Agmatine is a compound that is produced in our body and plays many roles in our bodily functions. Agmatine is a decarboxylated arginine, derived from the amino acid L-Arginine.
Stored in neurons, this compound, also known as “super arginine,” helps with central nervous system functions, mainly as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator.
This important and useful chemical compound can be found in plants, bacteria, animals, and humans. Agmatine is a cationic amine with physiological roles. It is made from arginine, an amino acid, and is released during neuronal activation. Microbial production by gut bacteria is a major source of systemic agmatine. As it can target two or more receptors, researchers are looking into it for various complex diseases and how it may be beneficial for anti-aging, stress resistance, and disease treatment and prevention.
In simple terms, they have been used for depression, athletic performance, nerve pain, and other conditions so far. But, some research suggests they can also enhance cognitive functions, learning capacity, memory, and mood, just to name a few.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND AGMATINE?
In the human body, the highest levels of agmatine can be found in the gut. This is where it is produced by the healthy microbes that are living there.
Agmatine can also be found in many dietary foods, such as fermented products. Dietary agmatine can be obtained from certain foods and supplements and has been studied for its safety and potential therapeutic benefits. You can also find agmatine in supplement forms such as agmatine sulfate, which is going to be the main focus of this article moving forward. Dietary agmatine sulfate is used for its potential health benefits and is often included as a nutraceutical ingredient.
AGMATINE SULFATE: PUMP-INDUCING SUPPLEMENT
Agmatine can be found as an oral supplement in the form of powder, which is known and sold as agmatine sulfate. Supplemental agmatine sulfate is effective when it comes to increasing the levels of agmatine in your body. Oral agmatine treatment has been studied for its safety and efficacy, and studies support its use as a nutraceutical. It has also been found through research that direct supplementation is the only way to increase agmatine levels in human bodies.
Research has concluded that agmatine has the potential to improve symptoms related to neuropathic pain, along with the ability to help in the treatment of drug addiction. Oral agmatine sulfate has been studied and found to be well tolerated with minimal side effects.
Agmatine also helps in nitric oxide synthesis and works well to properly regulate cellular energy by regulating polyamine metabolic function.
This is why agmatine is a popular pump-inducing supplement and ingredient used in various pre-workouts on the market.
WHAT IS THE DIETARY SOURCE OF AGMATINE SULFATE?
In our body, agmatine is synthesized in the brain and then stored in synaptic vesicles in the neurons. Agmatine is produced from L-arginine through enzymatic decarboxylation. Agmatine is essentially a by-product of bacteria, and therefore, you can find it in fermented foods, which also include beverages like wine, beer, and even some instant coffees. Agmatine can also be metabolized into putrescine, which is a diamine precursor of polyamines involved in cell proliferation and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Note: It is not advised that you consume alcohol for the reason of increasing agmatine levels.
People primarily use agmatine sulfate supplements as a bodybuilding supplement, but it can do more than just help enhance a pump in the muscles during resistance training – even though that's the main reason it's included in many pre-workout supplements.
What is quite interesting about agmatine is its ability to support and improve blood flow, which can produce more blood volume in the muscles – leading to superior gains the muscle strength and size.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AGMATINE SULFATE?
Every supplement comes with a purpose, and agmatine sulfate has some very effective ones. In the realm of bodybuilding and sports, agmatine helps to provide the following benefits:
- Enhance muscular pumps via inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis.
- Promotes healthy insulin sensitivity, focusing on leanness and muscle building.
- Increases appetite even when you are full, which makes it simpler for underweight people to take in a caloric surplus to aid in gaining muscle and body weight.
- Agmatine helps with improvements in mental health, clarity, focus, memory, and stress management.
- Improves intra-workout energy
When taking agmatine, individuals should be aware of the potential side effects, such as minor adverse reactions, and consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have existing health conditions or are on medication.
This is just a brief overview of what agmatine sulfate, as a supplement, can help improve. We will take a deeper dive into these details a little later in this article.
DOSAGES OF AGMATINE SULFATE
Researchers have found that if you take it twice daily, around 1.6mg to 6.4mg per kg of body weight, it should provide a dosage high enough to be an effective dose and notice some of the benefits mentioned in this article. Some studies have evaluated the safety of high doses of agmatine and found that even high doses are generally well tolerated.
For ideal results, do not take the supplement along with a protein shake. Dietary protein tends to slow down the absorption process of agmatine, and it can hurt the benefits of agmatine sulfate.
