Effect of L-Arginine supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activity,Total antioxidant capacity and body composition in patients with pre-diabetes

Considering that pre-diabetes is one of enhancing disorders of developing diabetes، this study was performed with the aim of determination the effect of L-Arginine supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activity،total antioxidant capacity and body composition in patients with pre-diabetes. A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was performed on 46 patients with pre-diabetes. Patients in intervention (n =23) and placebo group received 3g/day L-arginine and placebo (3 capsules contain 1gr L-arginine)، respectively for 8weeks. Anthropometric، body composition and dietary intake assessments were done at the baseline and the end of study. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC)، Glutathione Peroxidase enzyme and Superoxide Dismutase activity were measured. SPSS software version 17. 0 was used for data analysis. Paired t-test، Independent t-test and ACOVA were performed for quantitative variables. p<0. 05 considered significant. 38 patients (19 subjects in each group) completed the study. After adjusting confounder factors، no significant differences in body composition،anthropometric indices and dietary intake were observed at the end of study (p<0. 05 in all factors)، but a significant differences in TAC level was observed in the intevention group at the end of study (p<0. 001). 3gr/day L- arginine supplemenation for 8 weeks lead to increasing in serum TAC level without changes in body composition in patients with pre-diabetes