L-Arginine is a form of arginine, and is one of the 20 common amino acids. Arginine is considered nonessential amino acid, since the body can produce it. However, it may be a conditionally essential amino acid, or a semiessential amino acid, based upon the individual patient. In the case of infants, who are unable to meet the required amount, arginine is considered nutritionally essential.

L-Arginine has many natural sources. Since the body may not produce sufficient amounts, individuals with poor nutrition or some other conditions may benefit from eating more foods containing L-Arginine. Read about some of those foods here.

L-Arginine assists the body in cell division, healing wounds, immune function, removal of ammonia, and releasing hormones. Along with these, it has many other health benefits.

Although there are not many known side effects of L-Arginine, it is good to consider cautions that are based upon research, such as one known clinical trial.

Arginine facts:

Arginine was first isolated by Swiss chemist Ernst Schulze, in 1886. It was found in extract of a lupine seedling.

Arginine along with lysine may be beneficial in treating the herpes simplex virus (HSV).