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Agmatine, or more precisely agmatine sulfate, is a broad-spectrum substance that may soon be included in the list of over-the-counter preparations or medicines, but its current status excludes legal use. Agmatine is a supplement banned in both the UK and the European Union. [1] What is agmatine, what are its properties and why can't it be legally consumed - let's find out!
Agmatine a natural neurotransmitter
Agmatine is an organic chemical compound that occurs naturally in the body and belongs to the so-called biogenic amines. As a metabolite of arginine , agmatine is produced, among others, in the stomach and brain, and it is precisely its action as a neurotransmitter that currently constitutes the most promising field of scientific research on this substance. Neurotransmitters carry signals between nerve cells, as well as between neurons and muscles. The most important neurotransmitters include dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin.
Agmatine is found in large quantities in the brain stem, cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus – these are areas responsible for, among other things, control of the circulatory system, perception and emotions. [2] Researchers observe a high interaction between agmatine and numerous receptors of the nervous system and see promising effects of this substance as an analgesic, anticonvulsant and antidepressant.
Agmatine for athletes
Agmatine is a popular topic in sports supplementation and bodybuilding blogs. This is because the substance affects receptors that regulate blood pressure. [3] Agmatine is often included in the group of pre-workout preparations, the task of which is to stimulate blood flow through the muscles in order to nourish them to the maximum, achieve the so-called "pump" effect and extend the duration of training. The most important and safe to use pumping pre-workout supplements include:
- Arginine
- Citrulline
- AAKG
Preparations based on these substances can be found in the offer of the best manufacturers of sports supplements and functional food. Agmatine is said to improve blood supply to muscles, increasing endurance and increasing their ability to regenerate. It is also indicated that it affects the intensification of lipolysis processes, which would give beneficial results in weight loss programs.
However, due to the illegal nature of this substance, it is best to remain cautious about reports about it at this time.
Agmatine as a supplement is prohibited
Since there is no historical data confirming that agmatine consumption does not pose a threat to our health, the Polish GIS did not allow supplements containing this substance to be marketed. The Inspectorate took into account the lack of authorization for agmatine by the European Commission. As we read in the official documents of the Supreme Audit Office: "Only the performance and publication of such an assessment by the European Commission will determine whether and to what extent this compound may be used. The lack of an opinion means that the substance cannot be present on the European market." [4]
Consuming agmatine supplements is therefore an action on your own initiative and at your own risk, as these preparations remain outside any control in the EU. If you are interested in this compound, it is worth being cautious also due to possible side effects, the list of which, considering the lack of marketing authorization, is not exhaustive and reliable.
Since there is no shortage of preparations on the market that have tested and safe “pumping” effects on muscles, we suggest common sense and caution when approaching agmatine.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nik.gov.pl/plik/id,13031,vp,15443.pdf
[2] https://pbc.gda.pl/Content/3919/phd_treder.pdf
[3] https://pbc.gda.pl/Content/3919/phd_treder.pdf
[4] https://www.nik.gov.pl/plik/id,13031,vp,15443.pdf
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