Arginine nitrate

Amino-acidArginine salt

What is it

Arginine nitrate (often sold under the branded form 'NO3-T') is a compound that combines L-arginine with a nitrate group. It is marketed as a sports performance and 'pump' supplement aimed at increasing nitric oxide production.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Exercise performance / pump

Good Evidence

Dietary nitrate (the nitrate portion) has good evidence for improvements in exercise economy, endurance, and 'pump.' Effects specific to arginine nitrate vs nitrate alone are less clear.

Blood pressure

Good Evidence

Nitrate supplementation modestly reduces blood pressure in many trials. Effects of the specific arginine nitrate form vs other nitrate sources are not well studied.

How it works

Arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO) through the nitric oxide synthase pathway, while nitrate is converted to NO via the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway (with help from oral bacteria). By delivering both, arginine nitrate provides two routes to NO production, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to working muscles. Dietary nitrate (most studied as beetroot juice) has good evidence for endurance and blood pressure benefits. Oral arginine has limited bioavailability. The specific arginine nitrate combination has less direct clinical research than nitrate alone.

Dosage

Sports doses typically range from 1.5-3 grams of arginine nitrate per serving. Nitrate dose is the more meaningful variable; doses of 300-600 mg of nitrate (from any source) appear most effective. DSLD label data did not include a typical dose.

When and how to take it

WHEN: 30-60 minutes before exercise. HOW: As powder or capsule, typically as part of pre-workout formulas. Avoid antibacterial mouthwash before use - it can reduce nitrate conversion.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Arginine nitrate (NO3-T)

Branded form in many pre-workout supplements.

Provides both arginine and nitrate.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Possible GI upset and flushing. Mouth bacteria are required to convert nitrate to nitrite - antibacterial mouthwash can blunt the effects.

Who should be cautious

Avoid combining with nitrate medications or PDE5 inhibitors. Use caution if you have low blood pressure, recent heart attack, or are taking blood pressure medications. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well established.

Interactions

Combining with PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) or nitrate medications (nitroglycerin) can cause excessive blood pressure drop. Avoid combining with vasodilator drugs without medical supervision.

Food sources

Nitrate-rich foods: beets, leafy greens, beetroot juice

Amount
Variable; beetroot juice ~300-500 mg nitrate per shot
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is arginine nitrate better than beet juice?⌄

Beet juice has more direct clinical evidence and provides nitrate at therapeutic doses. Arginine nitrate is convenient but the nitrate dose per serving is often lower.

Should I avoid mouthwash with this?⌄

Yes - antibacterial mouthwashes kill the oral bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite, blunting the effects.

References

Arginine nitrate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Arginine nitrate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.