Arginine is classed as a semi-essential amino acid — the body can synthesise it in limited amounts, but extra intake can be useful during intense sports activity, periods of stress, ageing, or an unbalanced diet. Arginine takes part in protein synthesis, the urea cycle, and above all nitric oxide production via the NO-synthase enzyme. Now Foods’ formula uses free-form L-Arginine, meaning it is not bound to other amino acids in a protein chain — allowing fast, direct absorption with no need for prior proteolytic digestion, a significant advantage for athletes seeking a quick pre-workout effect.

Now Foods designed this formula with 1,000 mg of L-Arginine (as arginine HCl) per tablet, giving great flexibility — one to two doses a day are enough to reach the desired intake. Each tablet has a vegetarian coating for easy swallowing and good digestive tolerance, and the 120-tablet bottle provides two to four months of use depending on dosage. Now Foods, founded in the US in 1968, is internationally recognised for quality, manufacturing in GMP-certified facilities with no GMOs, artificial colourings or synthetic preservatives.

As a nitric-oxide precursor, arginine supports vasodilation during exercise, improving blood flow to working muscles — many athletes report a stronger muscle “pump” sensation during resistance training, a sign of better local blood flow. It also supports recovery by improving circulation, helping clear metabolic waste (such as lactate) and deliver nutrients needed for muscle repair; some athletes combine it with citrulline or ornithine to boost nitric oxide production further. Beyond sport, the nitric oxide it supports helps maintain blood-vessel flexibility and normal circulation as part of a healthy lifestyle, and arginine also feeds into the liver’s urea cycle, which clears ammonia, a by-product of protein metabolism.

Standard dose: 1 to 2 tablets a day, taken between meals with a large glass of water. For sports performance, take about 30–45 minutes before training, ideally on an empty stomach or with a light snack; on rest days, a morning dose on an empty stomach is generally advised to maintain steady plasma levels. Arginine pairs well with citrulline, ornithine or glutamine, and with B-group vitamins, magnesium or coenzyme Q10.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. This food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

What’s the difference between L-Arginine and Arginine HCl?

Arginine HCl (arginine hydrochloride) is the most common form used in supplements — the hydrochloride stabilises the amino acid and improves solubility, supporting fast digestive absorption. It is also the most studied form in the scientific literature.

When should I take arginine for sport?

Around 30–45 minutes before training, ideally on an empty stomach or with a light snack, so the amino acid is absorbed and can boost nitric oxide production during exercise.

Can arginine be combined with citrulline?

Yes — one of the most common combinations in sports nutrition. Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidneys, prolonging nitric oxide production for a more sustained vasodilatory effect.

Is Now Foods Arginine suitable for vegetarians?

Yes — it uses a vegetarian coating (hypromellose, calcium carbonate, glycerin), and the L-Arginine itself is produced by fermentation with no animal-derived ingredients.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.