L-Arginine
L-arginine. Dietary Supplement, amino acid / nitric oxide precursor.
This page describes what L-Arginine is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted)
- Half-life
- ~1-2 hours
- Liver strain
- None at typical doses
- Kidney strain
- None at typical doses
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Investigational for angina and erectile dysfunction
What it does in the body
Cardiovascular
- Precursor of nitric oxide, but poorly absorbed orally; citrulline raises levels better
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (powder/capsule) | ~1-2 hours | N/A (not a banned substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhoea and cramping at higher doses
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of L-Arginine?
About ~1-2 hours. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is L-Arginine detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is L-Arginine legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with L-Arginine?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of L-Arginine?
Gastrointestinal: diarrhoea and cramping at higher doses.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.