1. C AN A NYONE S AVE Y OUR T OES ?
B Y DAVID BJERKLIE / T I M E M A G A Z I N E J A N U A RY 1 2 , 2 0 0 4
S E C T I O N : Y O U R T I M E / H E A LT H PA G E 7 8
S
ome claims for the health benefits of
the amino acid arginine sound as if
they belong in late-night infomercials
(more on that later), but all of them stress
one physiological fact that is beyond dispute:
proper blood flow is critical to the human
body. Sadly, poor circulation in the feet of
diabetics leads to 87,000 amputations each
year. Little has been available in the way of
preventive care beyond special socks and
shoes.
Now a study reported in Diabetes Care has
found that a topical preparation of arginine
improves blood flow in the feet and toes of
diabetics, which could translate into fewer
amputations. Yet that doesn’t necessarily
mean arginine can deliver on its propo-
nents’ more provocative claims, which
include reversing baldness, lifting sagging
breasts and, of course, enhancing the sex
lives of men and women. •
© 2004, Time Inc.
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