Wednesday April 16, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- L-Arginine supplementation may help preserve kidney or renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, an animal study recently released in International Journal of Endocrinology suggests.

The study led by Taylor Claybaugh at Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and colleagues shows that L-arginine supplementation did not only preserve renal function, but also improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats.

L-Arginine is a natural amino acid and it has been known to be a precursor for the generation of nitric oxide (NO), which dilates blood vessels making it easier for the blood to flow.  That is why arginine is important for heart health.

The researchers of the study found evidence that arginine improves the diabetic condition by "Altering the Nitric Oxide Pathway".   Specifically the researchers found evidence suggesting that L-arginine supplementation boosts nitric oxide production enhancing renal microvascular vasodilation and increasing glomerular blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is good for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects an estimated 26 million Americans, is easy to prevent.  People with prediabetes may prevent diabetes mellitus from developing by taking curcumin in a dose of six grams per day.  People with type 2 diabetes mellitus can take a dietary supplement called Spirulina to improve their condition. (David Liu)