Nature's Bounty L Arginine Review

Nature's Bounty L-Arginine is an amino acid supplement presented in a container of 50 tablets, with each single-tablet serving providing 1,000 mg (1 g) of L-Arginine as Arginine Hydrochloride. L-Arginine is one of 20 amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein, and it supports the effect of exercise while being involved in various important pathways throughout the body. This product is specifically formulated to support blood flow, vascular function, and heart health as part of your overall wellness routine. For adults, the recommended directions are to take one (1) tablet three times daily, preferably with meals. In addition to the active L-Arginine, the tablets contain vegetable cellulose and less than 2% of natural palm leaf glaze, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate, and vegetable stearic acid. The formula is suitable for vegetarians and is Non-GMO, containing no artificial color, no artificial flavor, no artificial sweetener, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, and no fish. Regarding safety and usage warnings, individuals who are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have any medical condition should consult their doctor before use. Users should discontinue use and consult a doctor if any adverse reactions occur, keep the product out of reach of children, store it at room temperature, and not use it if the seal under the cap is broken or missing. According to the product FAQs on the page, it is recommended to follow the directions as stated on the product label, and anyone wishing to take more than what is recommended is advised to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. This supplement is carefully manufactured by Nature's Bounty, Inc., located in Bohemia, NY 11716 U.S.A., a company that has offered wellness solutions since 1971 and tests and retests its products every single month to bring potent and efficacious ingredients backed by science.

Product Focus: Sexual Health for MenAlso covers:HeartHormonesRanked among:Nitric oxide supplements
Tier ⓘ
Tier 2
Tier 2 · Researched. Human studies show improvement in an aging-related function or a specific goal, and the reviews agree. Tiers run from 1, the strongest evidence, to 5. How we grade →
Evidence ⓘ
78 /100
How strongly the evidence says this product works: human studies count most, then real reviews, then our biohacker panel.
Positive Reviews
86% of 11,307
Biohacker Mentions
6 of 10
Cost per month
$6

Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary

Members Only29 human studies · 22 improved
29 human studies22 improved5 no effect3,605 people studied

This product provides 1,000 milligrams of L-arginine per serving, or 3,000 milligrams a day, which reaches the 1,500 milligram minimum dose that worked in clinical trials for male sexual function. In a 2019 review of ten randomized trials involving 540 men with mild to moderate erectile problems, taking 1,500 to 5,000 milligrams daily improved erectile function more than placebo [1]. A 2024 review of fifteen placebo-controlled trials in 1,000 men also found L-arginine useful, especially when combined with the meds a med [2]. Similarly, a 2021 review of four trials in 373 men showed that while prescription erection drugs worked better than L-arginine alone, combining the two gave the best results [3]. Individual trials using higher doses have also shown benefits: in 98 men with blood vessel related erectile problems, 6 grams daily for three months moved 74 percent of men to a better category [4], and in 120 men aged 60 or older, 5 grams daily for six weeks raised both sexual health scores and testosterone [5]. In 108 diabetic men with erectile dysfunction, daily L-arginine improved erectile function scores compared with placebo, and adding a med worked best and raised testosterone [6]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.

See all 29 studies →Hide the studies

Review Totals and Summary

Members Only11,307 reviews · 86% positive
11,307 reviews · Amazon 11,052 · Walgreens 79 · Walmart 77 · CVS 74 · Nature's Bounty 5 · Kroger 5 · King Soopers 5 · Foods Co. 5 · Naturesbounty 5
86% positive8% neutral6% negative

