BURNS

The Chinese have studied the effects of L-arginine supplementation on the immune systems of burn patients. In one controlled study half the patients were given two percent of their total energy in the form of L-arginine. The other half was given two percent in the form of other amino acids. Several facets of the patients' immune systems were monitored (e.g., T-lymphocytes, CD4/CD8 ratio, IL-2 production). In every case those patients on the L-arginine responded better.