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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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L-Arginine and Improved Quality of Life

Research synthesisModerate evidenceMixed effect size3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 randomized controlled trials, all reported beneficial effects of L-arginine on quality of life, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. Doses ranged from 3.32 to 5 g per day in clinical populations with COPD, head and neck cancer, and PCOS. Effects were observed at study durations of 28 to 182 days (median 49 days).

  • Effective dose range: 3.32-5 g per day
  • Studied populations: clinical populations with COPD, HNC patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis, and females with PCOS

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). The third study combined L-arginine with other nutritional and pharmacological interventions, so the observed effect may not be attributable to L-arginine alone. Findings are limited to specific clinical conditions and may not generalize to healthy populations.

Generated Jul 12, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • g/day: 1.66–5 (median 3.33, IQR 2.5–4.17) — 2 studies
Time to effect
Median: 7 weeks · IQR 5.5 weeks–3.9 months · Range 4 weeks–6.1 months — Reported in 3 of 3 studies
3 of 3 papers
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