Dosages of agmatine found in various supplements generally range between 250mg to 1000mg per scoop, and the intake recommendation is around 1g to 2g daily.
It should be kept in mind that these supplements that utilize agmatine are mainly focused on pump enhancement and the process of muscle building and hypertrophy.
It is also recommended that you take agmatine with some food, just don't make it a large meal before you intend on working out. To help achieve the desired results from agmatine sulfate supplementation, take it 30-60 minutes before your workout. You can also take 500mg to 1000mg during training, but that is optional.
During non-training days, you can take agmatine whenever is convenient for you during the day – the key is to stay consistent and use it daily (similar to how you would take creatine monohydrate). Changes in water intake may occur during supplementation, so monitor your water intake.
LET'S DIG DEEP INTO THE BENEFITS OF AGMATINE SULFATE
In this section, we are going to discuss the bodybuilding effects and benefits of agmatine sulfate and how it can benefit your athletic performance as well as overall mental and physical health.
Preclinical studies have shown agmatine’s positive effects on health and athletic performance, providing the foundation for its benefits.
1. ENHANCE MUSCULAR PUMPS DURING WORKOUTS
Agmatine has been noted to play a vital role when it comes to the positive regulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that causes the production of nitric oxide.
This boost in nitric oxide improves vasodilation, which in turn helps provide your muscles with a skin-tightening pump during resistance training.
Muscle pumps are not only beneficial for increasing nutrient delivery to the muscle tissues, but it also impacts the rate of protein synthesis that allows for a potential increase in the rate of muscle tissue growth.
2. REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR AND INSULIN RESPONSE
In various studies, agmatine seems to play a role in improving insulin sensitivity in rodent subjects that are insulin resistant. It has been shown to activate imidazole receptors. This helps in the decrease of blood sugar levels, which appears to be linked with an increase in endorphins.
Endorphins can help increase glucose uptake into the muscle tissues, even when you are inactive. Other studies have also found that endorphins can help the pancreas to secrete insulin.
3. ROLE OF AGMATINE SULFATE IN MENTAL HEALTH AND CLARITY
There are a few studies that look into the effect of agmatine on mental health, mostly related to depression and anxiety. Agmatine has also shown neuroprotective properties in preclinical and clinical studies.
It is said that in our body, agmatine can act as a neurotransmitter and respond to receptors linked with depression.
Agmatine plays a critical role in the brain's function of coping with stress and helps to reduce anxiety.
Agmatine is also said to have natural anti-depressant qualities. In animal studies, agmatine has been shown to reduce depressive-like behavior, supporting its potential antidepressant effects. It has the potential to improve overall well-being and reduce anxiety. This, in turn, can help you focus on motivating yourself to improve your overall health and fitness. Agmatine may also have therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s due to its neuroprotective effects.
4. PAIN REDUCTION FUNCTION
Agmatine Sulfate has the potential to help in short-term pain relief concerning thermal hyperalgesia. Notably, agmatine may enhance or modulate opioid analgesia, making it relevant for pain management. Additionally, studies have shown that agmatine supplementation has the potential to reduce perceived pain.
It can be said that agmatine improves the quality of training with better focus and a decrease in perceived pain, as well as inflammation.
5. ROLE OF AGMATINE IN BLOOD PRESSURE
A healthy blood pressure level allows better nutrient delivery, which improves overall health and is quite beneficial for optimal muscle building and the recovery process. Agmatine supplementation is said to create an anti-hypertensive environment, which helps the body to keep a healthy blood pressure level.
6. IMPROVED APPETITE
Agmatine has been proven to help increase appetite and make it easier to put yourself in a caloric surplus. While this may not be ideal for those who are on a strict diet and trying to lose weight, if you are a hard gainer or someone who finds it difficult to put on any type of size, agmatine sulfate is going to be very beneficial for you.
AGMATINE VS. OTHER SUPPLEMENTS: HOW DOES IT COMPARE?
When comparing agmatine to other dietary supplements, its unique profile is apparent. Unlike many supplements that target a single pathway, agmatine acts on multiple molecular targets, giving it a broader spectrum of effects. This includes its ability to modulate neurotransmitter receptors and influence nitric oxide production, which are not commonly addressed by other supplements for mental health or neuropathic pain.
Another feature is its rapid onset and sustained duration of action. Users often report feeling the effects sooner and for longer compared to other supplements with similar claims. In terms of safety, agmatine sulfate is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies, making it a good option for those looking for support for mental health or relief from neuropathic pain.
