Supplemental arginine is considered therapeutic for which of the following?

• A. Immune function and wound healing
• B. Fuel for rapidly dividing cells
• C. Increasing lean body mass
• D. Improving hepatic steatosis

Answer: (A)

Arginine is used clinically because it supports immune function and wound healing. It serves as a precursor to nitric oxide, which helps immune cells move to sites of infection and improves microcirculation to wounds. It also contributes to collagen synthesis and tissue repair through its roles in polyamine production and related pathways. These effects make supplemental arginine helpful for boosting immune responses and accelerating healing, especially in malnourished or hospitalized patients. It isn’t primarily a fuel source for rapidly dividing cells or a proven way to increase lean body mass, and it isn’t a standard therapy for hepatic steatosis.