Agmatine sulfate is a metabolite of the amino acid L-arginine. L-arginine is the primary substrate used to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. By increasing nitric oxide, you will recover better from workouts, get better pumps, build more muscle, and have more energy.
On its own, L-arginine is not very effective to take for the production of nitric oxide since it is not easily absorbed by the body. In order to increase L-arginine levels, you can take other supplements with higher bioavailability that break down into L-arginine after absorption. Two of these supplements that can break down into L-arginine are L-citrulline malate and Agmatine sulfate.
Among these two, agmatine sulfate has a few other effects that make it unique and advantageous for bodybuilding and performance when lifting.
For blood flow, agmatine sulfate has the ability to increase nitric oxide by blocking and promoting the activity of different enzymes involved in the production of NOS (nitric oxide synthase).
Agmatine sulfate has other effects as well, including an increase of luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, and pituitary hormone. It may also protect the brain from stress by blocking cortisol as well as improve learning, mood, and cognitive function by binding to the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors.
The Benefits of Taking Agmatine Sulfate Supplements
There are many reported benefits to taking agmatine sulfate from curing depression to boosting testosterone and burning fat. The following list contains all of the proven effects of agmatine sulfate supplementation. All of these benefits of taking agmatine sulfate are proven and studies will be linked for them after the list.
- Better recovery
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced cognition
- Better memory
- Reduction in pain
- Improved fat loss
- Elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, GH, and pituitary hormone
- Better pumps during workouts
- Improved mood
- Higher energy levels
- Increased strength and endurance
Agmatine sulfate is able to improve recovery by increasing levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates and relaxes blood vessels which increases blood flow. This increase of blood flow helps deliver protein, oxygen, and nutrients to the muscle which are all needed for better recovery from training.
This study found that agmatine sulfate increased insulin sensitivity and improved cognition. A higher sensitivity to insulin leads to better delivery of nutrients to muscles for repair.
Since agmatine sulfate increases beta-endorphins, it can result in better glucose uptake by muscle. This study found that beta-endorphins can increase glucose uptake in resting and contracting muscle. A higher amount of glucose uptake means muscles will have more fuel during workouts and better recovery.
For improved body composition, one study done found that agmatine sulfate supplementation is associated with decreased fat levels and more muscle mass. This is likely due to agmatine sulfate increasing levels of cAMP, an ATP derivative, which preserves muscle mass while helping the body burn fat for energy.
A study on agmatine sulfate supplementation also found that it can reduce stress and has anti-inflammatory effects. These effects may result from agmatine sulfate’s ability to lower cortisol. This study shows that agmatine sulfate can lower cortisol.
It also found that agmatine sulfate supplementation can increase the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. By increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin and reducing cortisol, agmatine sulfate is able to elevate energy levels, focus, and mood.
Lastly, this study found that agmatine sulfate stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone is a gonadotropic hormone that activates the release of testosterone from the testes. Since agmatine sulfate can increase luteinizing hormone, it is likely that it will also indirectly increase levels of testosterone as well.
Agmatine Sulfate and Nitric Oxide
The main benefit from agmatine sulfate for bodybuilding is from its ability to increase blood flow to muscles. Agmatine sulfate is able to do this by significantly increasing levels of nitric oxide.
Agmatine sulfate increases nitric oxide by binding to enzymes that regulate nitric oxide production. The enzymes that agmatine sulfate binds to are nNOS (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) and iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase).
The decrease in these enzymes from agmatine sulfate is well researched. This study, this study, and this one all go into detail about the specific mechanisms of agmatine sulfate that lead to inhibition of the enzymes nNOS and iNOS.
By inhibiting nNOS and iNOS, agmatine sulfate can reduce inflammation and help promote eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) which is responsible for the vascularity increase and better pumps.
What Is the Best Supplement For Agmatine Sulfate?
The best supplement for agmatine supplement is any supplement that does not contain fillers, additives, and is inexpensive without comprising quality.
In order to check all these boxes, the best agmatine supplement available to take is the 250g of pure agmatine sulfate powder over at Bulk Supplements.
Summary
Overall, agmatine sulfate is a good supplement to take for bodybuilding. This is because agmatine sulfate boosts recovery, increases performance during workouts, elevates levels of nitric oxide, increases luteinizing hormone, and helps the body burn fat.
It does this by decreasing activity in the nNOS and iNOS enzymes, promoting activity in the eNOS enzyme, and binding to the NMDA receptors.
Other benefits of taking agmatine sulfate are reduced stress and enhanced cognition. Agmatine sulfate may also have a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
The side effects of agmatine sulfate are nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting. These are all rare and are unlikely to be experienced. The best dose of agmatine sulfate is 1-2.5g per day. When first taking agmatine sulfate, however, start a lower dose such as 300-500mg in order to gauge how you react to the supplement.
For more on supplements, such as pine pollen and how much creatine you need to take, click here.
