Effect of L‑arginine supplementation on homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in atherosclerotic lower limb ischemia.

What was studied

This was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial in 87 adults. They had narrowed leg arteries from atherosclerosis. There were 50 men and 37 women. They took L-arginine at 6g per day or placebo for 2 months. The study checked blood levels of ADMA and homocysteine. People were split into groups by type of blood fat problem. Blood was tested at the start, at 30 days and at 60 days.

What they found

L-arginine lowered ADMA in people with high cholesterol after 30 and 60 days. It lowered ADMA in people with mixed high blood fats after 60 days. It did not lower ADMA in people with high triglycerides only. Homocysteine changes were not significant. ADMA and homocysteine rose and fell together in all groups.

What it means for patients

The authors say 2 months of L-arginine lowers ADMA in these patients. They say the effect depends on the type of blood fat problem.

Why it is not certain yet

The study measured blood markers, not symptoms or leg outcomes. The abstract does not give the size of each blood fat group. The follow-up lasted 2 months. Homocysteine did not change significantly.

Source

Effect of L‑arginine supplementation on homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine in atherosclerotic lower limb ischemia.

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