L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid, which means that the body produces small amounts of L-arginine on its own, but the rest must come from protein found in the food we eat or through nutritional supplements. L-arginine is required in much greater amounts than the body can produce during times of stress, illness, and injury. Its main function involves the production of protein and other important compounds. It also plays a role in maintaining vascular and circulatory health and is a key nutrient source for nitric oxide production.

Nitric oxide is produced in the endothelium, which is an inner layer of the arterial wall. Nobel prize winning science has demonstrated the importance of nitric oxide for heart health. Nitric oxide acts as a “signaling molecule” or a molecule that actually produces another substance. When it enters a cell, nitric oxide activates an enzyme that produces a second substance, called cyclic GMP. It is the cyclic GMP that is actually responsible for keeping arteries flexible and ultimately maintaining normal blood flow and heart health.

Nitric oxide has been shown to support other functions, as well. It acts as a signaling molecule in the nervous system and helps to support immune system function. It also helps maintain already healthy blood pressure levels.