Q: As a long-term type I diabetic I am concerned about what can be done to prevent, slow down and reverse the progression of coronary artery disease. The use of l-arginine is touted by some MDs as a very effective way to improve one’s circulatory function. I know in one study reported in 2006 that there was an increased incidence of death among post myocardial infarction patient taking the supplement.

Have there been more recent studies regarding the efficacy and risks of taking this supplement? Your thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

A: You are a very knowledgeable patient. I love that.

Intravenous administration of l-arginine (an amino acid) during acute ischemic events has been shown to have some benefit. However, oral l-arginine has very limited research to support its use.

There was a small study in 2005 (involving 16 men with a previous diagnosis of high chlolesterol) that showed that oral l-arginine could reduce homocysteine levels. At the time, the thinking was that lowering homocysteine levels would provide a cardiovascular benefit. Subsequent research on the lowering of homocysteine levels have not shown this benefit. Unfortunately, there are no qualified, published studies at this time that can support a blanket recommendation for the use of l-arginine as a way to thwart cardiovascular disease.

In this case, I would recommend that you save your money and focus your attention on following the suggested dietary and exercise recommendations to optimize your heart health.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.

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