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Supplements/Amino Acid

L-Arginine (GH Pulse)

Stimulates a transient growth hormone pulse when taken on an empty stomach.

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Overview

Stimulates a transient growth hormone pulse when taken on an empty stomach.

Natural sources
  • Dietary protein from animal sources (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and plant sources (soy, legumes, grains)
  • Free-form amino acid powders and capsules
  • Targeted pre-workout, recovery, or sleep formulations
Common forms
  • Free-form crystalline powder
  • Capsules or tablets
  • Pre-mixed recovery or hydration beverages
  • Time-release formulations

Mechanism of action

Inhibits somatostatin → unmasks endogenous GH pulse from the pituitary; NO synthesis substrate.

Pathways
  • · Somatostatin suppression
  • · NOS substrate

Effects on the body

Increases
Growth hormone pulse (acute)
Increases
Nitric oxide

Organ system effects

Evidence-based benefits

Acutely raises GH (5–10 g oral)

Moderate evidence

Modest BP and ED improvement

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
  • · Herpes reactivation (high dose)
Serious

    Drug interactions

    Prescription medications (general)
    Always disclose L-Arginine (GH Pulse) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
    minor

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with
    • A high-quality multivitamin
      Covers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
    • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
      Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.
    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    3–5 g pre-bed (empty stomach)
    Study range
    Up to 15 g
    Best form
    Most evidence is based on the free-form crystalline powder form.
    Timing
    Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
    With food?
    Empty stomach

    Where to buy

    Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Scientific evidence9Show studies
    Systematic reviewCurr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care · 2008

    L-arginine on growth hormone secretion

    Kanaley JA

    Review of arginine on resting and exercise-induced GH.

    Key findings

    Resting GH increases; blunts exercise-induced GH rise.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — Acutely raises GH

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) Acutely raises GH" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "Acutely raises GH". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — Modest BP and ED improvement

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) Modest BP and ED improvement" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "Modest BP and ED improvement". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "L-Arginine (GH Pulse) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching L-Arginine (GH Pulse) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: L-Arginine (GH Pulse) — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for L-Arginine (GH Pulse) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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