Arginine
The amino acid arginine has several roles in the body, such as assisting in wound healing, helping remove excess ammonia from the body, stimulating immune function, and promoting secretion of several hormones, including glucagon, insulin, and growth hormone.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Angina | 2 to 3 grams three times per day |  [2 stars] In one study, taking arginine improved the ability of angina sufferers to exercise. Detailed studies have proven that arginine works by stimulating blood vessel dilation. |
Congestive Heart Failure | 5.6 to 15 grams per day with a doctor's supervision | [2 stars] The body needs arginine to make nitric oxide, which increases blood flow. This process is impaired in people with CHF. It also has been shown to improve kidney function in people with CHF. |
Erectile Dysfunction | 1,670 to 2,800 mg daily | [2 stars] Blood vessels need arginine to dilate and form an erection. Supplementing with arginine has been shown to help men with erectile dysfunction in some studies. |
HIV and AIDS Support and Preservation of Lean Body Mass (Glutamine, HMB) | 1.5 grams of HMB, 7 grams of L-glutamine, and 7 grams of L-arginine twice per day | [2 stars] The combination of glutamine, arginine, and HMB may prevent loss of lean body mass in people with AIDS-associated wasting. |
Hypertension | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Arginine supports relaxation of the blood vessels and may help reduce blood pressure. |
Male Infertility | 4 grams daily | [2 stars] The amino acid arginine is needed to produce sperm. Research shows that several months of L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count, quality, and fertility. |
Pre- and Post-Surgery Health | 12.5 to 18.75 grams daily before and after surgery | [2 stars] The amino acid arginine has a role in immune function, infection prevention, and tissue repair after injury, including surgery. |
Preeclampsia | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In one study in which pregnant women at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia received either arginine or a placebo, the arginine group had a significantly lower incidence of preeclampsia compared with the placebo group. |
Sickle Cell Anemia and Pulmonary Hypertension | 100 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight, three times per day | [2 stars] People with pulmonary hypertension (a life-threatening complication of sickle cell anemia) who received L-arginine had significant improvement in one study. |
Athletic Performance and Body Composition and Strength | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] At very high intakes, the amino acid arginine has increased growth hormone levels, which stimulate muscle growth. Trials combining weight training with arginine and ornithine showed decreases in body fat and increases in total strength and lean body mass. |
Female Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with L-arginine has been shown to improve fertility in women with a history of failed attempts at in vitro fertilization. |
Gastritis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] The amino acid arginine may both protect the stomach and increase its blood flow. |
Wound Healing | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Arginine appears to improve wound healing by increasing protein synthesis. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.