The impact of L-arginine supplementation on kidney functions and body weight indicators: Systematic review and meta-regression analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Since the effects of L-arginine supplementation on kidney function markers and body weight indicators are still controversial, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted in the present study to assess the effect of L-arginine supplementation on kidney function markers and body weight indicators. The study was designed, conducted, and reported according to the guidelines of the 2020 preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statements. A systematic and comprehensive search was performed in several databases from inception up to May 18, 2024. The meta-analysis on the impact of L-arginine supplementation on kidney function markers and body weight indicators indicates that the overall effect of L-arginine supplementation on serum urea, combining different doses, revealed a significant reduction with a WMD of 62.23 (41.08, 83.038) and a P-value of 0.001. serum creatinine demonstrated a positive effect, with an overall WMD of 2.12 (0.84, 3.41) and a P-value of 0.001. The body weight markers waist circumference and total body weight displayed reductions in their levels, with overall WMDs of −9.25 (−21.85, 3.33) and −5.62 (−10.29, −0.95) respectively. Subgroup analysis based on dosage revealed more pronounced reductions in waist circumference for doses of more than 15 grams/day. Findings from this study suggest that an L-Arginine supplement might be beneficial to modulating kidney biomarkers and body weight indices such as waist circumference and total body weight.