L-arginine, an amino acid essential for protein synthesis. The body naturally produces it in sufficient quantities. L-arginine is also present in various protein-rich foods such as fish, red meat, poultry, soybeans, whole grains, beans, and dairy products.
L-arginine is an important source of nitric oxide in our body. Nitric oxide in pregnancy helps with placental vascular development, fetal growth, and overall improves birth outcomes. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the demand for L-arginine, and hence increased dietary consumption is essential for the growth and development of the fetus to prevent birth defects and low birth weight that can cause fetal mortality. On this page, all the food items are listed that are rich in L-Arginine. (1✔✔Trusted Source Perspective: L-arginine and L-citrulline Supplementation in Pregnancy: A Potential Strategy to Improve Birth Outcomes in Low-Resource Settings