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Arginine

Supplement Forms/Alternate Names

L-Arginine

Introduction

Arginine is an amino acid found in the body. It has been taken to lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and increase sex drive. Arginine can be taken as a pill or powder. Arginine can also be applied as a paste. It has been used to ease tooth sensitivity.

Dosages

2 to 10 grams once daily

What Research Shows

Likely Effective

Dentin hypersensitivity—likely to reduce symptoms and ease sensitivity when used as a paste C1
High blood pressure —likely to lower blood pressure D1, D2
Pre-eclampsia —likely to lower blood pressure G1, G2

May Be Effective

Necrotising enterocolitis—may prevent in preterm infants F1, F2

May Not Be Effective

Athletic performance—may not enhance athletic performance or improve recovery from exhaustion B1

Unlikely to Be Effective

Acute myocardial infarction—unlikely to improve outcomes A1

Not Enough Data to Assess

Cancer treatment support H1
Hip and knee replacement support E1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to use arginine and to take it orally for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any alternative therapy or supplements you are taking to make sure it does not interfere with your current treatment. For example:

People who have had a heart attack should talk to their doctors before taking arginine. It may worsen symptoms.

References

REFA
Acute Myocardial Infarction

REFA1
Sun T, Zhou WB, et al. Oral L-arginine supplementation in acute myocardial infarction therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Cardiol. 2009 Nov;32(11):649-652.

REFB2
Athletic Performance

REFB1
Brooks JR, Oketch-Rabah H, et al. Safety and performance benefits of arginine supplements for military personnel: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2016 Nov;74(11):708-721.

REFC
Dentin Hypersensitivity

REFC1
Yan B, Yi J, et al. Arginine-containing toothpastes for dentin hypersensitivity: systematic review and meta-analysis. Quintessence Int. 2013; 44(9): 709-723.

REFD
High Blood Pressure

REFD1
Dong JY, Qin LQ, et al. Effects of oral L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Am Heart J. 2011;162(6):959-965.

REFD2
Borghi C, Cicero AF. Nutraceuticals with a clinically detectable blood pressure-lowering effect: a review of available randomized clinical trials and their meta-analyses. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2017 Jan;83(1):163-171.

REFE
Hip and Knee Replacement Support

REFE1
Burgess LC, Phillips SM, et al. What Is the Role of Nutritional Supplements in Support of Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Surgeries? A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 25;10(7). pii: E820.

REFF
Necrotising Enterocolitis

REFF1
Mitchell K, Lyttle A, et al. Arginine supplementation in prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in the premature infant: an updated systematic review. BMC Pediatr. 2014 Sep 10;14:226.

REFF2
Shah PS, Shah VS, et al. Arginine supplementation for prevention of necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4:CD004339.

REFG
Pre-eclampsia

REFG1
Zhu Q, Yue X, et al. Effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2013;32(1):32-41.

REFG2
Gui S, Jia J, et al. Arginine supplementation for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy: a systematic review. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2014;15(1):88-96.

REFH
Cancer Treatment Support

REFH1
Marullo R, Castro M, et al. The metabolic adaptation evoked by arginine enhances the effect of radiation in brain metastases. Sci Adv. 2021;7(45):eabg1964. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abg1964.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Review Date: 07/2019
Update Date: 11/08/2021

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.