Oral supplement of six selective amino acids arrest progression renal failure in uremic patients

Certain amino acids such as glycine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-histidine and L-arginine taken orally by normal adults or patients with renal failure increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Twelve nondiabetic patients suffering from glomerulonephritis confirmed by renal biopsy previously, with creatinine clearances ranging from 15 to 24 ml minute/1.73, and on low protein diet 0.6 g/kg/day, received an amino acid supplement daily in 2 or 3 doses for 1 year. At 4, 8 and 12 months creatinine clearance increased slightly (NS, NS, NS), 24 hour urine volume increased (P 0.001, 001, 0.001), 24 hour albuminuria decreased (P<0.001, 0.001, 0.001), serum urea increased (NS, NS, NS) serum albumin increased (NS, 0.05, 0.05), total cholesterol decreased slightly (NS, NS, 0.01), HDL increased slightly (0.05, 0.05, 0.05), LDL decreased (NS, 0.001, 0.001) triglycerides decreased (0.001, 0.001, 0.001), Apo B remained unchanged (NS, NS, NS), ROS/H₂O₂ decreased (0.001, 0,001, 0.001), Hct increased (NS, 0.01, 0.01) Hb increased (0.05, 0.05, 0.05) and serum phosphate decreased (0.01, 0.01, 0.01). After removal of supplements at the end of the year all parameters remained unchanged. We believe that a large controlled study should be undertaken to confirm these most encouraging findings.