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L-Arginine Calories
Amino acid supplement, nitric oxide production, sports support
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 teaspoon (medium) of L-Arginine (5 g) has 20 calories. That works out to 400 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
L-Arginine Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 teaspoon (medium) · 5 g
20
KCAL / 5G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
5g
· 10% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 100% · Fat 0%
L-Arginine nutrition facts table · 1 teaspoon (medium) (5 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 5 g | 10% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Teaspoon of L-Arginine?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon (medium) | 5 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 g | 1 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 3 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 5 g | 20 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 10 g | 40 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 15 g | 60 kcal |
| 1 bottle (medium) | 60 g | 240 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 400 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 100 g | 400 kcal |
Calculated from 400 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About L-Arginine
What does L-Arginine do?
L-Arginine is an amino acid the body uses to make nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels relax. It is sold for circulation and sports support, but supplement benefits are not guaranteed and evidence for performance gains is mixed.
Does L-Arginine improve workout performance?
L-Arginine may affect blood flow during exercise, but research has not established a reliable performance boost for everyone. It cannot replace training, adequate food, or recovery, and taking more does not guarantee better results.
When should you take L-Arginine, before or after a workout?
People taking L-Arginine for exercise commonly use it before a workout, but there is no universally established timing that ensures better performance. Follow the product directions and stop if it causes stomach discomfort.
Can L-Arginine help with erectile dysfunction?
L-Arginine may influence blood flow, but it is not a proven stand-alone treatment for erectile dysfunction. Persistent erection problems can have underlying causes, so relying on this supplement may delay appropriate evaluation.
What are the side effects of L-Arginine?
L-Arginine can cause nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea, and some people report headaches. Stomach-related effects may be more noticeable with larger amounts.
Does L-Arginine lower blood pressure?
L-Arginine can support nitric oxide production, which helps blood vessels relax and may affect blood pressure. People taking blood-pressure medicines or nitrates, or living with kidney disease, should ask a doctor before using it because interactions or added effects are possible.
What is the difference between L-Arginine and L-Citrulline?
L-Arginine is used directly in nitric oxide production, while L-Citrulline can be converted into L-Arginine in the body. They are related amino acids, but differ in how the body processes them and are not interchangeable by name alone.
Which foods contain L-Arginine?
L-Arginine occurs in protein-containing foods such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods provide it as part of dietary protein, unlike L-Arginine powder, which is a concentrated supplement.
Can you take L-Arginine on an empty stomach?
Yes, L-Arginine can be taken on an empty stomach, but some people find it upsets their stomach. If that happens, taking it with food may be more comfortable, provided the product directions allow it.
How should you store L-Arginine powder?
Keep L-Arginine powder tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a dry scoop, since moisture can cause clumping, and do not use the powder if its appearance or smell has changed.
L-Arginine Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin A
0µg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B3
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Calcium
0mg · 0% DV
Iron
0mg · 0% DV
Magnesium
0mg · 0% DV
Zinc
0mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
0mg · 0% DV
L-Arginine Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off L-Arginine
To burn the 20 calories in 1 teaspoon (medium) (5 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is L-Arginine?
L-arginine is an amino acid found in the body and in protein-containing foods. Sold as a fine powder or in capsules, it is used as a supplement rather than eaten as a conventional food. The powder has a slightly grainy, crystalline feel and can have a distinct taste; it is often stirred into water or a shake.
Across English-speaking markets, people commonly take it as part of a sports-supplement routine, while it is not a usual meal ingredient. The nutrition table lists 100 g of protein per 100 g of powder, but a typical serving is about 5 g. Follow the serving directions on the product, and check with a qualified health professional before adding it to your routine if you take medication or have a health condition.
How Nutritious Is L-Arginine?
Nutrient density
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is L-Arginine Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does L-Arginine Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is L-Arginine Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
L-Arginine Fat Profile
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.