Does L-Arginine Cause Side Effects?
L-arginine is an amino acid produced by the human body. It is also found in many foods and
dietary supplements. Just because L-arginine is a natural amino acid, it does not automatically mean that it is free of side effects. For most people, these side effects are merely bothersome. In fact, most people tolerate oral L-arginine supplements quite well, often without any side effects (or just mild side effects). Taking L-arginine intravenously (by IV) can also cause certain side effects.
Bothersome L-Arginine Side Effects
Some people may experience bothersome L-arginine side effects (due to taking L-arginine orally), such as:
When taken by IV, L-arginine may cause the following side effects:
Serious L-Arginine Side Effects
There are a number of side effects with L-arginine (when taken orally) that you should report to your healthcare provider and which might indicate that you should stop taking L-arginine. These include, but are not limited to:
- Breathing problems, including a worsening of asthma
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Taking L-arginine intravenously can cause additional serious side effects, such as:
- Swelling around the eyes
- Extreme irritation of the veins and surrounding tissues, possibly resulting in severe damage.
Theoretically, L-arginine may also cause low
blood pressure (hypotension).