New research suggests that low levels of the amino acid arginine may weaken the immune system by reducing production of a key cellular warning protein, allowing cancer cells and viruses to evade immune detection. In animal studies, mice fed arginine-rich diets developed fewer colon tumors and experienced milder viral infections compared with those on standard diets. These findings highlight arginine supplementation as a promising strategy to enhance immune defenses against cancer and infectious diseases. However, the results are currently limited to preclinical studies, and further clinical trials are needed to determine whether the same benefits can be achieved safely and effectively in humans.
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