Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomized crossover design
Participants
15 pediatric CF patients
Interventions
6.7 g EAA versus mixture of total amino acids as present in whey.
Outcome measures
Whole body protein and Arginine metabolism (as EAA lack Arginine) were assessed by stable isotope methodology.
Main results
Protein synthesis (P<0.05) but not protein breakdown was higher after EAA and 70% higher values for net anabolism (P<0.001)were found both in patients with and without nutritional failure. Arginine turnover was lower (P<0.001) and de novo Arginine synthesis tended lower (P=0.09) after EAA. Nitric oxide synthesis was not different.
Authors' conclusions
CF patients are highly responsive to EAA intake independent of their nutritional status. Addition of Arginine to the EAA mixture may be warranted in CF.
Keywords: Amino Acids; Proteins; Supplementation; non pharmacological intervention - diet;