Is L-arginine helpful or harmful for people with cancer?

Last Updated: 09/19/2019 Initially Posted: 05/20/2015

Cancer and L-Arginine -- arginine powder and capsules

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Answer:

As discussed in the Cancer section of our L-Arginine Supplements Review, L-arginine can provide nutritional support and stimulate the immune system in people with cancer who are malnourished. In other people, the level of benefit with arginine seems to depend on the type of cancer: it may help with some, while it may actually promote the growth of others.

For more about this, as well as evidence and safety for other uses of arginine, and our tests of products, see the L-Arginine Supplements Review.