Nature's Bounty L Arginine has garnered approximately 11307 ratings across various stores, with a strong majority of reviewers giving it 4 or 5 stars, indicating a generally positive reception. **Effects and Benefits** Many customers report noticeable improvements and positive effects after taking this supplement. Some users "felt different in 13 days," experiencing a sense of feeling "great inside." Reviewers frequently describe the product as "effective!" and "veryyy goood," with some noting it was "best for me." The supplement is also seen as promising for "supporting circulation and overall wellness," and has even been "recommended by Cardiologist" in one instance, suggesting its perceived benefits for heart health. **Complaints** The primary complaint among reviewers centers on the size of the pills. Several customers found them "too big to swallow safely." This issue was significant enough for some to state, "I can't even swallow these," leading to frustration and a feeling of having "wasted my money." For those who typically cut pills, the large size also presented a problem, as they "Don even fit in either of the two pill cutters." **Pill Characteristics** Regarding the physical attributes of the supplement, the "Pills are larger than expected," a point reiterated by multiple users. However, on the positive side, the "taste is neutral," which is appreciated by those who are sensitive to flavors in supplements. The packaging is also noted as "great to put in my bag," adding to its convenience. **Value for Money** For many, Nature's Bounty L Arginine offers good value, with reviewers noting an "Overall good price." However, for those unable to swallow the large pills, the product represented a poor investment, with one reviewer lamenting, "I just wasted my money." **Suitability** This L-Arginine supplement appears well-suited for individuals seeking support for circulation and general wellness, especially those who have received recommendations from healthcare professionals like a cardiologist. It is also a good fit for users who prioritize convenience with its dosage and capsule count, and who can easily swallow larger pills. Conversely, it is not suitable for those who struggle with swallowing large tablets or who rely on pill cutters, as the size makes it difficult or impossible to consume safely. One reviewer noted it "was recommended by Cardiologist," while others stated, "I can't even swallow these."

Biohacker Summary

Members Only6 of 10 recommend it
6 of 10 biohackers on our panel recommend it

The panel leans toward recommending arginine, with four of the nine who spoke about it giving a recommendation as their latest view and the rest staying neutral. The main reason is blood flow: most describe it as a nitric oxide booster that widens blood vessels, and they use it before workouts, endurance sessions or sex. Others mention it for growth hormone, calmness (taken with foods that support the calming brain chemical GABA), and one gives a dose of about 5 grams for sexual performance. Forms mentioned include L-arginine, arginine nitrate and arginine ketoglutarate, and some pair it with citrulline, proline or ornithine. Cautions are clear: two warn it can bring on cold sore outbreaks, two say taking it too close to exercise can work against growth hormone, and three said they stopped, one because citrulline is now preferred, one because he saw no real blood flow difference, and one who switched to agmatine sulfate after a gene finding.

