L-arginine is an amino acid found in protein foods such as meat, fish, dairy, nuts, seeds and legumes. Your body can also make some of its own, which is why it's called "conditionally essential".
How it becomes nitric oxide
Inside the cells lining your blood vessels, enzymes called nitric oxide synthases split L-arginine into nitric oxide and another amino acid, L-citrulline. This is the main way your body makes nitric oxide on demand. See what nitric oxide does.
What the research says, honestly
L-arginine has been studied for blood vessel function, blood pressure and exercise. Some studies report small benefits and others don't. One reason is that much of the L-arginine you swallow is broken down in the gut and liver before it reaches the blood vessels. That's partly why formulas pair it with a second route, such as beet root nitrate in Nitric Boost Ultra.
Side effects and cautions
- Some people get stomach upset, bloating or diarrhoea, especially at higher amounts.
- It can lower blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you take blood pressure medication, nitrates or PDE-5 inhibitors.
- Get medical advice first if you have kidney disease or a history of herpes outbreaks, or if you've had a heart attack.
- Stop it two weeks before scheduled surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.
In Nitric Boost Ultra
L-arginine is one of three ingredients highlighted on the Nitric Boost Ultra label, alongside beet root and pomegranate. The seller hasn't published the amount per scoop, so check your jar's label. Find out more on the product overview.
About Nitric Boost Ultra
A daily nitric oxide powder with L-arginine, beet root and pomegranate highlighted on the label. One scoop a day, and a 60-day money-back guarantee from the seller.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
