The Effect of Amino Acids on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Arginine and Glutamine

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#arginine #dietary-supplements #glutamine #humans #length-of-stay

The Effect of Amino Acids on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Arginine and Glutamine

Arribas-López et al., 2021 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Arribas-López Elena, Zand Nazanin, ... Kochhar Tony. The Effect of Amino Acids on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Arginine and Glutamine. Nutrients. 2021-Jul-22;13(8). doi:10.3390/nu13082498

Abstract

Under stress conditions, the metabolic demand for nutrients increases, which, if not met, may slow down or indeed stop the wound from healing, thus, becoming chronic wounds. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of arginine and glutamine supplementation on wound healing. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for the systematic review and ten electronic databases were used. Five and 39 human studies met the inclusion criteria for arginine and glutamine, respectively. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of arginine supplementation on hydroxyproline content (MD: 4.49, 95% CI: 3.54, 4.45, p < 0.00001). Regarding glutamine supplementation, there was significant effect on nitrogen balance levels (MD: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.58, p < 0.0001), IL-6 levels (MD: -5.78, 95% CI: -8.71, -2.86, p = 0.0001), TNFα levels (MD: -8.15, 95% CI: -9.34, -6.96, p < 0.00001), lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio (MD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.02, -0.01, p < 0.00001), patient mortality (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.72, p = 0.0004), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (MD: -1.10, 95% CI: -1.26, -0.93, p < 0.00001) and length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD: -2.65, 95% CI: -3.10, -2.21, p < 0.00001). Regarding T-cell lymphocytes, a slight decrease was observed, although it failed to reach significance (MD: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.33, 0.01, p = 0.07). Conclusion: The wound healing might be enhanced in one or at various stages by nutritional supplementation in the right dose.

Key Findings

The wound healing might be enhanced in one or at various stages by nutritional supplementation in the right dose.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Arginine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Glutamine
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Nutritional Status
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing
  • Wounds and Injuries

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09