Wholesome in bulk™ L-Arginine Powder
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Bulk L-Arginine Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
L-arginine is a white crystalline powder made mainly by microbial fermentation, sold as the free base or as L-arginine hydrochloride (HCl). The base is the free amino acid, while the HCl salt is about 82.7% arginine by weight. Supplement grades are sold to USP or FCC specifications, with assay by HPLC and specific rotation to confirm the L-form. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request testing documents and samples on the quote form.
A fermented amino acid in two common forms
L-arginine is easy to specify once you pick the form. Both the base and the HCl salt have compendial tests and clear assay targets. These are the properties quality teams look at first.
Base or salt, by the numbers
L-arginine base has a molecular weight of 174.2. The HCl salt weighs 210.7, so it is about 82.7% arginine, and that difference sets your fill weight.
Clear assay and rotation targets
USP grade base specs call for NLT 98.5% by HPLC and a specific rotation of +26.3° to +27.7°. The rotation test confirms the L-form.
Fermentation as the main route
Most L-arginine is made by microbial fermentation with Corynebacterium glutamicum or E. coli strains. Some lots are still made from keratin, such as sheep wool, so ask for a source statement.
Alkaline base, milder salt
The free base gives a strongly alkaline solution in water. The HCl salt is far less alkaline, which matters in blends with pH sensitive ingredients.
Crystalline powder
Published spec sheets describe crystalline powders with a bulk density of 0.47 to 0.69 g/mL. Mesh ranges vary by maker, so match the grade to your capsule or blending line.
Compendial impurity limits
USP grade lots set limits for chloride, sulfate, iron, and chromatographic purity. Chromatographic purity is the check for other amino acids and related substances.
Where formulators use L-arginine
L-arginine fits measured formats where the serving size is controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets
- Single ingredient powders
- Sports nutrition powders
- Powdered drink mixes
- Stick packs and sachets
- Multiple ingredient amino acid blends
- Private label programs
Pick the form first, then plan fill weights. A label stating L-arginine per serving needs about 1.21 g of the HCl salt for each gram of arginine, compared with 1 g of base.
What to check before you buy L-arginine
Two powders sold as L-arginine can differ in form, source, grade, and documentation. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Base or HCl
Confirm the form on the specification and COA, with its CAS number. Base and HCl are not interchangeable gram for gram, and your label name should match the form you buy.
Source material
Ask whether the lot was made by fermentation or from keratin such as wool. The answer decides whether the powder suits plant based products, so get it in writing.
Assay and rotation
Ask for the HPLC assay and specific rotation with measured results. USP grade base calls for NLT 98.5% and +26.3° to +27.7°, and the HCl salt has its own range.
Food or feed grade
L-arginine is also sold for animal feed. Confirm that the lot is made and released to a food or supplement standard such as USP or FCC.
Heavy metals and units
Check lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury by ICP-MS, and read the units carefully. L-arginine is used by the gram, so ask for lot results as well as limits.
Particle size and density
Ask for the mesh range and bulk density. Published spec sheets ranged from about 20 to 100 mesh, which changes capsule fill weight.
Label math: L-arginine HCl is about 82.7% arginine. If your label states L-arginine per serving, base the math on the form you buy, each lot's assay, and your own finished product testing.
Typical specification for L-arginine
These values reflect a common USP grade specification for L-arginine base. The HCl salt has its own limits. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | L-arginine, C6H14N4O2, CAS 74-79-3 (base) or 1119-34-2 (HCl) | USP identification tests |
| Form | Free base or HCl salt | Supplier declaration |
| Source | Fermentation, or keratin, as stated on the COA | Supplier declaration |
| Appearance | White or almost white crystalline powder | Visual |
| Assay | NLT 98.5% | HPLC |
| Specific rotation | +26.3° to +27.7° (base) | USP <781> |
| Loss on drying | NMT 0.5% | USP <731> |
| Residue on ignition | NMT 0.3% | USP <281> |
| Chloride (base only) | NMT 0.05% | USP monograph method |
| Sulfate and iron | NMT 0.03% and NMT 0.003% | USP monograph method |
| Chromatographic purity | Meets USP | USP monograph method |
| Particle size | NLT 90% through 20 mesh | USP <786> |
| Bulk density | 0.47 to 0.69 g/mL | USP <616> |
| Lead | Limit on the specification sheet, in ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium and mercury | NMT 1 ppm and NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 1,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 100 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Shelf life | 24 to 36 months, unopened | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk L-arginine
L-arginine keeps well as a dry powder when it stays sealed, cool, and out of strong light. These steps keep the powder in good condition between production runs.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. Crystalline powders pick up moisture from humid air and can cake when left open.
Store cool and dry
Keep bags off the floor in a dry room. Published spec sheets call for storage below 25 °C.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original packaging, away from strong light and heat sources.
Label the form
Mark each bag clearly as base or HCl in your warehouse system. Mixing the two forms on a line changes the arginine content of every batch.
L-arginine buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between L-arginine base and L-arginine HCl?
The base is the free amino acid, and the HCl form is its hydrochloride salt. The salt is about 82.7% arginine by weight and gives a far less alkaline solution. Pick the form your label and formula call for.
How much arginine is in L-arginine HCl?
About 82.7% by weight. So about 1.21 g of L-arginine HCl supplies 1 g of arginine.
How is L-arginine made?
Most L-arginine is made by microbial fermentation. Some lots are made from keratin sources such as wool, so ask which route made your lot.
Is L-arginine suitable for plant based products?
It depends on the source. Lots made by fermentation and lots made from wool keratin differ on this point, so get a written source statement for each lot. A vegan statement may be available depending on the lot, so please confirm with us before you order.
Is there a feed grade and a food grade of L-arginine?
Yes. L-arginine is also sold for animal feed, so buy lots released to USP or FCC specifications and check that the COA names that standard.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
Request a quote for bulk L-arginine powder
Tell us the form, quantity, and timing. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order L-Arginine PowderBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or use the quote form for larger volumes, testing documents, and sample options. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
