Your body needs arginine, more commonly known as L-arginine in supplement form, to carry out several important functions. It’s an amino acid that helps build proteins. It’s especially important for producing nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels to support blood flow, promoting immune function and aiding cellular communication.
While most people get enough through diet, supplements may be helpful to boost athletic performance or during certain life stages or for specific health conditions, such as pregnancy, critical illness, high blood pressure, or erectile dysfunction. Read on for our dietitian’s top picks for the best L-arginine supplements available.
Best sustained release L-arginine
Thorne L-Arginine Sustained Release
Best L-arginine powder
Nutricost L-Arginine Powder
Best L-arginine for sports
ONNIT Total Nitric Oxide
Best L-arginine for erectile dysfunction
Doctor’s Best Pure L-Arginine Powder
Best L-arginine tablets
NOW Foods L-Arginine Tablets
Price notes
General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price. Prices per serving generally range from $0.15–$2.00, with container prices varying by formulation and brand.
How we chose the best L-arginine supplements
All products included in this list have undergone Healthline’s extensive vetting process. We evaluated third-party testing, transparency, ingredient quality, customer reviews, price, and clinically studied dosages. If ED is your primary concern, consult a healthcare professional for more treatment options.
What to consider when choosing L-arginine
Seek third-party tested products to ensure quality. Look for certifications from USP, Informed Choice, ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Consider dietary needs such as gluten-free, allergen-free, organic, or GMO-free. If ED is a goal, discuss dosing and options with a clinician. Keep daily dosage under 9 g when possible to minimize potential side effects.
Product at a glance
Best for sustained release: Thorne L-Arginine Sustained Release. Dosage: 1 g per serving.
Best L-arginine powder: Nutricost L-Arginine Powder. Dosage: 5 g per scoop.
Best L-arginine for sports: ONNIT Total Nitric Oxide. Dosage: 1.4 g L-arginine per scoop, with added L-citrulline and beet root blend.
Best L-arginine for erectile dysfunction: Doctor’s Best L-Arginine Powder. Dosage: 6 g per scoop.
Best L-arginine tablets: NOW Foods L-Arginine Tablets. Dosage: 1,000 mg per tablet.
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