While more studies are needed to fully compare agmatine with other supplements, current evidence suggests that its unique mechanism and good safety profile make it a promising dietary supplement for those looking to address mental health concerns and neuropathic pain.
SIDE EFFECTS OF AGMATINE SULFATE
Now that you are aware of the benefits of agmatine, let's take a look at some of the common side effects that may occur:
- Lowers blood pressure: Agmatine can cause the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation), which can be a benefit for many, but the minor blood pressure drop can be undesirable for someone who is being treated for hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Less testing at high dosage: There is very little research when it comes to agmatine dosage above 2600mg per day. Although most of the studies say that agmatine is non-toxic, there are few to no studies that examined agmatine at a high dosage.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Although agmatine has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health, a small percentage of individuals have reported that they experienced minor gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
- Bloating: The benefit of improved appetite may lead to bloating issues for some individuals.
In open-label clinical trials and animal disease models, laboratory and clinical measurements, including blood and urine analyses, remained within normal values, further supporting the safety of agmatine.
SAFETY AND EFFICACY PROFILE OF AGMATINE
The safety and efficacy of agmatine have been evaluated in animal studies and human clinical trials. Across these studies, it has shown a strong safety profile, with most side effects being mild and limited to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or mild indigestion. Serious side effects are rare, even at higher doses, supporting the overall safety of oral agmatine supplementation.
In terms of efficacy, animal models and clinical studies have shown that agmatine sulfate can significantly reduce symptoms of neuropathic pain and improve mental health, particularly depression and anxiety. These effects are believed to be due to agmatine’s action on multiple molecular targets in the nervous system. Participants in clinical trials have reported improvement in quality of life and reduction in pain and depressive symptoms, further supporting the therapeutic potential of agmatine.
Overall, the evidence from preclinical and clinical research suggests that agmatine sulfate is a safe and effective dietary supplement for those looking for support for neuropathic pain and mental health conditions.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR AGMATINE SULFATE RESEARCH
As interest in agmatine grows, further research will be needed to unlock its full potential. Key areas for further investigation include how agmatine interacts with its multiple molecular targets and the exact mechanisms of its effects on mental health and neuropathic pain. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of agmatine across different populations and health conditions.
Also, future studies should look into how agmatine interacts with other medications and its effect on physiological processes such as blood pressure and glucose metabolism. New formulations and delivery methods for oral agmatine could also increase its effectiveness and make it more available to those who could benefit from it.
By addressing these research gaps, scientists hope to establish agmatine sulfate as a reliable and versatile option for mental health disorders, neuropathic pain, and potentially other health conditions.
Final Thoughts: Is Agmatine Sulfate the Key to Mind & Body Benefits?
Recent studies have suggested that agmatine may have a positive response when it comes to increasing nitric oxide production, as well as many other health benefits.
According to many pieces of published research, agmatine sulfate has the potential to improve athletic performance by assisting muscle synthesis and reducing recovery time. Agmatine treatment has also been studied for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, with research exploring its role in neuroprotection, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function.
Manufacturers have been using agmatine supplementation as an ingredient in many dietary and sports nutrition supplements. Because of its powerful benefits, people from around the world are adding agmatine sulfate to their supplement regimen (or supplement formulation).
It would also be an excellent choice to stack agmatine with a natural supplement that helps improve growth hormone to provide an ergogenic improvement in the form of fast and better recovery, stamina, and performance. It can also be taken along with carbs to achieve a glycogen resynthesis boost.
FAQs
What is agmatine used for?
Agmatine is used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in supporting mental health, such as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also used to manage neuropathic pain, improve cognitive functions, increase muscle pumps, support blood flow, and insulin sensitivity. Agmatine has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that are being studied for various therapeutic applications.
How does agmatine make you feel?
Agmatine may give you mental clarity, focus, and reduced anxiety. Some users report improved mood and reduced depressive-like symptoms due to agmatine’s action on neurotransmitter systems and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also reduce perceived pain and overall well-being and give you a sense of calm and improved cognitive function.
Can you take agmatine every day?
Yes, agmatine can be taken daily. Research and clinical studies show that oral agmatine sulfate supplementation is generally safe and well tolerated when taken consistently. Dosage ranges from 500 mg to 2.7 grams per day. However, as with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking daily, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
What does agmatine do to the brain?
In the brain, agmatine acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. It binds to multiple neurotransmitter receptors and influences neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation, cognition, and pain perception. Agmatine modulates nitric oxide synthesis and has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. These actions contribute to its antidepressant effects, cognitive enhancement, and protection against neurodegenerative conditions.
