Arginine belongs to the non-essential amino acids, although many researchers consider 'conditionally essential'. This separation is because the body can not produce quantities of arginine in periods of rapid growth, where trauma and stressful situations. For this reason it has been an investigation into the use of arginine as a supplement to restore growth.
Arginine is also required for optimal growth and takes part in the release of growth hormone. Is the immediate precursor of ornithine, which plays a role in the urea cycle. Furthermore, Arginine helps remove ammonia from the body, which is produced by the metabolism of nitrogen.
Various functions depend on the adequacy of arginine eg The glucose tolerance, insulin production and lipid metabolism in the liver.