Anti-Caries Effect of Arginine-Containing Formulations in vivo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Li J, Huang Z, Mei L, Li G, Li H
Published in Caries Res, Vol. 49 (6), pp. 606-17
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized or quasi-randomized human trials of arginine-containing formulations, searched to December 2014, with Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment. Ten studies (15,546 participants) were included and seven were pooled.
Key Findings
The pooled analysis found a synergistic effect of arginine with fluoride on early coronal and root caries compared with placebo or fluoride alone. No specific side effects related to arginine were identified.
Conclusions
With a calcium compound and fluoride, arginine potentially gives a superior anti-caries effect to matched fluoride-only formulations, but the evidence was downgraded for risk of bias and potential publication bias.
Limitations
Included trials carried risks of bias; the authors call for high-quality, non-industry-supported trials before definitive recommendations.
Supplements Studied
Ten studies (n = 15,546 participants) were selected for final inclusion
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.