Evidence supporting the use of: L-arginine
For the body system: Muscles

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-arginine is an amino acid that is sometimes used to support muscle function and growth, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders. The scientific rationale for its use centers on its role as a precursor to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that dilates blood vessels and may improve blood flow to muscles during exercise. Enhanced blood flow theoretically allows for greater delivery of nutrients and oxygen, which could support muscle performance and recovery.

Several studies have investigated the effects of L-arginine supplementation on muscle strength, endurance, and growth. Some small studies suggest modest improvements in exercise performance or blood flow; however, results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes or short study durations. A 2016 review in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care noted that while L-arginine can increase nitric oxide production, its effects on exercise performance and muscle growth in healthy adults are limited and not robustly demonstrated. Larger meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally find minimal or no significant benefit for muscle strength, endurance, or hypertrophy in the general population.

In summary, while there is a scientific basis for the use of L-arginine to support muscle function through nitric oxide pathways, the clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for muscle growth or exercise performance is weak to moderate at best. Thus, its use is justified by scientific rationale, but the actual evidence for substantial benefit is limited.

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amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
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calcium
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chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
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l-carnitine
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L-citrulline
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L-leucine
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L-taurine
L-threonine
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vitamin C
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Products containing L-arginine

Designs For Health Amino Acid Supreme™
Designs For Health Amino Acid Synergy
Pure Encapsulations Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations Amino Replete
Metagenics ArginCor®
Metagenics Arginine Plus™
Metagenics BioPure Protein® Powder
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 10-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Berry
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Chai
Metagenics Clear Change 28-Day Detox Program with UltraClear RENEW Vanilla
Douglas Laboratories Cysto Renew ®
Douglas Laboratories Free Form Amino
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Klean Athlete Klean Isolate ™
Pure Encapsulations l-Arginine
Pure Encapsulations l-Arginine
Designs For Health L-Arginine
Douglas Laboratories L-Arginine 500 mg
Douglas Laboratories L-Arginine 700 mg
Thorne L-Arginine Plus Perfusia Plus
Thorne L-Arginine Sustained Release Perfusia-SR
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Designs For Health NOx Synergy™
Metagenics Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Berry
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Chai
Metagenics UltraClear RENEW Detox Powder Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
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Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
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Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
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