours away from each other)

No enzymes or ANY OTHER nutrient near L-ARGININE.

50. Has L-arginineM2 been proven to be safe for humans to use?

LArginineM2 Safety in Humans
LArginineM2 is backed by a full Patent and has a 100% safety record of use in humans. LArginineM2 was invented by one of the leading world specialists in L-arginine biochemistry, Dr. Ann de Wees Allen.

The Natural Foods Merchandiser , January 2004
Trade magazine to the Nutraceutical industry
www.newhope.com
Article: The Carbohydrate Conundrum
Search at that site: Glycemic Research Institute or The Carbohydrate Conundrum

Health and Wellness Magazine
International publication providing data to universities and medical centers www.neworleansathleticclub.com Click on Health and Wellness magazine on the left then click on "Diet"
Article: The Meat of the Matter

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For counsel on injuries or disease, we recommend that you see a health professional who can help you make responsible decisions concerning your specific health concerns.

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