title: Changes in mineral status are associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity in obese patients following L-arginine supplementation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term influence of L-arginine intake on mineral concentration in patients with obesity and to assess the changes in lipid serum levels, fat content, and insulin resistance that result.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted. 88 obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 9 g of L-arginine or placebo daily, for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months, selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed and mineral levels were assessed. To assess insulin sensitivity, the gold-standard euglycemic clamp methodology was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that 6 months of L-arginine supplementation resulted in significant increases in insulin sensitivity (Δ1.1 mg/kg/min, P < 0.01) and zinc levels (Δ1.5 μmol/L, P < 0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in insulin sensitivity was observed (R = 0.80, P < 0.01). In the group of patients treated with L-arginine, a negative correlation between the change in zinc concentration in serum and the change in body fat content was noted (R = -0.38, P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  L-Arginine supplementation affects zinc status in obese patients. One beneficial influence is related to the improvements in insulin sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition and Hygiene, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624, Poznan, Poland, jsulibur@up.poznan.pl.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Suliburska
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bogdanski
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Szulinska
authors.forename: Danuta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pupek-Musialik
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jablecka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003300:Copper / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000097:blood*; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D010919:Placebos; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D008903:Minerals; D010919:Placebos; D003300:Copper; D001120:Arginine; D015032:Zinc