See all 9 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
  • Ben Greenfield · Arginine · neutral
    • 10 Oct 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions an arginine link to thymus metabolism, noting that immune cells require a lot of arginine.
    • 17 Jan 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends chia and flax seeds as they are rich in arginine, which can help supply nutrients that patients may be lacking.
    • 3 Apr 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends L-arginine, around 5 grams, as an aid for sexual performance and to combat erectile dysfunction.
    • 6 Dec 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions arginine as a supplement that can increase blood flow for pre-workout.
    • 28 Dec 2023 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Ben likes it when he takes a pre-workout like arginine and gets a wonderful rush in energy and blood flow.
    • 21 Dec 2023 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Ben says his secret weapon for withstanding the cold is a higher dose niacin or niacinamide, combined with a blood flow precursor like arginine or citrulline, and T2 thyroid hormone.
    • 2 Nov 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends L-arginine as an amino acid that synthesizes nitric oxide.
    • 24 Aug 2023 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Warns that taking arginine prior to red light therapy can aggravate the formation of excess reactive oxygen species.
    • 29 Jul 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends arginine to enhance the effects of Hyperbaric and PEMF by increasing blood flow.
    • 24 Jun 2023 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Has used Joymode, a sexual performance booster with Arginine, Citrulline, and Vitamin C, and finds that it works pretty well, though it is a central nervous system stimulant.
  • Siim Land · Arginine · neutral
    • 23 Sep 2026 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Explains that blood vessels normally make nitric oxide from the amino acid L-arginine through an enzyme called eNOS.
    • 28 Mar 2025 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that arginine is good for increasing nitric oxide and is found in many pre-workout supplements, but there are conflicting thoughts on its effectiveness.
    • 21 Mar 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Tells older people to take Arginine Ketoglutarate because the arginine is helpful as a low-key vasodilator.
    • 12 Mar 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends Arginine before workouts to promote blood flow, which leads to better workouts and physical performance.
    • 15 Feb 2025 · stopped · YouTube ↗
      Used to take Arginine but switched to Agmatine sulfate after discovering a mutation in his NOS3 gene, which synthesizes nitric oxide, and noticed massive differences in his 'pump' during workouts.
    • 5 Oct 2024 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Warns that Arginine can have negative adverse reactions with meds like a med, advising caution and checking product packaging for interactions.
    • 5 Oct 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Suggests swapping out calcium Alpha-ketoglutarate for Arginine Alpha-ketoglutarate, especially if not on a low calcium diet, as it does not contain calcium.
    • 15 Mar 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Suggests taking a little extra arginine when fighting an infection, as it is used a lot by the body during an infection and can help convert to citrulline.
    • 6 Mar 2024 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Increased his intake of arginine because his levels were low, and they went up.
    • 12 Mar 2022 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Is putting arginine in their meteorite scrub.
  • Dr. Eric Berg · Arginine · recommends
    • 13 Aug 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends consuming arginine, along with proline and ornithine, in the meal that breaks a prolonged fast to get the benefits of stimulating stem cells.
    • 2 Oct 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends arginine as a potent way to increase growth hormone, but warns against taking it too close to a workout as it will lower growth hormone.
    • 19 Mar 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Explains that herpes and shingles viruses need the amino acid arginine to survive.
    • 5 Mar 2025 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Recommends L-arginine to increase nitric oxide to help prevent heart attack.
    • 26 Feb 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Mentions that Arginine can trigger nitric oxide.
    • 6 May 2024 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Recommends taking 3 to 6 grams of Arginine daily on an empty stomach 30 minutes before a workout, as it increases growth hormone by inhibiting somatostatin.
    • 22 Oct 2023 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Recommends L-arginine as one of the best natural remedies for hypertension because it supports the production of nitric oxide.
    • 22 Feb 2023 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions L-Arginine as a natural form that increases nitric oxide, which can help with erectile dysfunction.
    • 29 Jan 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends L-Arginine as a solution with minimal side effects to help make more nitric oxide and manage high blood pressure, suggesting taking half a scoop or a whole scoop each day in powder form.
    • 7 Oct 2022 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions that some people use L-arginine, an amino acid, and notes that some studies show it works for erectile dysfunction.
  • Dave Asprey · Arginine · recommends
    • 9 Apr 2026 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Dave Asprey recommends Joy Mode, an electrolyte packet for sexual performance, to be taken one packet about 45 minutes before sex, as it contains clinical doses of L-citrulline, arginine nitrate, ginseng, and vitamin C to increase nitric oxide levels.
    • 17 Jul 2025 · stopped · YouTube ↗
      Has tried arginine over the years but did not notice a significant difference in blood flow.
    • 15 Jul 2025 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends L-arginine, or anything that leads to vasodilation, to boost the power of EWOT when taken beforehand.
    • 21 Feb 2025 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Has added Arginine to his Wonderfeel product as a powerful antioxidant to reduce DNA damage, which in turn reduces the need for PARP to consume NAD, and considers it a foundational longevity molecule.
    • 2 Jan 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that companies are now creating pre- and post-op surgical supplementation with arginine, similar to what he had figured out years ago.
    • 14 Apr 2023 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Dave Asprey says that the case for arginine isn't very strong and that taking high-dose Arginine can actually divert metabolism away from nitric oxide production and make things worse if you have endothelial dysfunction.
    • 29 Apr 2021 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Discusses a new study showing arginine supplementation causing more harm than good, and suggests evaluating supplements based on multiple pillars of evidence, such as lifespan extension in animals and epidemiological data in humans.
    • 13 Dec 2019 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Personally takes L-arginine, an amino acid, to increase vasodilation and nitric oxide levels, noting that it is a useful, well-studied supplement.
    • Date not recorded · recommends · Website ↗
