L-arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that's found in food and plays a role in several bodily functions, such as making protein. It's also available in supplement form and may help those with heart disease, high blood sugar, and excess weight. Some use it to treat postpartum hypertension and erectile dysfunction, as well as to improve fertility and sleep.
L-arginine also affects the release of growth hormones, insulin, and other substances in your body. Your body may also convert L-arginine to a chemical called nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. The human-made version of L-arginine is thought to work similarly to the natural amino acid in your body.
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In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Uses of L-Arginine
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
As with many natural products, L-arginine is used for various purposes. Several studies have assessed L-arginine for the following potential uses.
1. Metabolic Conditions and Heart Disease
L-arginine might provide some value to people with metabolic conditions (e.g., high blood sugar and excess weight) and heart disease. But it's unclear how effective L-arginine is because of the variability (important differences) between previous clinical trials.
For example, there were different L-arginine dosage forms among studies. And there were differences in the L-arginine dosages (amounts or strengths) and the length of therapy.
For these reasons, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (analytical review of a collection of studies) to more clearly understand L-arginine's benefits.
According to research, L-arginine might improve blood flow in select groups of people. It may increase nitric oxide levels in people with metabolic conditions and heart disease. However, the results were unclear in the studies reviewed.
Further research with higher-quality clinical trials is still necessary—especially since there is a concern that L-arginine might cause more harm in people with a recent heart attack.
2. Postpartum Hypertension
Postpartum hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure after giving birth. A 2013 systematic review found insufficient data to make clear conclusions about L-arginine's benefits and risks for this condition.
Further high-quality clinical trials with additional data are still needed.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), L-arginine is possibly effective for erectile dysfunction (ED).
A review also suggested that people with ED might benefit from L-arginine alone or in combination with other medications. But additional research with larger and higher-quality studies is still warranted.
4. Fertility
In a systematic review, people assigned female at birth who were experiencing fertility problems benefited from antioxidants—like L-arginine.
These antioxidants didn't seem to increase the risk of digestive system-related side effects, miscarriages, multiple births, or ectopic pregnancies.
While this looks promising, the results are from studies considered to be of low quality. For this reason, more high-quality clinical trials are necessary to better evaluate the effects and safety of L-arginine's use for fertility problems.
5. Sleep Aid
L-arginine is sometimes touted as a natural sleep aid, reducing wakefulness and helping you feel better rested. Research supporting this is limited. Among the studies that have been done is an animal study that shows a positive connection between nitric oxide from L-arginine and REM sleep. This may ultimately mean that L-arginine supplementation could help prevent diseases resulting from REM sleep deprivation.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredients (s): L-arginine
- Alternative name(s): Arginine, Arg, (2S)-2-amino-5-(diaminomethylideneamino) pentanoic acid
- Legal status: Legal in most U.S. states
- Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical condition
- Safety considerations: Likely safe (short-term use)—even in pregnancy and children; limited data on breastfeeding; may be harmful to people with certain medical conditions and interact with some prescription medications
What Are the Side Effects of L-Arginine?
As with many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with L-arginine.
Common Side Effects
In general, short-term use of L-arginine is likely safe in various dosage forms for most people, but there are potential side effects.
For example, when taken by mouth, common side effects may include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Stomach pain
Severe Side Effects and Precautions
While L-arginine is safe for most people, there's a chance of severe side effects in some people. Those with existing health conditions also need to be aware of possible problems that can occur if they take L-arginine:
- Heart disease: Discuss the risks and benefits of using L-arginine with your healthcare provider since research shows mixed results for those with heart disease. While it might improve blood flow for some people with cardiovascular disease, it could cause death in those who recently had a heart attack. Some research from 2016 also shows that animal-derived L-arginine may increase the risk of heart disease, which might be a significant problem for those with existing heart problems.
- Kidney problems: In people with kidney problems, L-arginine may increase potassium levels, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm. If you already have kidney problems, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding L-arginine.
- Blood pressure problems: L-arginine might make it hard to control your blood pressure, especially during and after surgery. For this reason, your healthcare provider may closely monitor you if you already have blood pressure problems. Your healthcare provider may also want to stop L-arginine a few weeks before your procedure.
- Tumors: L-arginine might promote the growth of certain tumors, per a 2016 paper. For this reason, your healthcare provider may want to monitor you or recommend against L-arginine closely if you have cancer.
