The Potential of L-Arginine in Prevention and Treatment of Disturbed Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism—A Review

Abstract

L-arginine, an endogenous amino acid, is a safe substance that can be found in food. The compound is involved in synthesis of various products responsible for regulatory functions in the body. Particularly noteworthy is, among others, nitric oxide, a signaling molecule regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The increasing experimental and clinical data indicate that L-arginine supplementation may be helpful in managing disturbed metabolism in obesity, regulate arterial blood pressure or alleviate type 2 diabetes symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been sufficiently elucidated. This review aims to present the up-to-date information regarding the current uses and health-promoting potential of L-arginine, its effects on nitric oxide, carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, based on the results of in vivo, in vitro studies, and clinical human trials. Available literature suggests that L-arginine may have beneficial effects on human health. However, some studies found that higher dietary L-arginine is associated with worsening of an existing disease or may be potential risk factor for development of some diseases. The mechanisms of regulatory effects of L-arginine on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism have not been fully understood and are currently under investigation.

Obesity and Endothelial Function

“…Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that the induction of arginase activity in obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction [ 147 , 149 , 150 , 151 ]. L-arginine supplementation has attracted much attention as a possible therapeutic option for endothelial dysfunction, through amelioration of NO production, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and inflammation [ 152 ]. Indeed, a meta-analysis has revealed that supplementation of L-arginine for 8 weeks or more significantly decreases body weight {weighted mean difference: −0.71 kg (95% CI: −1.12 kg to −0.30 kg)} and waist circumference {weighted mean difference −2.02 cm (95% CI: −3.43 cm to −0.61 cm)} [ 153 ].…”

“…Additionally, Shiraseb F et al reported that L-arginine supplementation significantly decreases systolic blood pressure {weighted mean difference: −6.40 mmHg (95% CI: −8.76 mmHg to −4.05 mmHg)} [ 154 ]. However, previous clinical studies have demonstrated that L-arginine supplementation does not have favorable effects on NO production and endothelial function [ 152 , 155 , 156 ]. There have been conflicting results regarding the effects of L-arginine supplementation on lipid metabolism and carbohydrates [ 152 ].…”

“…However, previous clinical studies have demonstrated that L-arginine supplementation does not have favorable effects on NO production and endothelial function [ 152 , 155 , 156 ]. There have been conflicting results regarding the effects of L-arginine supplementation on lipid metabolism and carbohydrates [ 152 ]. Additionally, it has been suggested that L-arginine supplementation increases mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction [ 157 ].…”

The impact of L-Arginine supplementation on disorders associated with obesity

“…However, the ones that can be spotted in the research most commonly and that show the greatest therapeutic potential of L-arginine are the improvement of insulin sensitivity, an increase of nitric oxide levels and vasodilation of vessels. In long-term use, L-arginine may also improve glucose tolerance and even reduce the risk of diabetes [13].…”

Steviol Glycoside, L-Arginine, and Chromium(III) Supplementation Attenuates Abnormalities in Glucose Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Mildly Diabetic Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

“…However, little is known about the mechanisms behind these effects. L-arg supplementation can lead to a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity, as well as reduce the level of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress indices, most likely by causing an increase in NO levels [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”