What is L-Arginine Base L-arginine is an amino acid that has numerous functions in the body. It helps the body get rid of ammonia a waste product, is used to make compounds in the body such creatine, L-glutamate, and L-proline, and can be converted to glucose and glycogen if needed. L-arginine is used to make the nitric oxide, a compound in the body that relaxes blood vessels. Preliminary studies have found that L-arginine may help with conditions that improve when blood vessels are relaxed called vasodilation. Sources of L-Arginine L-arginine is conditionally essential, which means that the body normally has enough. It's produced in the kidney and to a lesser extent, in the liver. Food sources of L-arginine include plant and animal proteins, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and nuts. The ratio of L-arginine to lysine is also important - soy and other plant proteins have more L-arginine than animal sources of protein. Severe burns, infections, and injuries can deplete the b
