Performance
L-Arginine
Also known as: L-Arginine, AAKG, L-Arginine (Wound Healing), Arginine
Direct nitric oxide precursor. Less effective orally than citrulline but still used.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every L-Arginine product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nootropics Depot AAKG 2 | 90 A | $0.33 |
| 2 | Nutricost Pre-Workout For Women Powder | 89 A | $0.73 |
| 3 | Nutricost Pre-Workout Complex | 89 A | $0.83 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations L-Arginine | 88 A | $0.55 |
| 5 | NOW Foods L-Arginine Powder | 88 A | $0.34 |
| 6 | Thorne L-Arginine Plus | 87 A | $1.25 |
| 7 | Nootropics Depot AAKG 2:1 Powder | 86 A- | $0.33 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations Nitric Oxide Support | 82 A- | $1.70 |
| 9 | Bluebonnet Nutrition L-ARGININE 1000 mg | 82 A- | $0.96 |
| 10 | Country Life L-Arginine 500 mg | 82 A- | $0.17 |
| 11 | Thorne L-Arginine - Sustained Release | 81 A- | $0.73 |
| 12 | NOW Foods Tri-Amino | 81 A- | $0.27 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much L-Arginine should I take?
The typical range is 3-6g. Acute effects
When should I take L-Arginine?
Pre-workout. Either.
Which form of L-Arginine is best?
Powder — AAKG for absorption. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Capsules.
Is L-Arginine safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Diarrhea. Serious warnings: May affect herpes outbreaks. No concerns
Which L-Arginine supplement scores highest?
Nootropics Depot AAKG 2, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
3 g / dayL-Arginine has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
L-Arginine dosage reference →Primary uses
- Pump
- Blood flow
- Nitric oxide
- Wound healing
- Collagen synthesis
- Surgery recovery
How it works
- Direct NO precursor
- Poor oral bioavailability
- Arginase breaks it down
Dosage
- Typical range
- 3-6g
- Timing
- Pre-workout
- With food
- Either
- Duration
- Acute effects
- Special populations
- Those who respond to arginine
Forms
- Powder
- Capsule
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Post heart attack
- Herpes (may reactivate)
Products containing L-Arginine
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list L-Arginine on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Supports healing via NO and collagen
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Cited research for L-Arginine
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention l-arginine. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Related in Performance
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.