L-arginine suppresses food intake...

The amino acid L-arginine increases endurance in athletes and improves metabolic health.

A study conducted with rats under the direction of Amin Alamshah of Imperial College London, England, found that L-arginine stimulated the release of digestive tract hormones (GLP-1 and PYY), which reduced food intake by suppressing the hunger center in the brain.

L-arginine is the universal ingredient of the supplement industry. The body uses arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO), stimulate growth hormone release, synthesize creatine, promote tissue healing and produce new proteins - all of which enhance exercise performance. Arginine is particularly effective for endurance athletes as it increases nitric oxide production, muscle blood flow and oxygen delivery to body tissues. Nitric oxide is a chemical secreted by the cells that line the inside of blood vessels and it increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to skeletal muscle. Arginine supplements may also help regulate blood pressure, enhance sexual performance and suppress an outbreak of herpes simpex.

We need further research to be able to say whether arginine is also an effective anti-obesity supplement.

(Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, published online February 11, 2016)