ADMA (Asymmetric Dimethylarginine)

Specialist

also —

What it isAn endogenously produced amino acid analog that competitively inhibits nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that makes the body's most important vasodilator.

DoesBlocks nitric oxide production, stiffening blood vessels and impairing endothelial.

GoodLow ADMA preserves nitric oxide signaling, vasodilation, and a flexible endothelium.

BadElevated ADMA causes endothelial dysfunction — the earliest stage of atherosclerosis — and predicts cardiovascular events and mortality.

Standard

<100 ng/mL.

Optimal

40–80 ng/mL (lower is good)

Modifiers

Rises with hypertension, insulin resistance, chronic kidney disease, and smoking.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Zone 2 cardio (the strongest natural endothelial stimulus), quit smoking, weight loss, manage blood pressure.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern; beets and leafy greens (nitrate sources); pomegranate, dark chocolate, olive oil.
Supplements: L-citrulline (3–6g/day), L-arginine (3–6g/day), beetroot extract, omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), folate, vitamin D3.
Peptides: —
Drugs: ACE inhibitors and ARBs lower ADMA; statins lower it modestly.

within Cardiovascular & BP