Dietary arginine and linear growth: the Copenhagen School Child Intervention Study
Child Health
Year Published: 2013
Journal
Authors
van Vught AJ, Dagnelie PC, Arts IC, Froberg K, Andersen LB, El-Naaman B, Bugge A, Nielsen BM, Heitman BL
Methods
In this study, authors examined 1024 children ages 6-10 to study the relationship between arginine intake from foods and linear growth, as well as growth velocity. Peanuts are a rich source of arginine and contain more than other nuts and more than most foods.
Key Findings
Key Findings: There was a positive association between arginine intake and growth velocity, as well as linear growth in children. This effect was stronger than when the investigators looked at the relationship between protein and growth velocity, without considering arginine. The ideal amount that authors recommend children to consume each day is between 2.8 and 3.2 grams. These results highlight the important role that arginine plays in proper growth and development in children.
