One Supplement Ingredient May Help Immune System Fight Cancer, Study Finds

A recent study from Rockefeller University has discovered that the amino acid arginine, commonly found in protein-rich foods and supplements, may play a significant role in strengthening the immune system's ability to combat cancer and viral infections. The research, led by Sohail Tavazoie, found that low levels of arginine hinder cells' production of MHC-1 protein, a crucial component that alerts the immune system to abnormal proteins present in cancer cells and those infected by viruses.

This deficiency in arginine is often observed in cancer patients, virus-infected tissues, and the elderly.

Tavazoie explained that arginine levels naturally decrease with age and are also reduced by certain viruses, leading to a weakened immune response in detecting and eradicating threats. The study revealed that supplementing arginine in the diet helps counteract the deficiency caused by cancer or viral infections, improving flu and COVID-19 outcomes in mice even when administered 24 hours after infection.

The recommended daily arginine intake for the study was approximately 10 grams, comparable to the amount found in a couple of over-the-counter tablets.

The researchers discovered that arginine deficiency alters gene expression, impacting the production of MHC-1 proteins, which are essential for presenting foreign or abnormal proteins to T cells. When arginine levels are low, the ribosomes responsible for producing MHC-1 proteins stall, resulting in fewer warning signals for the immune system.

This finding suggests that a dietary arginine deficiency could contribute to worse outcomes in conditions such as colon cancer, influenza, and COVID-19. Further research is required to confirm these findings through clinical trials.