Taking an arginine supplement every day could be the key to preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

The amino acid blocks the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are thought to be the cause of the disease.

Taking a supplement lowers plaque levels, reduces inflammation, and improves behavior, say researchers at Kindai University in Japan.

Exciting though the discovery is, the researchers have only tested the supplement on mice, and they can’t be sure they would see the same positive effects in humans.

Arginine had positive effects in test tube and animal studies, and the discovery could open the door to an inexpensive and safe antidote to a disease that is affecting millions of people, say the researchers.

Although the next phase will be studies on people, it makes sense to add an arginine supplement to your daily health regime, especially as drugs are failing to reverse, or even slow, the condition.  Although it’s safe, arginine can cause diarrhea and digestion problems at high doses.  As well as supplements, arginine is also in meats such as turkey and chicken, and in pumpkin seeds, peanuts, chickpeas and lentils.

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