Ingredient guide · fitness

L-Arginine

Nitric oxide precursor (citrulline is more effective)

The clinically studied dose

3g per day Studied

Source: Examine.com — Arginine — Blood-flow effects need ~3–6 g; oral arginine is poorly absorbed, so citrulline is generally preferred.

Blood-flow studies use 3–6 g; citrulline raises arginine more reliably, so arginine under ~3 g does little.

What it is

An amino acid and nitric-oxide precursor once popular for pumps and blood flow.

What the research supports

How it works

Converts to nitric oxide to widen blood vessels — but much is destroyed in digestion, so citrulline (which raises arginine more reliably) is usually the better choice.

Side effects & safety

Safe; large doses can cause GI upset. Doses under ~3 g (common in T-boosters) do very little.

What it should cost

Per serving
Typical branded single-ingredient product$0.42
Bulk powder at the clinical dose (500g, $25.97)$0.16

Buying bulk powder instead of a branded bottle saves about 62% per serving.

Bulk price: $25.97/500g →

Graded products that contain it

Related ingredients

Educational only — not medical advice. Grades and clinical doses are computed from public labels against sourced research (citations on the main site); prices last verified 2026-07-21. Expensive Powder has no sponsors; bulk links may earn an affiliate commission, which never affects a grade. Talk to a clinician before starting any supplement.