L-arginine is an amino acid naturally found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. It is necessary for making proteins and is commonly used for circulation. L-arginine is converted in the body into a chemical called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow. L-arginine also stimulates the release of growth hormones, insulin, and other substances in the body. It can be made in a lab and used in supplements.
People use L-arginine for chest pain and various blow flow issues, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and serious diseases in premature infants called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It's also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
