Effect of L-arginine and selenium on metabolic features, insulin resistance and hepatic function tests in obese women

We aimed to discover if L -arginine and
selenium alone or together can increase the effect of a hypocaloric
diet enriched in legumes (HDEL) on central obesity
and cardiovascular risk factors in women with central obesity.
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial was undertaken in 84 premenopausal women
with central obesity. After a 2-week run-in period on an isocaloric
diet, participants were randomly assigned to a control
diet (HDEL), L -arginine (5 g/day) and HDEL, selenium (200
� g/day) and HDEL or L -arginine, selenium and HDEL for
6 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed before
intervention and 3 and 6 weeks afterwards. Results: After
6 weeks, L -arginine had significantly reduced waist circumference
(WC); selenium had significantly lowered fasting