It has been shown to help improve kidney function. There have been preliminary studies that should be pursued showing that arginine may improve the body's response to insulin, and perhaps even to promote a more efficient production of insulin from the pancreas in diabetes. As an integrative physician, who specializes in treating the whole patient, I am adverse to magic bullets as a cure all. However, we have to be aware that for patients with particular risk factors there are lifestyle measures, nutrients, herbs, that may have extraordinary benefits. In terms of fountain of youth, and searching for that, one would fail today, as did Ponce de Leon, if they did not look inward for deep emotion and spiritual remedies.
Growth hormone is in many ways an anti-aging hormone.
There were many body builders who used arginine in the 80s to try to increase muscle mass and reduce fat. The studies are unclear whether arginine plays a significant role in adults in increasing blood levels of growth hormone. In my opinion, the closest we can get to a fountain of youth is by maintaining a life that is full, including giving service to others, having strong social support mechanisms, spiritual roots, and reducing stress, such as through meditation, regular physical exercise and proper nutrition. As an internist specializing in the new field of integrative medicine, I want to work in partnership with my patients to try to bring them to a healthy balanced lifestyle as my primary goal. I will use the gentlest tools I can to help them surmount physical ailments, such as certain herbs, antioxidants and certainly arginine when indicated.