General Dosage
3-6 g daily, divided into 2-3 doses
Maximum dose: Up to 20 g/day used in clinical studies; GI side effects common above 10 g/day
L-Arginine Dosage Guide
Evidence:Moderate
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Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 3-6 g daily, divided into 2-3 doses
Timing: Divided doses 2-3 times daily on an empty stomach; pre-workout for exercise
Dosage by Condition
Blood pressure support
4-6 g daily in divided dosesModerate
Erectile dysfunction
3-5 g dailyModerate
Exercise performance
3-6 g 30-60 min pre-workoutModerate
Wound healing
4.5-9 g dailyModerate
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure support | 4-6 g daily in divided doses | Moderate |
| Erectile dysfunction | 3-5 g daily | Moderate |
| Exercise performance | 3-6 g 30-60 min pre-workout | Moderate |
| Wound healing | 4.5-9 g daily | Moderate |
Upper limit: Up to 20 g/day used in clinical studies; GI side effects common above 10 g/day
Timing & Absorption
Divided doses 2-3 times daily on an empty stomach; pre-workout for exercise
Can be taken with or without food.
References
- Meta-analysisDong JY, Qin LQ, Zhang Z, et al. (2011). Effect of oral L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. American Heart Journal. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisRhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al. (2019). The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sexual Medicine. DOI PubMed
- RCTSchwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. (2008). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Tian Y, Zhou Q, Li W, Liu M, et al. (2023). Efficacy of L-arginine and Pycnogenol ® in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in endocrinology. DOI PubMed
- Karimi E, Hatami E, Ghavami A, Hadi A, et al. (2023). Effects of L-arginine supplementation on biomarkers of glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.. Archives of physiology and biochemistry. DOI PubMed
- Porto AA, Gonzaga LA, Benjamim CJR, Valenti VE (2023). Absence of Effects of L-Arginine and L-Citrulline on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Oxidative Stress in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisShiraseb F, Asbaghi O, Bagheri R, Wong A, et al. (2022). Effect of l-Arginine Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). DOI PubMed
Show 3 more references
- Meta-analysisd'Unienville NMA, Blake HT, Coates AM, Hill AM, et al. (2021). Effect of food sources of nitrate, polyphenols, L-arginine and L-citrulline on endurance exercise performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. DOI PubMed
- Goto E (2021). Effects of prenatal oral L-arginine on birth outcomes: a meta-analysis.. Scientific reports. DOI PubMed
- Gui S, Jia J, Niu X, Bai Y, et al. (2022). l-arginine supplementation improved neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with hypertensive disorders: a systematic review.. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. DOI PubMed