Agmatine
Agmatine is a breakdown product of arginine. In lab and animal research it acts on NO synthase. In humans, agmatine has only been studied for pain and safety, at around 2.7 grams per day. Research on blood flow, NO or athletic performance in humans is missing.
What the research shows
No sound research in humans.
There is not a single human study on agmatine and blood flow, pump or sports performance. The two human studies are about something else: Keynan (2010) gave 2.67 grams a day to patients with radiating pain from a herniated disc in the lower back, and Laube (2017) is a review article about the role of agmatine in the brain. The pump story comes from animal and test tube work, and that does not count towards the level. In that same laboratory work agmatine actually inhibits nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme the pump effect is supposed to come from.
Who it makes sense for: Nobody who expects a pump or more strength from this. There is no human research behind that claim.
How we weigh evidenceClinical dosage
Origin
Natural & syntheticAgmatine is produced in your body from arginine by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase. It occurs in small amounts in fermented foods like wine, beer, and soy sauce. In supplements usually synthetically produced.
Safety
In a randomised study on back complaints, 2.7 grams per day for two weeks was well tolerated. That is considerably more than the 500 to 1500 mg found in pre-workouts. Two of the authors are involved in the commercial development of agmatine sulfate.
For comparison
A glass of wine contains less than 1mg of agmatine. A supplement dose of 1g is thousands of times more than what you get through food. Agmatine works differently from arginine, it modulates NO production rather than simply increasing it.
Dosage by weight and gender
The typical agmatine dose in pre-workouts is 500mg-1,500mg per session. Research is too limited for weight-based recommendations. No gender-specific guidelines are available. Take it 30 minutes before training on an empty stomach for best absorption.
Frequently asked questions
What does agmatine do?
Agmatine may modulate NO production, which could contribute to a better pump. It may also play a role as a neuromodulator and in pain relief. The scientific evidence is still limited compared to ingredients like citrulline though.
Is agmatine dangerous?
At normal doses (500mg-1.5g) no serious side effects have been reported. The long-term safety profile hasn't been fully studied though. Don't use it with MAO inhibitors or antidepressants without medical advice.
How much agmatine per day?
500mg-1,500mg per day, 30 minutes before training. Most pre-workouts contain 500mg-1g. Start with a lower dose to see how you respond. Preferably take it on an empty stomach.
Scientific sources
The clinical dosages on this page are based on peer-reviewed research.
- Safety and Efficacy of Dietary Agmatine Sulfate in Lumbar Disc-associated Radiculopathy. An Open-label, Dose-escalating Study Followed by a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled TrialKeynan O et al. (2010)
- Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience?Laube G et al. (2017)
Pre-workouts with Agmatine
No products found with this ingredient
We keep the dosages and values on this page as accurate as possible based on selected studies. New research may change these values. Nothing on this page is medical advice. If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor.