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Arginine: Benefits and Foods High in Arginine

Discover Arginine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Arginine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Arginine?

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is a semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acid. It becomes essential under certain circumstances such as rapid growth, illness, or injury. Arginine plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the synthesis of proteins, the production of nitric oxide (which helps in blood vessel relaxation), and the immune system's function.

Benefits of Arginine

  • Protein Synthesis: Essential for the production and maintenance of proteins in the body.

  • Nitric Oxide Production: Helps in the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.

  • Wound Healing: Promotes wound healing by enhancing collagen production.

  • Immune Function: Supports the immune system by stimulating the activity of T-cells.

  • Detoxification: Involved in the detoxification process by converting ammonia into urea.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Arginine

The DRV for Arginine is approximately 15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 15 mg x 70 kg = 1,050 mg per day

Foods High in Arginine

Here are some foods rich in Arginine along with their approximate Arginine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,050 mg per day).

Top Sources of Arginine for Carnivores

  1. Turkey Breast

    • Arginine content: 2,300 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 219%

  2. Chicken Breast

    • Arginine content: 1,820 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 173%

  3. Lean Beef

    • Arginine content: 1,710 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 163%

  4. Tuna

    • Arginine content: 1,690 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 161%

  5. Pork Loin

    • Arginine content: 1,480 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 141%

Top Sources of Arginine for Vegans

  1. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Arginine content: 5,353 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 510%

  2. Spirulina

    • Arginine content: 3,400 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 324%

  3. Soybeans

    • Arginine content: 3,150 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 300%

  4. Lentils

    • Arginine content: 2,090 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 199%

  5. Chickpeas

    • Arginine content: 1,280 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 122%

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