If it were, all we would have to do is eat a lot of protein. In fact, much work has been done to show that protein has a very positive influence here, because the body is a complex interplay of components, and essential nutrients play many roles in its function. No single element of this dynamic equilibrium is the sole answer to any of its systems. Simply stated, more than protein is needed. Research has uncovered many nutrients that play important roles in tissue healing, maintaining and stimulating the immune system, and in the generation of growth and lean body mass.
Some nutrients play more roles in one system than others, but all play roles.
Research documenting this effect can be found as far back as the late 60 s and early 70 s. Somatostatin is a peptide which has the job of inhibiting the release of growth hormone. By decreasing somatostatinergic tone, arginine decreases somatostatin s ability to inhibit the release of growth hormone, and thus leads to an increase in the release of growth hormone. No adverse effects were observed with the use of the supplemental arginine. Immunity and Arginine Lately, there has been much interest in the use of arginine to stimulate immune response.