Arginine Supplementation Is Well Tolerated but Does Not Enhance Mitogen-Induced Lymphocyte Proliferation in Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Pressure Ulcers

Background: Immune function declines with age, increasing risk for infection and delaying wound healing. Arginine enhances immune function and healing of standardized wounds in healthy elderly persons. The purpose of this study was to determine what level of arginine supplementation was orally and metabolically tolerated and effective in enhancing immune function in elderly persons with pressure ulcers. Methods: Residents with one or more pressure ulcers were recruited from two local nursing homes. Subjects were randomized to receive 0 g (n = 10; age, 82 ± 3 years), 8.5 g (n = 11; 81 ± 3 years), or 17 g (n = 11; 87 ± 2 years) of supplemental arginine each day for 4 weeks. Oral tolerance, ie, absence of nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, or diarrhea, was assessed daily. Metabolic tolerance was assessed weekly by evaluating serum electrolytes. Lymphocyte proliferation to phytohemagglutinin and interleukin 2 production were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of supplementation as indicators of immun...