- Abnormal white blood cell count: L-arginine may raise your white blood cell count. So, your healthcare provider may want to closely monitor you and your WBC levels if you're taking L-arginine.
- Pregnancy: When taken by mouth, short-term use of L-arginine is likely safe during pregnancy. But the effects and safety of long-term L-arginine on pregnant people and the fetus are unknown. If you're considering taking L-arginine, talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of L-arginine during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: There isn't enough information to assess the effects and safety of L-arginine on nursing babies. If you want to take L-arginine, discuss the benefits and harms of L-arginine while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.
- Children: L-arginine is likely safe in children orally (by mouth), as a toothpaste, or as an inhaled form. If you're considering L-arginine for your child, talk with your child's healthcare provider (pediatrician) first.
- Older adults over 65 years of age: Some older adults may be more sensitive to medication side effects. For this reason, speak with your healthcare provider before trying L-arginine.
- Severe allergic reaction: A severe allergic reaction is a possible serious side effect of any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
If you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
Dosage: How Much L-Arginine Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are some human studies on L-arginine, high-quality clinical trials are still necessary.
For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take L-arginine for any condition. If you take L-arginine, follow your healthcare provider's suggestions and product label instructions.
What Happens if I Take Too Much L-Arginine?
There is little information about L-arginine toxicity and overdoses in humans. But generally, L-arginine seems safe with short-term use of up to 20 grams (g) daily.
Overdoses with L-arginine, however, might be similar to its potential common or severe side effects, which might be exaggerated or excessive.
High doses of L-arginine might promote tumor growth, plus large amounts of L-arginine may also increase the levels of specific white blood cells. But longer and higher-quality clinical trials are still needed to assess L-arginine's safety in humans better.
Interactions
Use caution when taking L-arginine with the following:
- Blood pressure medications: L-arginine may lower your blood pressure. This may result in additive effects with your blood pressure medications. If your blood pressure is too low, you might experience dizziness and fainting spells. Examples of blood pressure medications include Zestril (lisinopril) and Diovan (valsartan).
- Blood thinners: L-arginine may slow down your blood clotting time. Thus, combining L-arginine with blood thinners may result in worsening bruising and bleeding side effects. Jantoven (warfarin) is an example of a blood thinner.
- Certain diuretics (water pills): L-arginine may raise your potassium levels, and certain water pills—like Aldactone (spironolactone)—can also do this. Combining these medications might result in excessively high potassium levels, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Diabetes medications: L-arginine may lower your blood sugar. This might have additive effects on your diabetes medications, such as insulin. If your blood sugar is too low, symptoms may include tremors and sweating.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications: L-arginine might be used for ED. And L-arginine may lower your blood pressure, similar to several ED medications, such as Viagra (sildenafil). For this reason, taking these medications together might result in excessively low blood pressure.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store L-Arginine
Since storage instructions may vary by product, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
Keep your supplements tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Store them in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired supplements down the drain or in the toilet.
Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your supplements.
Similar Supplements
L-arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that may be converted to a chemical called nitric oxide. And like L-arginine, nitric oxide is also available as a human-made version.
For these reasons, nitric oxide is likely the most similar natural medication to L-arginine.
Sources of L-Arginine and What to Look For
There are several different sources of L-arginine.
Food Sources of L-Arginine
L-arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that's found in food.
Some foods that contain L-arginine include:
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Seafood
- Pork
- Red meat
- Watermelon
L-Arginine Supplements
L-arginine is available in a variety of forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, L-arginine might also be available in other dosage forms, such as liquid and powder.
L-arginine may also be available in inhalation, intravenous (into the vein), toothpaste, and topical formulations (e.g., cream and gel). There may also be vegan and vegetarian options.
What works for you will depend on your preference and the effects you hope to achieve. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. Thus, following your healthcare provider's recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
L-arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that's found in food. It may have potential uses for metabolic conditions (e.g., high blood sugar and excess weight), heart disease, postpartum hypertension (high blood pressure after childbirth), erectile dysfunction (ED), and fertility problems. In general, short-term use of L-arginine seems safe.
But as with many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are still possible. High-quality, long-term clinical trials are still necessary to evaluate L-arginine's effectiveness and safety.
Before taking L-arginine, contact your registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your nutrition and health goals.
