Changes in mineral status are associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity in obese patients following l-arginine supplementation

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term influence of l-arginine intake on mineral concentration in patients with obesity and to assess the changes in lipid serum levels, fat content, and insulin resistance that result.MethodsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted. 88 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 9 g of l-arginine or placebo daily, for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months, selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed and mineral levels were assessed. To assess insulin sensitivity, the gold-standard euglycemic clamp methodology was used.ResultsWe found that 6 months of l-arginine supplementation resulted in significant increases in insulin sensitivity (Δ1.1 mg/kg/min, P < 0.01) and zinc levels (Δ1.5 μmol/L, P < 0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in insulin sensitivity was observed (R = 0.80, P < 0.01). In the group of patients treated with l-arginine, a negative correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in body fat content was noted (R = −0.38, P < 0.05).Conclusionsl-Arginine supplementation affects zinc status in obese patients. One beneficial influence is related to the improvements in insulin sensitivity.

The Effects of l-Arginine, Alone and Combined with Vitamin C, on Mineral Status in Relation to its Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Properties in Male Rats on a High-Fat Diet

“…However, the change in copper status is directly connected with the change in TAS and TNF alpha level. Other studies support the hypothesis of elevated iron stores, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress, in the development of insulin status disorders [6, 34, 35]. The changes in both iron and copper following the l -arginine supplementation observed in this study may be associated with metabolic relationships between these elements [36, 37].…”

Zinc and Oxidative Stress: Current Mechanisms

“…In particular, obese individuals may present with a deficiency of zinc, which aggravates the oxidative stress present in this disease [48,49]. A study conducted by Habib et al [50] in obese individuals found high concentrations of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, when compared with the control group.…”

The effect of l-arginine supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

“…L-Arginine is involved in several biochemical processes, including polyamine synthesis, ammonia detoxification, immune modulation and secretion of hormones such as glucagon and growth hormone and insulin (14)(15)(16) . What is more, this amino acid produces nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, insulin signalling and secretion, neurotransmission and immune system function (17,18) . It is suggested that L-arginine can be useful in improving lipid profile, due to its potential to increase NO production.…”

“…Several trials investigated the potential of L-arginine supplementation for the treatment of abnormal lipid profile; however, the results are inconsistent. For instance, some trials report that L-arginine supplementation induced a reduction in circulating concentrations of lipid parameters (20)(21)(22)(23) , while others report no significant effect (18,(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) . Discrepancies in the findings may conceivably be attributed to the differences in study designs, characteristics of study participants, duration and the supplementation dosage applied in the trials.…”