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Amino acid

Arginine

Arginine is an amino acid the body can usually make itself and also gets from protein-rich foods. The body uses it to make nitric oxide.

Also listed as L-Arginine, Arginine HCl, L Arginine, L-Arginine HCl

CardiovascularImmune SupportSexual HealthFitnessCognition

Can it lower blood pressure?

A 2022 meta-analysis of 22 randomized trials found an average systolic reduction of about 6 mmHg. The certainty was low because the studies differed considerably and did not all directly match the same clinical question. A lower average reading is encouraging, but it does not establish prevention of heart attacks. 1

Blood pressureMixed

Blood pressure fell in pooled trials, but large differences between studies limit confidence in the expected benefit for an individual. 1

What does the erectile-function research show?

A review of 10 randomized trials involving 540 men found improvement in mild to moderate erectile dysfunction with regimens providing 1.5 to 5 g daily. Studies varied and included combinations, so the pooled result is not a guarantee for plain arginine. Sexual desire did not improve. 2

Male Sexual PerformanceMixed

Some erectile-function outcomes improved in mild to moderate dysfunction; the findings do not establish a libido boost. 2

Does better circulation mean better workouts?

The evidence does not line up neatly. A 2020 meta-analysis reported performance benefits, but aerobic results varied greatly between studies. NIH’s broader evidence review finds little consistent support for improved strength, endurance or recovery. Differences in doses, tests and participants make a universal sports claim difficult to justify. 3 4

Endurance and staminaMixed

Positive pooled findings coexist with inconsistent trials; an established performance benefit for all athletes is not demonstrated. 3 4

What about mental focus?

Two short crossover studies tested 1,500 mg daily of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate in healthy men. Results suggested faster performance on a complex task-switching test, with a placebo difference in one study. These findings concern a specific combination and a test result, not treatment of persistent brain fog. The manufacturer funded the research. 5

Brain FogToo little evidence

An early cognitive signal with a specialized formulation deserves further study; it cannot yet be generalized to plain arginine or people with cognitive symptoms. 5

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

All studies

25 publications are linked to Arginine, newest first.

L-arginine Supplementation in Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review of Recovery Mechanisms and Performance Enhancement2024Arginine Supplementation in MELAS Syndrome: What Do We Know about the Mechanisms?2024Efficacy of L-arginine and Pycnogenol ® in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis2023The Potential of L-Arginine in Prevention and Treatment of Disturbed Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism—A Review2022Comparison of efficacy and safety of daily oral L‐arginine and PDE5Is alone or combination in treating erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials2021Effects of Inositol-Enhanced Bonded Arginine Silicate Ingestion on Cognitive and Executive Function in Gamers2021Effects of Chronic Supplementation of L-Arginine on Physical Fitness in Water Polo Players2021The Physiological Effects of Amino Acids Arginine and Citrulline: Is There a Basis for Development of a Beverage to Promote Endurance Performance? A Narrative Review of Orally Administered Supplements2020Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Athletic Performance Based on Energy Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020The Effects of Oral l-Arginine and l-Citrulline Supplementation on Blood Pressure2019The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.2019The effect of l-arginine supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials2019Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation on Lipid Profiles and Inflammatory Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.2019Effect of arginine supplementation on footballers’ anaerobic performance and recovery2018Therapeutic Benefits of l-Arginine: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses.2016Randomized Prospective Double-Blind Studies to Evaluate the Cognitive Effects of Inositol-Stabilized Arginine Silicate in Healthy Physically Active Adults2016Effects of acute supplementation of L-arginine and nitrate on endurance and sprint performance in elite athletes.2015Effect of L-arginine on immune function: a meta-analysis.2014Effects of Arginine-Based Supplements on the Physical Working Capacity at the Fatigue Threshold2010Effects of arginine supplementation on post-exercise metabolic responses.2009

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