      Recommends taking supplements like L-arginine to help synthesize nitric oxide.
    • Date not recorded · warns · Website ↗
      Warns that taking excess L-arginine or L-citrulline would likely have a limited impact on N.O. production and that high-dose L-arginine may pose potential health risks.
  • Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Arginine · recommends
    • 29 Apr 2025 · recommends · Facebook ↗
      Recommends arginine as a blood flow enhancer that boosts nitric oxide, opens up blood vessels, and can improve how one feels during endurance or high-rep sessions, also sharpening mental clarity.
    • 28 Apr 2025 · stopped · YouTube ↗
      Notes that arginine has fallen out of favor as a performance enhancer due to bioavailability issues and concerns about cold sores, with citrulline now being the preferred approach.
    • 22 Apr 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Discusses whether nitric oxide boosters like beetroot, citrulline, and arginine work.
    • Date not recorded · neutral · Website ↗
      The naturally occurring amino acid arginine makes cavity-prone dental plaque less acidic after sugar intake, potentially making plaque less damaging during periods of sugar exposure.
  • Andrew Huberman · Arginine · neutral
    • 6 Mar 2025 · neutral · Podcast ↗
      Mentions Arginine in the context of growth hormone supplements.
    • 14 Aug 2023 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Huberman mentions arginine as a nonprescription substance that increases blood flow.
    • 9 Jan 2023 · recommends · Podcast ↗
      Recommends Arginine for growth hormone.
    • 31 May 2021 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Notes that arginine can improve performance for long bouts of exercise due to vasodilation, but warns that it can increase the likelihood of herpes cold sore outbreaks.
    • 26 Apr 2021 · warns · Podcast ↗
      Discusses supplements that increase growth hormone, such as Arginine and Ornithine, but warns that Arginine and exercise together can be counter-productive.
    • 1 Feb 2021 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Mentions that a few studies suggest arginine, an amino acid, might increase slow wave sleep, but advises caution as it can have other effects, including on the heart.
    • Date not recorded · warns · Website ↗
      Notes a caution about Arginine and Citrulline in relation to cold sores.
    • Date not recorded · neutral · Website ↗
      Huberman mentions that some studies suggest arginine could increase slow-wave sleep, but advises checking for its effects on the heart and other systems.
    • Date not recorded · warns · Website ↗
      Discusses that arginine can substantially increase growth hormone levels, with doses ranging from 3 to 10 grams, but notes that more than 9 grams can blunt the effect and cause GI disturbance.
    • Date not recorded · neutral · Website ↗
      Huberman mentions that some people like beet juice and related compounds that increase arginine and vasodilation.
  • Thomas DeLauer · Arginine · recommends
    • 27 Dec 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends Arginine Nitrate and other arginines to improve tissue quality and enhance power output during workouts.
    • 16 Dec 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends Arginine Nitrate for enhancing tissue quality and muscle performance.
    • 1 Dec 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends taking L-Arginine, possibly with GABA-influencing foods, as it can increase blood flow to the brain and significantly boost GABA levels in the brain, which helps with calmness.
    • 11 Nov 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends adding L-Arginine, a dirt cheap supplement, along with Gaba-rich foods, to increase Gaba's availability to cross the blood-brain barrier, especially the day after drinking.
    • 8 Aug 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that Sacha Inchi protein is high in Arginine, which is being investigated for its influence on obesity, mitochondrial biogenesis, brown adipose tissue, and fatty acid oxidation genes.
    • 28 Jan 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends arginine to combat erectile dysfunction and improve sexual desire, citing a meta-analysis that found 1.5 to 5 grams was effective.
    • 29 Dec 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends getting arginine in the diet, as it is a strong activator of mtor, which is desired for building muscle and creating big spikes in mtor for short amounts of time.
    • 27 Apr 2021 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Warns that arginine cannot be effectively used in supplement form because it is heavily broken down and catabolized by the gut microbiome, making it not bioavailable for improving blood flow.
    • 17 Jul 2020 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Suggests adding arginine or citrulline malate on longer or higher intensity workout days to increase nitric oxide, which allows for more blood flow to the gut, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.
    • 25 Jun 2020 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends getting extra arginine, as it is a strong activator of mtor, which is desired for building muscle.
  • Dr. Mark Hyman · Arginine · neutral
    • 11 Sep 2024 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that arginine is important for nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and helps with inflammation.
    • 19 Jun 2024 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Mentions arginine as one of the things that can be used to repair mucosal membranes as part of the 'repair' step in the 4R program.
    • 10 Nov 2023 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends certain supplements like Arginine to naturally help build growth hormone.
    • 18 Oct 2023 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Explains that Arginine is an amino acid that is a precursor for nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and can help lower blood pressure.
    • 1 Apr 2022 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Raises the question of whether taking arginine, which increases nitric oxide in the body, could be beneficial.
    • 12 Mar 2022 · warns · YouTube ↗
      Notes that foods containing arginine, like nuts, can activate the herpes virus.
    • 18 Feb 2022 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Discusses whether people should be taking arginine to increase nitric oxide in the body, noting that there are dietary supplements that introduce arginine precursors and L-arginine.
    • 4 Oct 2021 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends arginine, an amino acid that arteries use to make nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, and suggests supplementing with it for symptomatic Raynaud's.
    • 19 Sep 2021 · uses · YouTube ↗
      Explains that arginine is the amino acid precursor to nitric oxide and that taking more arginine will lead to more nitric oxide production. He personally takes a powder containing 5 grams of arginine every single morning.
    • 11 Jun 2021 · recommends · YouTube ↗
      Recommends consuming arginine, an amino acid and precursor to nitric oxide, noting that taking in more arginine will lead to more nitric oxide production, as shown in various studies.
  • Peter Attia · Arginine · neutral
    • 26 Sep 2022 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that nitrogen from arginine goes to nitric oxide, which is involved in vasodilation.
    • 22 Dec 2019 · neutral · YouTube ↗
      Notes that the Tor pathway evolved to detect both leucine and arginine, at least in most tissues, but the reason for sensing these two structurally different amino acids is a mystery.

