About this ingredient
L-Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in protein-containing foods and produced by the human body. It is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that under certain physiological conditions the body's demand may exceed its ability to produce enough.
L-Arginine is particularly important because it participates in the body's nitric oxide pathway. Nitric oxide helps regulate blood-vessel dilation and blood flow. Arginine is also used by the body for protein synthesis and serves as a precursor for creatine production.
L-Arginine is commonly included in sports nutrition, pre-workout, amino-acid, circulation and general wellness formulations. However, research on supplemental arginine for improving athletic performance has generally produced limited or conflicting results. NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements reports little evidence that arginine supplementation substantially improves strength, endurance or recovery in healthy athletes.
L-Arginine is different from L-Citrulline, although the two ingredients are closely connected metabolically. The body can convert citrulline into arginine, while arginine can subsequently contribute to nitric oxide production.