Nutrient Database

L-Arginine

amino acid

Approved

General information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

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Overview

Amino acid and precursor to nitric oxide.

Interactions

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Vitamin C supports NO production from arginine

Vitamin C stabilizes tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Without adequate BH4, eNOS uncouples and produces superoxide instead of NO from arginine.

Research status

NO production declines with age.

Top 5 food sources

Turkeyporkchickenpumpkin seedssoybeans
Expert consensus: Moderate

L-Citrulline may be more effective for NO production.