RAL Summary

Members OnlyTier 2 for Sexual Health for Men

This product is placed in Tier 2 because 22 of 29 human studies on L-arginine showed a clear improvement in male sexual function, and 88% of 255 customer reviews are positive.

Where the evidence disagrees: 5 of the 29 human studies found no effect.

More Details

Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects

Body systems: Cardiovascular system, Reproductive system, Endocrine system

Combine with: To enhance the effects of L-Arginine for male sexual function, consider combining it with L-Citrulline, which converts to L-Arginine in the body, providing a sustained increase in nitric oxide production. Pycnogenol is another excellent addition, as it may further boost nitric oxide synthesis and protect it from degradation. Additionally, Panax Ginseng can support overall sexual health and erectile function, while Zinc is crucial for testosterone production and reproductive health.

Possible side effects: Clinical trials reported mild side effects in 8.3% of men taking L-arginine compared with 2.3% on placebo. Reviewers frequently complain that the tablets are exceptionally large and difficult to swallow safely.

Supplement Facts

L-Arginine 1000 mg (1 g)
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1 Tablet
Servings Per Container 50
Amount Per Serving% Daily Value
L-Arginine (as Arginine Hydrochloride)1,000 mg (1 g)†
† Daily Value not established.

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose. Contains <2% of: Natural Palm Leaf Glaze, Silica, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Vegetable Stearic Acid.

Directions: For adults, take one (1) tablet three times daily, preferably with meals.

Label source: Naturesbounty · Report a label change

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The Nature's Bounty L Arginine label
L Arginine

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Graded October 28, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.