This meta- analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels ; however , there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
A number of clinical trials have examined the effect of l-arginine on lipid profile in recent years ; however , the results remain equivocal .
Therefore , the present study aims to summarise and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness l-arginine supplementation on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach .
Oral L-arginine improves endothelium-dependent dilation in hypercholesterolemic young adults.
In hypercholesterolemic rabbits , oral L-arginine ( the substrate for endothelium derived nitric oxide ) attenuates endothelial dysfunction and atheroma formation , but the effect in hypercholesterolemic humans is unknown . Using high resolution external ultrasound , we studied arterial physiology in 27 hypercholesterolemic subjects aged 29+/-5 ( 19 - 40 ) years , with known endothelial dysfunction and LDL-cholesterol levels of 238+/-43 mg/dl . Each subject was studied before and after 4 wk of L-arginine ( 7 grams x 3/day ) or placebo powder , with 4 wk washout , in a r and omized double-blind crossover study . Brachial artery diameter was measured at rest , during increased flow ( causing endothelium-dependent dilation , EDD ) and after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate ( causing endothelium-independent dilation ) . After oral L-arginine , plasma L-arginine levels rose from 115+/-103 to 231+/-125 micromol/liter ( P<0.001 ) , and EDD improved from 1.7+/-1.3 to 5.6+/-3.0 % ( P<0.001 ) . In contrast there was no significant change in response to glyceryl trinitrate . After placebo there were no changes in endothelium-dependent or independent vascular responses . Lipid levels were unchanged after L-arginine and placebo . Dietary supplementation with L-arginine significantly improves EDD in hypercholesterolemic young adults , and this may impact favorably on the atherogenic process
This meta- analysis concludes that l-arginine supplementation can significantly reduce blood TAG levels ; however , there is insufficient evidence to support its hypocholesterolaemic effects .
A number of clinical trials have examined the effect of l-arginine on lipid profile in recent years ; however , the results remain equivocal .
Therefore , the present study aims to summarise and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness l-arginine supplementation on lipid parameters using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach .