Arginine
L-arginine is a normal dietary amino acid; the FDA recognizes it as GRAS for use as a nutrient. Supplemental doses up to several grams per day are generally well tolerated; very high doses may cause GI upset.
What it is
Conditionally essential amino acid; in foods/supplements typically L-arginine or arginine HCl.
Nutritive (protein constituent); used in sports supplements and medical foods.
Why it's flagged
- high-dose supplements may cause GI symptoms
- caution post-myocardial-infarction (clinical trial signal)
What regulators actually say
"The food additives listed in paragraph (b) of this section may be safely used to supplement the amino acid content of foods... L-Arginine; L-Arginine monohydrochloride."
"L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid... use as a source of arginine in food supplements is not of safety concern."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
L-arginine is GRAS per 21 CFR 184.1115 (not currently listed); listed as nutrient amino acid in 21 CFR 172.320.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as amino acid source in food supplements (EFSA, 2007 NDA opinions).
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